INNISFAIL – The town’s fire and protective services department welcomed families and Innisfail residents to learn more about them and how they serve the community.
An open house and barbecue was held at the Innisfail Fire Hall on Sept. 20 between 11 a.m and 2 p.m.
“It’s to introduce the community to what we offer here for protective services,” said Gary Leith, the town's fire chief and manager of fire and protective services. “We have our peace officers, RCMP and the fire department here. We opened the doors (for people) to look at what we have here at the fire and protective services building.
“We provided some burgers and encouraged people to come at lunchtime,” he added, noting they collected both food and cash donations for the Innisfail and District Food Bank. “I’d like to thank the people who did come and made those donations as well. It’s been really good.”
Families enjoyed a barbecue, met with firefighters, members of the Innisfail RCMP and the town's peace officers. They also had an opportunity to look inside a fire truck and the department’s rescue boat.
Also on display were photos and an outline of the Innisfail Fire Department’s new combination engine rescue truck, expected in 2019.
“We’re looking at buying a new fire truck next year and we’ve got the plans for the new truck (at the open house),” said Leith, noting the truck will replace two older ones and be used for several types of scenarios.
“It will be used for rescues, motor vehicle collisions as well as fires,” he said.
It was the first joint open house held between the fire department, RCMP and the town’s peace officers, said Leith, adding he was pleased with the turnout and positive response from the community.
“It’s been a great turnout. We get a feel for the community and they get to know their community peace officers, as well as the RCMP and members of the fire department,” Leith concluded.
