The Sundre Royal Canadian Legion branch was all but packed to capacity on Saturday night with about 150 people who came out to recognize as well as celebrate the tireless efforts of the Sundre Fire Department’s volunteers.
Following cocktails and a catered supper, Chief Marty Butts addressed the enthusiastic crowd, introducing Coun. Cheri Funke, who was accompanied by fellow councillors Todd Dalke and Richard Warnock, to offer a few words.
“I was thinking about firefighters, and I think of bravery beyond comprehension,” said Funke.
“I stand amazed as I realize they stand daily ready to lay down their life for strangers, for their neighbours, for their friends. These incredible men and women give their all to protect the residents in the community, and for that, and so much more, we thank you.”
Although Sundre’s chief administrative officer Linda Nelson was unable to attend, she prepared a written statement that Funke presented.
“It takes a special breed of person to be a firefighter,” said the councillor, on behalf of Nelson.
“Firefighters are often the first responders at the scene of a disaster. Their rigorous training and determination equip them to put out fires, provide first aid, and stabilize volatile situations,” she said.
“The care and compassion with which they handle these situations may impact the casualty for the rest of their lives.”
After reciting the Firefighter’s Prayer, she expressed appreciation for “the peace of mind that you give us before we lay our heads down to sleep at night.”
The fire chief proceeded to recognize the contributions of local business owners, who without question or hesitation enable their employees to respond to calls.
“Without these people, daytime calls can be a hard thing for us to achieve and be successful at,” said Butts, adding some keep the volunteers on the payroll even when they leave work to provide aid to those in need.
“That’s pretty respectable,” he said.
“We appreciate that, and I think the community appreciates that hugely.”
Others, such as Terry Comfort's Bulldog Towing, might not have employees who volunteer on the fire department, but nevertheless provide crucial support by making available vehicles for extrication exercises, he said, adding without that contribution, “we couldn’t keep that training up to the level we need to be.”
The chief said those efforts include the annual PARTY (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth) program at Sundre High School, which involves staging an elaborate and realistic collision scenario that drives home the importance of driving alert and sober.
“He (Comfort) cleans up all on his own dime and all on his own time.”
Butts then praised the unwavering dedication of the volunteers’ wives, girlfriends and families, inviting spouses and significant others to come up with their other halves as their names were called.
“Without them, we don’t have that support. I think they need to be recognized as well.”
Before proceeding to call up each of the department’s firefighters one at a time, Butts expressed unreserved pride for his crew, which is comprised of 28 active members out of a group of 32.
Last year, they admirably handled a significant increase in the number of calls, he said.
“I thought it was just a busy year, but this year, it seems to be keeping up the same” pace, he said, adding that the department used to annually respond to about 190-200 calls and that this number has been trending towards 300, the majority of which are medical calls.
Despite that increase in call volume, the chief said the department’s volunteers have managed to maintain a good level of service.
Among the longest serving members are: Rob McBride, training officer, eight years with Sundre and 20-plus out east; Frank Crouch, fire prevention officer, eight years; Dean Hass, lieutenant, EMR, nine years; Ron Richardson, firefighter, 13 years; Dave Bennett, captain, 23 years; Robert Kibblewhite, captain, 24 years; Kevin Gamble, deputy fire chief, 25 years; and Chief Butts, with 31 years.
Additionally, playing a pivotal role in overseeing administrative duties has been Patty LaPointe, fire assistant, who for seven years has often helped to keep “the wheels on the bus,” said Butts.
Named the department’s most dedicated member this year was Daniel Corbett, an EMR who is training to become an EMT.
“This guy doesn’t miss a call when it comes to EMS,” said Butts, calling Corbett, who recently completed some schooling in Vancouver, a “dedicated professional. I’m very proud to work beside him.”
Most hours served, which in recent years had gone to Frank Crouch, was Nicole Toth this year.
“You got to make a majority of the calls to get this award,” said Butts.
Helping to wrap up the award presentations were Warnock, Funke and Dalke, who presented provincial 22-year service awards to Bennett, Butts, Gamble and Kibblewhite.
After the ceremony, comedian Rosco performed, followed by some music. Safe drives home were also offered.
