In small communities across Alberta, people know that when sirens blare and firetrucks drive by, the firefighters in those trucks are more than likely volunteers. They could be your husband or wife, mom or dad, son or daughter, neighbour or friend. And they’re helping to safeguard their communities through their courage and commitment to serve.
In Alberta, 77 percent of firefighters are volunteers – about 2300 of them – and they protect over 90 percent of Alberta communities. That’s a lot of people with good hearts and courage to spare. Being a volunteer firefighter isn’t easy, and we owe these folks a debt of gratitude.
My heart towards volunteer firefighters go back to my childhood when my Dad was a volunteer firefighter. There were no two-way radios on the hip in those days. I remember what it was like when the siren would ring in the middle of the night, alerting the firefighters to a call. Everyone in the house would hit the floor when we heard that siren and Dad would run for the old fire hall up the street. My brother and I thought it was exciting. Later, when we were older and noticed the worried look on my Mother’s face when Dad left, it occurred to us that it was a dangerous job and he might not return. That thought really hit home years later when the local fire chief didn’t make it home from a fire. It was a sad time in our community.
About two years ago, when the foreman and I were driving along the highway, we came upon an accident that involved a horse trailer and horses. Someone had called 911, so while we waited for them to arrive, my husband went to help at one end of the scene, and I flagged traffic on the other. I was never so grateful to see our local volunteer firefighters and to hear one of them calmly and quietly say: “Thank you for your help. I can take over now.”
When Stars Air Ambulance lands at our local hospital, our volunteer firefighters are there to block the roadways. When nearby towns need assistance, they are there. When families are in distress, they provide comfort.
If it isn’t enough that they protect us and those who pass through on our highways, they also fundraise for needed firefighting equipment, take courses to upgrade their skills and practice rescue procedures. During this COVID-19 pandemic, firefighters have led the way in many communities – doing “drive-byes” at hospitals, long-term cares, lodges and special birthday celebrations.
To be a wife, child, parent, family of a volunteer firefighter also means sacrifice. They never know when their family member will get called away to serve. Firefighters often have to drop whatever they are doing – their jobs, family parties, school concerts, weddings, harvests, you name it – to go and protect us or to help someone in distress.
Next time you see a local volunteer firefighter, stop and shake their hand and thank them for keeping your community safe. Better yet, seriously consider if you could join them in their service.
- Beth
