The Responder Responderthe ALBERTA FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION CONTENTS the Responder Is the Ofﬁcial Publication of the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association

ResponderTHE ALBERTA FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION Fall/Winter 2015

Fire House Family A First For Alberta —CVFSA Lifetime Achievement Award Southwestern Alberta’s Historical Marvel

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Can you identify where these ﬁre halls are located? Fort Saskatchewan, AB _____ Bamﬁeld, BC ____ Fox Creek, AB ____ Picture Butte, AB ____ Valemount, BC ____ Lundbreck, AB ____ Deline, NWT ____ DeBolt, AB ____ La Glace, AB ____ Hythe, AB ____ Parkland County, AB ____ Taber, AB ____ Beaver Mines, AB ____ Valleyview, AB ____ Elk Point, AB ____ St. Walburg, Sask. ____ Bonnyville, AB ____ Jasper, AB ____ Wembley, AB ____ Sexsmith, AB ____ Beaverlodge, AB ____ Grande Prairie, AB ____ Regional Municipality of Ponoka, AB ____ Vauxhall, AB ____ Wood Buffalo, AB ____ Answers on page 33.

2 | The Responder ResponderTHE ALBERTA FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION CONTENTS The Responder is the ofﬁcial publication of the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association. The magazine is 5 From The Publisher published twice a year. ■ AFCA AND PROVINCIAL NEWS The publication is distributed free of charge to emergency services personnel throughout Alberta, 6 Volunteer To AFCA President Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. 8 A Wild Time For The Wildland In addition, The Responder is distributed to urban and rural municipalities, Members of the Legislative 10 Calgary Here We Come Assembly of Alberta and other organizations with an interest in ﬁre and related emergency services. ■ FIRE FIGHTERS IN ACTION Publication Mail Agreement: 40065432 12 Fire House Family Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: 17 A First For Alberta—CVFSA Lifetime Rose Country Advertising & Public Relations Achievement Award 11904 -113 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta 22 A Well Organized And Effective Fire Canada T5G 3C2 Department

Phone: 1.780.451.5670 ■ Email: [email protected] FIRE INDUSTRY NEWS 24 AFRRCS Radio Basics Publisher/Editor Alberta Meets The CHALLENGE Brian Stecyk Email: [email protected] 28 Cooler Temperatures Bring Increased Emphasis On Carbon Monoxide Advertising Sales Awareness Kelley Johnston Email: [email protected] 30 The Road To Leadership

Creative Director ■ HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE Margaret Horton Email: [email protected] 34 A Fishing Trip To Remember! 36 Southwestern Alberta’s Historical Marvel

without the expressed written consent of the Cover Photo: Lieutenant Lynn Brasnett, Pincher Creek Emergency publisher or the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association. Services (see page 12-16).

Fall/Winter 2015 | 3 else as we work together to accomplish common goals. With the new leadership, I am sure much more is to come. The AFCA also has a strong working partnership with the two municipal associations, AAM&C and AUMA.

I can’t remember when the last AFCA conference was held in Calgary but the next one will be. Thanks to the great effort of the conference committee with Olds Fire Chief Lorne Thompson as Chair and Ken Hubbard Deputy Fire Chief of Airdrie as Co-chair. Most of the program and events have already been organized. I hope to see you there during the meetings, at hospitality events or at the trade show.

I wish to thank all those people who I have had the privilege to work with over the past 10 years. They have freely shared their ideas and we have worked together as a team. Thank you!

Bill Purdy Executive Director, AFCA Deputy Chief Dear Friends, Wabamun Fire Department

By now most of you know that I will be resigning my position as executive director of the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association, June 30, 2016. It has been a wonderful 10 years. I have worked with some amazing people and together we have achieved a great deal.

I ﬁrst started with the AFCA in 1984 as a member-at- large. I stayed on the board until 2006 when I became BOOK executive director. Although I will be leaving just after the STORE

next conference, the AFCA has advertised the position ONLINE AFCA.AB.CA and submitted applications are being reviewed. Selection Distributors for the of a new executive director will be made before the end following publishers: of this year. IFSTA, Jones & Bartlett, Fire Engineering, Action Training, Brady, Mosby, FITS, Emergency During my tenure we have accomplished a great deal. Film Group, Delmar Cengage, The AFCA is much stronger as we have built up a NFPA and more. strong sponsorship base. We have our own magazine, The Responder, that reflects the fire fighting industry Invest In Your Most Important Asset—Your Personnel. in Western Canada. Our recruitment and retention Contact Allen Mercier at the Bookstore for all of your training requirements. program is exceptional and is being developed as a 1.866.457.9011 [email protected] Through a partnership agreement between the AFCA, SAFC, MAFC and national initiative. I think our greatest successes are FCABC, your membership entitles you to receive a 10% Discount off of all the relationships we have built with the provincial posted prices and 25% of net proceeds from member purchases is returned government. It is now more a partnership than anything to your association to support programs they are running.

4 | The Responder From The Publisher It is the people that make the ﬁre departments. Also, the gender mix has changed with some departments having more women than men especially those that are also engaged in ambulance and medical response. It is a profession that few big-city residents would even consider.

Over the past few years I have often discussed volunteer fire fighting with people living in areas with full-time fire services. Not one person I talked to would ever become a volunteer fire fighter. They all say they would be unwilling to make the personal and family sacrifices that volunteer fire fighters make every day. They are usually amazed that anyone is willing to do so.

It is the way of life in rural areas of Canada. I live in Parkland County and I am grateful for every volunteer we have. I have never needed them but I often see them at motor vehicle collisions and occasionally at fires. I certainly do not take them for granted and I say One of the greatest joys I have as publisher of this a thank you every time I pass them. magazine is the opportunity to travel and meet people. I am constantly amazed at how willing people in the Saying thanks is something we need to do more of. The fire fighting profession are to talk and discuss their selfless contribution that volunteer fire fighters make activities. needs to be recognized.

Not one person has ever expressed regrets at being a Thank you! volunteer ﬁre ﬁghter and most would not trade it for anything. They really are committed to what they do. Most often they also talk about the people they work Brian Stecyk with rather than the incidents they respond to. If during Publisher/Editor an interview I want information about incidents, I usually have to ask.

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Volunteer To AFCA President By Brian Stecyk

Fire Chief and Deputy Chief in the new training capacity.”

Peter was a natural—he loved every moment of his job as he developed a full-time training program. He continued to have a close connection with the Alberta Fire School and even taught a few courses for them. Soon training became part of life for new and experienced ﬁre ﬁghters in Camrose.

“The City of Camrose has always had a philosophy of promoting and hiring from within so when the Fire Chief retired in 1996, I had the opportunity to become Deputy Chief. Training moved with me so instead of having three full time management positions, I had two. I was also responsible for inspections, so I was quite busy,” states Peter.

Thirty-five years ago a young cabinet maker moved In 2000 the Fire Chief retired and Peter became the new from Calgary to Camrose to pursue his career. He found Fire Chief. “It doesn’t seem like 15 years.” says Peter, “It work in a local cabinet shop. Shortly after arriving a went by quickly.” Like every other thing Peter undertook friend invited him to visit the fire hall and to try being a he enjoys every moment of it—especially when he sees volunteer fire fighter. someone move through the ranks from the floor to management positions.” Not a person afraid to try new things, Peter Krich accepted the challenge as an adjunct to his cabinet “We have been fortunate to have a visionary City Council,” making career. Becoming a fire fighter meant lots of boasts Peter. “We needed a new fire hall and they agreed training something that Peter really believed in. Peter says, that we should have one that would accommodate “I had lots of time to train at the Alberta Fire School, now growth and although it is much larger than we need at Lakeland College, and I took full advantage of it.” the moment it was designed and built on the basis of a 30-year time horizon. It was a big decision for the Council Fire services in Camrose were evolving and new visions for and they have to be congratulated for it.” the service were bringing about lots of change. One of them was a decision in 1991 to create a full-time training One of the philosophies that has guided Peter’s life is: officer position. “It was a time for soul searching—I “you can’t live inside a box and grow—the world is much had a senior position in a cabinet shop and applying for bigger than your own backyard—you need to meet people and getting the training officer position would mean a and share ideas if you are going to grow. major career change,” adds Peter. “I liked the new fire department vision and the prospects of a new career As Deputy Chief in 1996, Peter got involved with the opportunity so I applied. Based upon my dedication as a Alberta Fire Chiefs Association. “It is important to learn volunteer fire fighter and my commitment to training and from others and the only way to do that is to meet with learning everything I could, I was hired to work with the them and talk. That’s one of the main purposes of the

6 | The Responder AFCA AND PROVINCIAL NEWS

AFCA. I have learned so much as other fire fighters have that cooperative agreements between First Nations’ fire always shared their knowledge and expertise. What I have departments and other departments are working well,” learned has certainly made me better at the things that I adds Peter. do,” says Peter. One of the main goals for the AFCA over the coming Peter started as a regional director and later served as years is public communication. Too few people really second vice-president and then first vice-president of the understand that they are protected by volunteers. AFCA. He was elected president at the Annual Conference Volunteers must be recognized and thanked for what and Trade Show in June 2015. He is now filling the big they do. shoes that Brian Cornforth left. Another initiative that Peter is pursuing is movement “I look at the AFCA as an organization that is of the AFCA Conference and Trade Show to various respected and highly regarded. We have built a great locations in the Province. “We were somewhat hesitant relationship with government and over the past years to have a conference in Grande Prairie. We worried about they have consulted with us and have made significant attendance but thanks to the great organizing efforts of changes to programs and legislation based upon Chief Dan Lemieux of Grande Prairie and Chief Everett our recommendations and input. Two initiatives we Cooke of the County of Grande Prairie we had the largest spearheaded include changes to Workers’ Compensation attendance ever,” says Peter. Board policy related to presumptive cancers and secondly PTSD. The AFCA will be meeting with the Minister The 2016 conference will mark the first time in memory of Municipal Affairs in December to initiate building that the event will be held in Calgary. It will take place at relationships with the newly elected officials. We also have the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino from May 29 to June 1, to maintain and build a higher profile through the Office 2016. The facility is located on Tsuu T’ina Nation lands. of the Fire Commissioner because the Commissioner It is anticipated that the southern Alberta location will is our real access to government. We will pursue our attract delegates from First Nations and fire departments mandate of bringing issues to the Fire Commissioner so that traditionally do not attend conferences held in more he can take them through government,” promises Peter. northerly locations.

One of the first projects that Peter undertook when “I am looking forward to my term as president of the he became member of the AFCA board was that of Alberta Fire Chiefs Association. I will do my best to foster “recruitment and retention” of volunteer fire fighters. an exchange of ideas and I will be a strong advocate The program has been an overwhelming success and for every fire service in Alberta—and that is a promise,” has recently been adopted by Canadian Firefighters concludes Peter. Association as a national initiative.“It is something that we in Alberta produced and it is so gratifying to see people in other provinces want to follow our lead,” says Peter. He will be Alberta’s voice for the national program. He is member of the National Advisory Council that reports to the Canadian Association.

The AFCA has to be an advocate for all ﬁre services in Alberta. “We can do that by creating “out-of-the-box relationships. We are all in the same business and building relationships with First Nations, municipalities, industry and communities is essential. It is so gratifying to see

Fall/Winter 2015 | 7 AFCA AND PROVINCIAL NEWS

A Wild Time For The Wildland By Brian Stecyk

We are committed to the “ safety of Albertans by protecting their communities and their livelihoods from the danger of wildﬁre. That’s why we deeply appreciate and thank our dedicated team of

wildland ﬁre ﬁghters as they

worked to help reduce the impact of a severe wildﬁre“ season that challenged all of Western Canada.

8 | The Responder AFCA AND PROVINCIAL NEWS

Fire fighters from Jalisco, Mexico prepare to leave their homes to fight fires in Alberta.

Alberta’s natural areas took a real hit in 2015, with with their aircraft to help. 1,786 wildfires, the third highest in the past 25 years. Fires destroyed more than 492,000 hectares—twice the Sixty-two brigadistas from Jalisco, Mexico arrived to assist 25-year average. Air tankers dropped almost 11,235,000 with wildfire containment. It wasn’t a chance happening. litres of retardant in their control efforts. It was a costly Alberta’s ties with Jalisco began with agricultural trade exercise with budgeted and emergency funding totalling in the 1990s and then a twinning agreement was signed over $500 million for the 2015 fire season. 15 years ago. Alberta Agriculture made an emergency request as part of the Alberta and Jalisco Emergency Premier Notley said, “We are committed to the safety Deployment Agreement. Since 2008, 220 fire fighters of Albertans by protecting their communities and their from Jalisco have worked, trained and fought fires livelihoods from the danger of wildfire. That’s why we through the Emergency Deployment program. deeply appreciate and thank our dedicated team of wildland fire fighters as they worked to help reduce the Interestingly, Albertans report one-third of wildfires in the impact of a severe wildfire season that challenged all of province. They know to call 310-FIRE. At the same time Western Canada.” however over one-half of wildfires this year were human caused. Two thousand nine hundred and four Albertans were hired as emergency fire fighters. They weren’t alone as It wasn’t a one-way street as after Alberta’s fires were 1,128 others from Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, under control 236 fire fighters, equipment and aircraft Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, the were loaned to other parts of Canada and the United United Stated, New Zealand, Australia and Mexico arrived States to fight late season wildfires.

WE KNOW FIRE HALLS Over 25 Fire and Rescue Stations and counting.

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Fall/Winter 2015 | 9 AFCA AND PROVINCIAL NEWS The Conference and Trade Show is being held at Grey Eagle Resort and Casino May 29 to June 1, 2016. It is an amazing location with a great hotel and convention facility.

Calgary Here We Come By Brian Stecyk

View from the T-box on Hole #3 at River Spirit Golf Club.

No one can remember when the last AFCA conference website often (www.afca.ab.ca). and Trade Show was held in Calgary but it will be in 2016. Planning for the conference is well underway led by Fire If you like golf, you will love the River Spirit Golf Course. Chief Lorne Thompson of Olds and Deputy Chief Ken It is nestled along the Elbow River and Millburn Creek Hubbard of Airdrie. and as their website says, “River Spirit Golf Club actually boasts three different nine-hole layouts for a total of Delegates from throughout Alberta will be arriving in 27 holes that can be combined into many interesting Calgary for the conference that runs from Sunday May 29 layouts. All courses at River Spirit feature four different to Wednesday June 1. Those that like golf will arrive a day sets of tees to ensure an enjoyable round for every calibre earlier to participate in the annual AFCA Golf Tournament of golfer. However, no matter how you choose to play which will be held at the River Spirit Golf Club on Saturday River Spirit, you will still ﬁnd yourself among some of May 28. the most picturesque scenery in all of golf.” Don’t miss the golf. Registration starts Saturday, at 11:30 am with a A trade show will begin be held May 29 and May 30. shotgun start at 1:00 pm. As in past years it will be a Texas Trade show details are currently being worked on so those scramble format and it will be followed by a great steak interested should visit the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association dinner. Register early on the AFCA website.

10 | The Responder AFCA AND PROVINCIAL NEWS

The convention is about talking to friends, sharing ideas and having a good time..

These golfers were laughing so hard and having so much fun at last year’s tournament, I wonder if they could hit the ball.

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Fall/Winter 2015 | 11 FIRE FIGHTERS IN ACTION Fire House Family By Brian Stecyk

(l to r) Deb Branden, Kathryn Feist, Deputy Chief Pat Neumann, Alyssa Scherer, Sariah Brasnett.

Like most other fire departments, Pincher Creek “Most of our members are cross-trained in both the fire Emergency Services provides unique services that enable and health side,” says Deputy Chief Pat Neuman. “It gives them to respond to situations in their community. Unlike us special response capabilities that other departments most other departments, however, Pincher Creek operates can’t provide. Over a typical year we respond to about the ambulance service and provides a full-range of 1,200 ambulance calls, 200-300 fire and rescue situations paramedic services. The department is one of the earliest and four to five structural fires. In 2014, we responded to in Alberta, having first being established in 1898 and a major commercial fire.” then formally created when the Village of Pincher Creek was incorporated in 1906. Pincher Creek Emergency Services has a large response

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area which includes the Town of Pincher Creek, MD of Emergency Services. Pincher Creek Emergency Services also Pincher Creek and the communities of Beaver Mines has a mutual aid agreement with the Cardston County and Lundbreck. The rural area is rolling ranch lands with Emergency Services and provides back up to response in a huge back country. There are few trees and it seems Waterton National Park. Pincher Creek also has mutual aid the wind is always blowing—the area is the heart of agreements with MD of Foothills; MD of Willow Creek, the wind-power generation in Alberta with hundreds of Town of Fort Macleod and the City of Lethbridge. Fire wind turbines standing tall on the hilltops. To the east response is a community effort as often with wildland fires is the Piikani Nation (formerly the Peigan Nation). The a neighbouring Hutterite Colony will just show up with Piikani Nation has its own fire department but through a their water truck. mutual aid agreement works closely with Pincher Creek “Another of our significant partners is Alberta Environment and Parks in the forest protection zone,” says Neuman. “We are usually the first on scene and handle response Most of our members until AEP arrives. AEP has an operational branch at the are cross-trained in Pincher Creek Airport with the biggest tanker base south “ of Calgary.” both the fire and health Providing emergency response along Highway 3 is a major side,” says Deputy Chief activity of Pincher Creek Emergency Services. They provide

Pat Neuman. “It gives technical rescue and respond to many motor vehicle

collisions. Because of the constant wind and continually us special response changing weather conditions during the winter the capabilities that other“ highway can be quite treacherous with drifting snow and ice. departments can’t provide. The department must also be well-trained in search and rescue. People love enjoying the back country but can get into trouble. That’s when Pincher Creek Emergency Services is called to action. They may use quads or even

Fall/Winter 2015 | 13 FIRE FIGHTERS IN ACTION

helicopters to rescue people in the mountainous country west of Pincher Creek.

“Two of our main focuses are training and caring for our members. Regular fire fighter training occurs on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Ambulance training is the first Thursday and technical rescue the third Thursday. We offer the full NFPA 1001 program and thanks to regional alliances share training with other departments,” says Neuman. “We want to ensure our members can respond to any situation whether it is a paramedic response, vehicle extrication, a wildland fire or a structural emergency response that is required.”

One of Alberta’s earliest ﬁre departments as this 1905 photo shows. “A s important or more important is the human side of Pincher Creek Emergency Services. We take care of each other. If we have problems we talk through them. After every call we hold a debrieﬁng and people watch each other to see how the event affected others. If someone notices something we talk about it or get people the help they need. Fortunately we have tremendously supportive families and that helps a lot,” says Neuman.

That sentiment is echoed by Sariah Brasnett, paramedic and fire fighter. “The thing I like best is how the team works together to get the job done. I originally wanted to work as an EMT. Eleven years ago I started with the fire department but fortunately this department does both and now I am a full-time EMT.”

A two-story outhouse was attached to the Windsor Hotel in Lundbreck. An ingenious design diverted sewage around the lower An ironic sign “Hot-N-Ready” next to a commercial fire being cubicles to accommodate second floor guests. The original structure extinguished by the Pincher Creek fire fighters. is on display at Heritage Park in Calgary.

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Sariah was responsible for her mother joining the service. “When Sariah joined she said they needed an ambulance driver and she recruited me,” says Lieutenant Lynn Brasnett. “Automatically I became a fire fighter and an EMT. Even though I have five children, 15 grandchildren and four great grandchildren, I still work with the fire department. Fortunately I own a real estate brokerage and can take the time. For families it is quite a sacrifice. You especially notice it on festive occasions, birthdays, anniversaries, and kids’ events. I wouldn’t change it but the public doesn’t really recognize or appreciate the sacrifices This display of early coal cars greets visitors to the historic community of Beaver Mines. volunteer fire fighters make.”

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“I wanted to make a difference. When my kids were young I couldn’t volunteer, but when they were old enough to be on their own there was time. A highlight for me was delivering fire trucks to Mexico through Rotary. We did EMS and fire training for 21 people at Sinola University. All the course materials had to be translated to Spanish and although we taught in English everything we said was quickly translated to the students. It was quite an experience to see people becoming first responders,” adds Lynn.

Pincher Creek Emergency Services puts a great deal of effort towards fire prevention. They engage in school Like most fire departments Pincher Creek has a collection of historical fire fighting items. programs, fire house tours, Fire Prevention Week, fire extinguisher training and fire drills. Deputy Chief Neuman recalls a fire drill at a seniors’ complex. A senior asked: “Our fire house family is the best recruiting tool we have. “Can’t I just stay in my room and pretend I evacuated?” Because our department is such a positive place to be, word spreads and people want to be part of it. Our ratio The department conducts annual inspections of public of men to women is about 50/50 with 25 members in facilities and engages with both the public and business Pincher Creek, 10 to15 in Lunbreck, and eight to 10 in community to provide inspections and fire safety advice. Beaver Mines,” says Neuman.

The wind seems to always blow at Pincher Creek—home to hundreds of wind turbines generating electricity.

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A First For Alberta — CVFSA Lifetime Achievement Award By Brian Stecyk

Chief Jerrold Lemko is presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association. (l to r) Eli El- Chantiry, Councillor for West Carleton-March, City of Ottawa, Anita and Jerrold Lemko, Melissa Arnold- Duracell Canada, Graham Pawlett- President Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association.

Visionary, committed, goal driven, leader, innovator, regions of Canada reviewed the nominations and volunteer, successful and many other adjectives describe selected Fire Chief Jerrold J. Lemko, EMR from Vegreville, Jerrold Lemko, this year’s winner of the Canadian Alberta. This marks the first time this award has gone to Volunteer Fire Services Association’s Lifetime Achievement an Alberta fire officer. It was noted that Chief Lemko has Award. been in a leadership role his whole life in various roles such as coaching, sitting on community associations The award announcement said, “For a sixth year the or his role in a management position as a fire chief or Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association conducted a director with the regional fire training group.” national search to name one of Canada’s best volunteer fire fighters based upon prescribed criteria. The award is Raised in Holden, Alberta, Jerrold left to attend known as the, “CVFSA Lifetime Achievement Award”©. NAIT where he gained his Power Systems Electrician The program is administered and managed by the CVFSA certification. He was hired by ATCO Electric to work on and the nomination process was open for a six month the power transmission system and following that he period. A committee of five volunteers from five different obtained his Occupational Health and Safety designation

Fall/Winter 2015 | 17 FIRE FIGHTERS IN ACTION

through the U of A. He then provided Health, Safety and Environmental services for ATCO until his retirement on No matter what I January 1, 2014 after a 40-year career. He has resided in Vegreville since 1975. undertook,“ I always strived to reach the top “Jerrold wanted to make his community better. Over the years he has volunteered and served on almost every —I wanted to excel and community board or committee I can think of and most I wanted others around often he was chairperson,” says Captain Philip Rowe of the Vegreville Fire Department. “While working for ATCO me to excel, says Jerrold. he joined the volunteer ﬁre department. That was 25 “I am not saying this to years ago this year and he shows no signs of slowing down.” brag—I just believed in “

Hockey has always been one of Jerrold’s passions. He doing the best and being held every position from a coach to the president of the best I could be. Vegreville Minor Hockey. He then became involved with Hockey Alberta in their development programs. Soon he was vice-chair of hockey development where he has been volunteering for 20 years (1995 to present). At the same time he serves as liaison as Alberta’s representative Alberta Sports Connection for Sports and for the Canada on the Hockey Development Council of Hockey Canada Summer and Winter Games. (2002 to 2013). He is now a director-at-large on Hockey Alberta’s board of directors. He is also Liaison with “No matter what I undertook, I always strived to reach the

The Vegreville Fire Department conducts annual landﬁll wood pile burns as part of training. This group photograph includes every member in their bunker gear.

18 | The Responder FIRE FIGHTERS IN ACTION

encourage people to install alarm systems but they don’t ensure they know how to properly operate them. It’s a particular problem among seniors and in homes with young children.”

Chief Lemko spearheaded the Junior Fire Fighter Program in 2000. It has mushroomed into one of the most popular programs in the high school. Students can earn credits for work experience—each year they can participate for 125 hours and earn five credits. Every year five to 10 students participate and over 40 have completed the program since its inception. Students gain 15 credits for work experience by getting involved with the fire department each year from grade 10 to grade 12. Last year four former junior fire fighters completed NFPA 1001.

“We want them to feel like fire fighters. They get a uniform and bunker gear and attend calls, although, Clara Hughes poses with the Vegreville Fire Department mascot, Sparky when she did her Clara’s Big Ride for Mental Health they are never involved in hazardous situations. Some of Awareness last year. the students who come to the junior program are lost souls,” says Jerrold.“ By reaching out and making them top—I wanted to excel and I wanted others around me to part of the department they are transformed into proud excel,” says Jerrold. “I am not saying this to brag—I just participating adults. It is so rewarding to see the change.” believed in doing the best and being the best I could be.” “Probably my most memorable time in the fire The Vegreville Fire Department has 44 current members. department was when I got to work with my son, There is a chief, two deputies, four captains and three Shawn (Sparky). One of his roles as a junior was to put lieutenants. Their service area includes the Town of on the Sparky costume and represent the department at Vegreville and through a contractual agreement with the local events. With that came the moniker. After being a County of Minburn, the western half of the County. They junior fire fighter, he then decided to join as a volunteer. also respond to a portion of Yellowhead Highway 16 and Although he is no longer with the department, I call him other highways in the area where motor vehicle collisions Sparky and he still calls me chief,” says Jerrold. are a regular occurrence.

We have seen a significant decrease in fire activity,” says Congratulations Captain Rowe. “We have fewer structure fires and a lot Chief Jerrold Lemko fewer rural calls. We attribute the change to two things. The Town of Vegreville congratulates Fire Chief Jerrold Lemko on being First, public education and emphasis on fire prevention the first Albertan to win the Lifetime Achievement Award from the has helped. Second, the County of Minburn has focused Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association. on landowner responsibility so that landowners are being Town of Vegreville held accountable for irresponsible burning.” 4829 - 50 Street, Box 640 Vegreville, Alberta T9C 1R7 “Within town we have a lot of false alarm calls from in- www.vegreville.com home alarm systems. In our experience sales people often

Fall/Winter 2015 | 19 FIREFIRE INDUSTRYFIGHTERS INNEWS ACTION

Chief Lemko is credited with introducing a full training program, a recognition program, a way to handle equipment and apparatus replacement, the junior Probably my most program, and putting an emphasis on public education. Today the department provides training in NFPA 1001, “memorable time in the 1002, 1006, and 1021. They also provide conﬁned space, vehicle extrication and hazardous material ﬁre department was when training. They are creating a committee to investigate I got to work with my building a training centre. son, Shawn (Sparky). One

Chief Lemko was also given responsibility for ambulance of his roles as a junior services in 2008. This added 13 full-time staff and a very busy aspect of management. The ambulance service was to put on the Sparky responds to about 2,200 calls per year. costume and represent“ Another memorable event for Chief Lemko was the call the department at local he received from the President of ATCO Electric during events. the floods in southern Alberta. “They called me because they knew how involved I was involved with fire fighting. I was asked to put together a team of eight ATCO employees who are volunteer fire fighters from across our service area and deploy them to the disaster area. We supported other volunteer fire fighters by taking their places so they could get some rest and for many of them, attend to their own flooded basements.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award isn’t the only award Jerrold has received. In 2013 he was named Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.

What’s next for Chief Lemko? “I was thinking of retiring Take the lead but I am really attached to the fire department,” states Whether you’ve worked in emergency services for a few months Jerrold. “I think with my broad experience I have still got or for many years, prepare for the next stage of your career by enrolling in courses offered by Lakeland College Emergency a lot to offer. I recently contacted the Recruitment and Training Centre. Retention Committee of the AFCA to see if I could help. • Firefighter Training Program (face-to-face and online) • NFPA 1001 Firefighter On the local front, I will be working towards a new • NFPA 1006 Technical Rescuer strategic plan to identify where our emergency services • NFPA 1021 Fire Officer (levels I - IV) need to go over the next 10 years.” • NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector • NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator As for the Lifetime Achievement Award, Jerrold says it was • NFPA 1035 Public Fire and Life Safety nice but the most memorable part of the trip to Ottawa Direct your own educational journey. wasn’t the award. “It was the chance to march with 300 Request a copy of the 2016 Training Calendar today by emailing busdevfi[email protected] other fire fighters to the Fallen Firefighters Memorial—I 1 800 661 6490 www.lc-etc.ca will never forget it!” exclaims Chief Lemko.

20 | The Responder FIRE FIGHTERS IN ACTION

Award of Excellence as Volunteer Fire Fighter of the Year in 2013 presented by City of Regina ﬁre ﬁghter, Chief Jerrold Lemko, and Jim MacLeod National Vice President of Fire Underwriters Survey. Ensuring Your Health and Safety

I was thinking of retiring Specializing in Fire Safety but I am really attached Gear Cleaning and Repair “ • ISP (Independent Service to the ﬁre department,” Provider) • Certified Cleaning and Repair states Jerrold. “I think (NFPA 1851 & 1971) • Basic or Advanced Cleaning with my broad experience services • Record Keeping and I have still got a lot to Documentation

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Fall/Winter 2015 | 21 FIREFIRE INDUSTRYFIGHTERS INNEWS ACTION

A Well Organized And Effective Fire Department

By Brian Stecyk

Responding to a structure ﬁre.

car on Highway 3 hit a horse and her car left the road and went down a steep hill. Fortunately we were able to provide aid and she survived. It was quite a learning experience.”

The Peigan Fire Department provides services throughout Peigan fire fighter Adam Crowshoe. the Pikkani Reserve area and has mutual aid agreements with Pincher Creek, Fort Macleod and Cardston. The “About ten years ago, I saw a structure fire on our department has 21 members, two of them female. Piikani Reserve (formerly Peigan), and I wanted to know how I could get involved and help. I asked Fire Chief Floyd Provost was named Fire Chief on April 1, 1988. “A t Floyd Provost what I could do and soon I was getting the time, we didn’t have much of a fire department,” he training and becoming a fire fighter,” says Adam says. “Prior to that time, public works was the responder. Crowshoe. The Band Council of the day decided that all public works employees would be trained and be volunteer For the first few years Adam was living in Calgary and fire fighters. That has worked well and we now have he served on the fire department on weekends when employees from other departments involved. A real he returned home. In 2009 he moved back to his home benefit is the group insurance program that is available community and became a full member. to fire department members and we have great member retention.” Adam recall the first day he signed on. “I wasn’t sure what to expect. I sure wasn’t expecting a call the first Fire Chief Provost is a Level II fire fighter and is dedicated day but that’s what happened. A woman driving a to good training for every member of the department. All

22 | The Responder FIRE FIGHTERS IN ACTION

members are qualified at Level 1. Training is handled in- “is Highway 3 and motor vehicle collisions. The road can house and is complemented by members taking courses be treacherous in winter with lots of ice and blowing with other area departments when they are offered. snow. We used to have a lot of grass fires—in one year we responded to 75 but fortunately that is dropping The Peigan Fire Department is very committed to with only 10 in the past year.” prevention. During Fire Prevention Week fire fighters spent time with several age groups of Piikani School The real testament to cooperation was the response to students. The event included demonstrations of their the huge grass fire that spread from Head-Smashed- pumper truck, firefighting gear and techniques, and In Buffalo Jump all the way to Fort Macleod. Fire a talk about the importance of having adequate up- departments from Claresholm, Granum, Fort Macleod, to-date smoke alarms at home, including one in every Peigan, Pincher Creek and Lethbridge responded. They bedroom. were aided by many farmers and two Hutterite Colonies.

“The biggest challenge we have,” says Fire Chief Provost, “It was a team effort,” says Adam Crowshoe. “Our team saved two homes. For one, a lady came running up to us as we ﬁlled a water tanker and said her house was going to burn. We immediately headed to her home and sprayed the water around her home. The ﬁre diverted around her home. I’ll never forget the card of thanks she sent to us. She was so grateful for our assistance and it made us feel so proud and happy that we were able to help.”

That is the feeling that makes Fire Chief Provost proud and it is what keeps him and his team going. As he states, “every time we go out we made a difference to someone.”

Peigan Fire Department ﬂood waters training.

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Fall/Winter 2015 | 23 FIRE INDUSTRY NEWS

AFRRCS Radio Basics ALBERTA Meets The CHALLENGE WARNING: THIS RADIO SOUNDS BIGGER THAN IT APPEARS

What is AFRRCS? What is the P25 standard? • A province wide 2-way voice radio network purchased • North American standard adopted by first responders by the Government of Alberta, Ministry of Justice and across the continent Solicitor General (JSG) office • This standard allows multiple vendors to provide radios • Provides provincial roaming and common coverage on other vendor P25 systems. This means competitive • It is a P25 trunked radio system procurement of radio equipment • Intended to remove technical barriers to • User-friendly and common operation across all interoperability frequency bands, system configurations, services, and manufacturers • The contract to build AFRRCS awarded to Harris Canada Systems Inc. What is the AFRRCS Permitted radio list? • It is a replacement for the PACS (Province of Alberta • All radios used on AFRRCS must be on the Permitted List. Radio Communication system) and the MDMRS (Multi- There are no exceptions Departmental Mobile Radio System) • All radios on Permitted List have successfully completed testing on Harris infrastructure Who can use AFRRCS? • This list is available by subscribing to the government s • Available to all First Responders in the province with no Learn more at HarrisRadio.com access fees AFRRCS newsletter at: • Upon approval from the GoA, AFRRCS will be available http://www.mailoutinteractive.com/Industry/View. to for some non-first responder groups such as aspx?id=672769&q=857048790&qz=2056e3 Municipality Public Service for a negotiated fee • Signing up to AFRRCS is voluntary

24 | The Responder

WARNING: THIS RADIO SOUNDS BIGGER THAN IT APPEARS

Learn more at HarrisRadio.com

Fall/Winter 2015 | 25

What Frequency bands does AFRRCS use? What is a single band radio? • 700 Mhz • The AFRRCS system predominantly uses the 700 MHz • VHF in national parks and along the eastern slopes of frequency band, which has been assigned to Public the Rocky Mountains Safety agencies. In mountain parks the AFRRCS system also uses the VHF band for improved coverage (150 AFRRCS uses trunked radios. What does that MHz) mean? • A single band radio is capable of transmitting and • In a trunked system, repeater channels are pooled into a receiving on only one of the frequency bands. You common group and repeaters are dynamically assigned purchase it for speciﬁc bands, VHF, UHF or 700/800 when keyed by a radio. Radio users are not restricted to MHz using speciﬁc channels because the system assigns the channels automatically. The radio can key any repeater • This type of radio makes sense when the system it is in the province and the system will connect that radio connected to utilizes only one band or in the case of to its assigned talk groups AFRRCS, if the radio is used only in the areas served by the 700 MHz system • Conversely a conventional radio system permanently assigns the repeater to the radios. If the radio roams What is a multiband radio? Is it for you? outside the repeater coverage area, it can no longer • Multiband band radios are capable of transmitting communicate on more than one band. So a Harris Unity® XG-100 multiband, for example, can transmit on VHF, UHF and Will your current radio system work with 700/800 MHz in one radio. This type of radio should be AFRRCS? considered when: • Chances are your county or agency is using a legacy radio system which uses conventional channel access in • You have a requirement to talk on AFRRCS or on a the VHF frequency band legacy system, such as public works • It is important that you contact the JSG when you are • You are on AFFRCS and want to talk with Mutual planning a migration to AFRRCS. To ensure the integrity Aid Partners on their VHF or legacy system. of the AFRRCS architecture, legacy systems are not • You are looking at a cost effective entry into allowed to connect to the system permanently. With AFRRCS. This type of radio can be used to talk with proper planning/project documentation gateways AFRRCS and with your current legacy system. can be used to connect a legacy system for migration • You want your command level to have access to purposes. The government refers to this as “System of AFRRCS Systems” What should you beware of? Will your current radios work on AFRRCS? • The P25 standard still has some non tested features • Any radios on AFRRCS must be P25 standard and on • Not all features were tested for AFRRCS the Permitted radio list • Legacy radios will not work on the P25 standard system Radio features...what do they mean? • Encryption – Predominantly used by law enforcement, is What if I have an End of Life Radio? available in DES (Data Encryption standard) using 56-bit Should I consider migrating to AFRRCS? keys, or AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) that uses • Yes, this is the perfect time to consider AFRRCS. It is 128-bit keys. another option for you to consider. • OTAR – (Over the Air Rekeying). Provides the ability to send ne encryption key to radios over the air.

26 | The Responder FIRE INDUSTRY NEWS

• GPS – Built into many radios or available through portable radios that cannot directly connect to the accessories. The AFRRCS system has not yet ﬁnalized P25 network. This can extend the portable service area how GPS will be used on the system. and provide added user safety. A portable that has • OTAP – (Over the Air reprogramming) provided the moved out of range of the network can be connected ability to send new features or software to radios over to the Vehicular Repeater and normal call trafﬁc can be the air. established across the repeater to the network via the mobile radio. The VR can be used for: • Text message • Scene of Incident communications Are there any P-25 Cellular based options? • Communications in poor coverage areas • Yes, Harris sellls a product called BeOn®. It essentially turns your IOS and Android cell phone into a P25 capable 2 way radio. BeOn provides many traditional Who can you talk to for more radio features, some of which are; multiple talk groups, information? Emergency call, encryption, security and Push To Talk • For questions about AFRRCS or just to learn more, (PTT) capability. reach out to one of your Harris representatives: • BeOn will give you access to your P25 system wherever • Brain Phillips [email protected] cell coverage is provided. • A great option for low cost access or increased • Doug Cantera [email protected] geographical access. • Huntley Quinn [email protected] • More information found at BeOnapp.com • Bob Henley [email protected] What is a vehicular Repeater (VR)? • A Vehicular Repeater is specialized P25 high power mobile radio that converts into a local repeater. In SEE MORE HARRIS RADIOS AT: addition to performing all of Harris mobile radio WWW.HARRISRADIO.COM functions, the VR provides network extension to

Fall/Winter 2015 | 27 FIRE INDUSTRY NEWS Cooler Temperatures Bring Increased Emphasis On Carbon Keeping communities safe Monoxide Awareness from CARBON MONOXIDE By ATCO Gas

With the temperature dropping and winter right As partners in carbon monoxide safety, we all know that in an enclosed around the corner, it’s the perfect time of year to renew space, even a small amount of CO can lead to serious illness or death. It’s efforts to educate the public on the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO). CO is a toxic gas that is both colourless up to us to educate the public on CO safety. and odourless, making it extremely hard to detect. Fuel -burning appliances can all produce CO and in an enclosed space, such as a home or garage, even a small amount can be lethal. WHAT DO THESE THINGS HAVE IN COMMON?

Thankfully, CO poisoning is 100 per cent preventable and there are a number of steps homeowners can take to make sure their families are protected. Lethal levels of CO can accumulate in minutes and linger “The first and most important step is to get a CO for hours. It’s always best to pull vehicles out of the detector” said Alberta’s Acting Fire Commissioner garage and close the door if it is necessary to leave it Spence Sample. “They are inexpensive, easy to install them running. They all can produce carbon monoxide in your home. and are the first line of defense when there’s CO in the home.” Other tips for preventing CO in the home are to keep the area around fuel-burning appliances clutter-free, ensure Sample also says that it’s vital to maintain CO detectors both indoor and outdoor vents are clear of snow, ice and SIMPLE STEPS ALBERTANS CAN TAKE TO PREVENT in order to keep them working properly. Simply vacuum debris, make sure the flame in natural-gas appliances CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING: monthly, replace the batteries annually and write the burns blue and not yellow, and to always open a window detector’s expiry date on the outside of the device as a when using a wood-burning fireplace. • Install and maintain a CO detector reminder of when to replace. ATCO Gas has developed a handy checklist to help keep • Have fuel-burning appliances inspected regularly by a qualified technician “Homeowners should also have their natural gas Albertans safe from carbon monoxide (CO) this heating • Keep vents and chimneys clear of snow, ice and debris appliances – like furnaces, cooktops and fireplaces – season. The free downloadable checklist, available at • Never idle a vehicle in the garage, even with the overhead door open inspected regularly by a qualified technician” said Bill ATCOGas.com, was created to provide Albertans with Stephens, President of ATCO Gas. “Not only will this an easy tool they can use in their homes to prevent • Always open a window near wood-burning fireplaces provide peace of mind in ensuring appliances are in and detect CO. As trusted members of the public safety good working order, but it will also make sure any issues community, first responders have a unique and important that could lead to a CO leak are promptly detected and role to play in increasing CO awareness. repaired.” Armed with these simple tips, you can help make sure Another common source of CO in the home is vehicle homeowners in your community are not only aware of We value our partnership with the AFCA to keep Alberta families safe. For more exhaust, which is why a vehicle should never be left to CO’s dangers, but also able to protect themselves and information, and to download our CO safety checklist, visit ATCOGas.com idle in the garage – even with the overhead door open. their families from its harmful effects.

28 | The Responder FIRE INDUSTRY NEWS Keeping communities safe from CARBON MONOXIDE

As partners in carbon monoxide safety, we all know that in an enclosed space, even a small amount of CO can lead to serious illness or death. It’s up to us to educate the public on CO safety.

WHAT DO THESE THINGS HAVE IN COMMON?

They all can produce carbon monoxide in your home.

SIMPLE STEPS ALBERTANS CAN TAKE TO PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING:

• Install and maintain a CO detector • Have fuel-burning appliances inspected regularly by a qualiﬁed technician • Keep vents and chimneys clear of snow, ice and debris • Never idle a vehicle in the garage, even with the overhead door open • Always open a window near wood-burning ﬁreplaces

We value our partnership with the AFCA to keep Alberta families safe. For more information, and to download our CO safety checklist, visit ATCOGas.com

Fall/Winter 2015 | 29 FIRE INDUSTRY NEWS

The Road To Leadership With fire fighters and officers taking charge of their own career, the culture around leadership and business education in this industry is transforming. By Sonia Dhaliwal

As the demands of the fire service continue to evolve, fire fighters and officers are recognizing the To be competitive need to diversify and enrich their portfolio to become effective future leaders. They are increasingly becoming “for those positions progressive in seeking out business and leadership training opportunities on their own or with the nowadays and even guidance of their management team. more so in the future,

When it comes to learning, Captain Brian Hutchinson you’re going to have to of Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services (VFRS) expresses demonstrate you have he’s always had the desire to keep going and realizes lifelong learning is crucial in this industry. Hutchinson been preparing yourself started his career with the BC Forest Service in his mid for that position outside “ 20s, subsequently becoming part of the VFRS team in his early 30s. After five years of service, he began of doing the standard seeking out other avenues to further his education in fire officer program. the fire service so that he could stay sharp, learn more and take on other roles to become the best professional fire fighter possible. He continued education by completing a bachelor’s degree at the Justice Institute of British Columbia and a master’s degree at Royal of fires using various tactics such as education on Roads University. Coming out motivated and engaged, prevention and building safety. With today’s emergency he continued with business training through the British calls shifting towards the realm of first responder and Columbia Institute of Technology’s (BCIT) Fire Executive technical rescue, fire fighters are required to have a Management program. At the moment, Hutchinson broader knowledge base. As one moves up the ranks to is taking a breather from education while he ponders company officer, the knowledge and skill requirements what to pursue next. become even more diverse with the job changing to Changes in Job Requirements: Reflective becoming more of a leadership role. of Today’s Responsibilities Along with thinking about operations on the ground, In Canada and around the world, the fire service VFRS Fire Chief John McKearney expresses that company has done exceptionally well in reducing the number officers need to be thinking more strategically about

30 | The Responder FIRE INDUSTRY NEWS

tomorrow in all aspects. This includes affordability, culture. Some unions are already becoming proactive efficiency and performance management. Expectations in encouraging members to seek higher education. of competency levels are increasing to commensurate to They realize the importance of enhanced requirements salary levels. VFRS has partnered with BCIT in developing and that education is essential if they want their a post-secondary education program that equips those management team to be promoted from within the aspiring to be promoted to battalion chief positions with local fire department. leadership and critical thinking skills. “We keep raising the bar and as long as the bar is met, the most successful Professional Development: Pathways for senior qualified applicant would get the position,” says Fire fighters McKearney. Training and education in the fire service is a lifelong journey and training expectations should be clearly With fire fighters and officers taking charge of their communicated to members throughout their careers. own career, the culture around leadership and business When asked about transparency, most departments education in this industry is transforming. Members are believe they can do a better job when it comes to clearly recognizing the need to expand their knowledge base laying out the education and work experience preferred to stay competitive. Hutchinson says, “To be competitive for various non-suppression positions. Whether it for those positions nowadays and even more so in the is exposure to work in various units within the fire future, you’re going to have to demonstrate you have department; a program in fire sciences or leadership; or been preparing yourself for that position outside of doing BCIT’s Fire Executive Management program, providing the standard fire officer program.” a general roadmap would encourage emerging leaders to seek out these opportunities for professional Moreover, an expectation of post-secondary courses or development. “This allows for greater effectiveness programs for exempt as well as unionized leadership in our officers,” adds Glen Maddess, retired VFRS fire positions will eventually become ingrained in the

Fall/Winter 2015 | 31 FIRE INDUSTRY NEWS

chief. The organization benefits in the long run, having a larger pool of qualified candidates to select from when hiring for key administrative positions. Fire fighters know how City of Surrey Fire Chief Len Garis, who is the former president of the Fire Chiefs’ Association of “ to be fire fighters. By BC, believes in preparing fire fighters to be future taking courses with leaders as soon as they walk through the door and to continue development throughout their career. “We, students outside the fire as an employer, need to make sure we provide an departments, they are environment where they can nurture and grow. And it should be fairly rich,” he adds. able to broaden their horizons and see what is “ Several departments in BC are seeing the benefit in development of soft skills at the pre-officer level and going on around them are utilizing BCIT’s leadership programs and courses to fill this gap. Although BCIT offers in-house delivery of outside the fire service. courses, many departments opt out of this option as they see value in having employees attend classes with others from various backgrounds.

Fire Chief Dan Copeland of Delta Fire & Emergency Services explains, “Fire fighters know how to be fire Fight Fires, not Paperwork fighters. By taking courses with students outside the fire Manage your important departments, they are able to broaden their horizons records with FP2 and see what is going on around them outside the 1-866-352-9495 fire service.” It also teaches them strategic planning, www.ingenioussoftware.com interpersonal skills and how to deal with individuals, which is important for working with different disciplines in the city, as well as with outside organizations. And FP2 is used daily lastly, it is important if they want to change the fire by over 150 Canadian Fire Departments! service and shape it to be aligned with today’s world.” Check with one in your area today. FirePro 2 Succession planning and leadership development is Computerease for continuing to be a hot topic in the fire service. When RECORDS MANAGEMENT it comes to education providers, the most important factors in deciding between all the programs and FP 2 is easy to learn organizations available tends to be quality and relevance and easy to use! of education as well as flexibility in delivery. A responsive FP 2 saves you time by fi nding and progressive approach is also highly valued. Fire the records you need, fast! department managers are not just looking for that piece FP 2 has great support and is of paper stating candidates have a degree. They want customized for your department! relevant courses and staff with strategic and critical thinking skills. e-mail: [email protected]

“In the past, they were trying to stick round pegs into 32 | The Responder

June 2009 FIREFightingInCanada.com 37 FIRE INDUSTRY NEWS

Answers to inside front cover page. square holes – we were expected to fit to the program, 1. Valemount, BC instead of the program fitting to us. But we’ve found 2. Jasper, AB 3. Beaver Mines, AB that BCIT seems to customize and make it more 4. Grande Prairie, AB relevant to what we are actually doing, but still within 5. Ponoka, AB the confines of the same type of degree structures 6. Lundbreck, AB and programs” says Fire Chief Nick Delmonico of Port 7. Wembley, AB 8. Bamfield, BC Coquitlam Fire & Emergency Services. 9. Beaverlodge, AB 10. Hythe, AB In the development of the Fire Executive Management 11. La Glace, AB program, BCIT worked closely with local fire departments 12. St. Walburg, Sask. to understand their exact needs. The program offers 13. Picture Butte, AB 14. Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, AB the option for students to complete a practicum, 15. Elk Point, AB which allows them to determine if they fit well with the 16. Bonnyville, AB administrative work environment. 17. Sexsmith, AB 18. Fort Saskatchewan, AB 19. Parkland County, AB While a large number of fire fighters are pursuing this 20. Deline, NWT program to enhance their skills and stay competitive, 21. Fox Creek, AB many of B.C.’s fire departments are using BCIT’s fire 22. Valleyview, AB management and leadership programs, in addition to 23. DeBolt, AB 24. Vauxhall, AB fire officer training, to equip their staff with the tools 25. Taber, AB necessary for tomorrow.

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Fall/Winter 2015 | 33 HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

A Fishing Trip To

Remember!By Brian Stecyk

Thanks to the generosity of the Hawkeye Marine Group, Fire Chief Dan Lemieux of Grande Prairie and his wife Cheryl McCarty, had a wonderful ocean ﬁshing trip at Bamﬁeld, B.C.

“The fishing was spectacular,” says Dan. “On the first day of fishing we caught a good size spring salmon along with a number of black bass. On the second day we filled our quota for both salmon and bass.”

“We also came home with a number of crabs. Our guide Bruce Pow and host Ron McDowell made sure all our needs were me. Accommodations were very clean and comfortable,” adds Dan.

It all began at the AFCA golf tournament in 2014, when Dan entered a draw for the all-expense paid trip

The fishing was spectacular. Dan with his first catch—a beautiful Spring Salmon. “On the first day of fishing we

caught a good size spring to Bamﬁeld on Vancouver Island. His entry was selected from approximately 1,000 entries from over a dozen golf

salmon along with a number tournaments. of black bass. On the second “ Jack Purdy, owner of Hawkeye Marine Group says, “We day we filled our quota for owe a lot to first responders. Providing this kind of trip is a small way of recognizing the contribution that all fire both salmon and bass. fighters make for all of us.”

34 | The Responder HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

Day 2—Two salmon, three black bass and three crab.

Dan with his wife, Cheryl McCarty enjoying the ﬁshing experience.

Dan’s exceptional guide—Bruce Pow.

It wasn’t just ﬁshing. Dan and Cheryl enjoyed the wildlife—sea lions, countless whales, and even a black bear on the beach.

Fall/Winter 2015 | 35 HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

Southwestern Alberta’s Historical Marvel By Brian Stecyk

A visit to southwestern Alberta, it would not be “Irish born John George “Kootenai” Brown was a colourful complete without a trip to the Kootenai Brown Pioneer character closely connected with the development of Village in Pincher Creek. The village is a collection of nearby Waterton Lakes National Park. Commissioned into amazing buildings and artifacts that will enthrall you as the British Army where he saw action during the Indian you relive life from the 1800 to the mid 1900s. Mutiny of 1857, Brown sought his fortune in the new world by participating in the Caribou and Wild Horse Creek There are over two dozen heritage buildings and two gold rushes of the British Columbia interior. Later south in museum buildings. There are thousands of artifacts and American territory, this adventurer served both as a Pony great displays that will amaze you. Recent visitors, Dave Express Rider and a U.S. Army Dispatcher Rider. Conflicts and Noreen Stecyk, of Stony Plain commented, “We with the First Nations were commonplace: attacked and thought we would spend an hour at the Kootenai Brown injured with a flying arrow by the Blackfoot, Brown was Pioneer Village but there was so much to see we just had captured by Chief Sitting Bull only a few years before the to stay longer. We could have stayed a whole day. It was infamous Battle of Little Bighorn. Fate first brought Brown one of the most interesting museums we have ever to his beloved Waterton Lakes in 1865 when he crossed been to.” the South Kootenay Pass and rode down Pass Creek to

36 | The Responder HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

Southwestern Alberta’s Historical Marvel By Brian Stecyk

those picturesque lakes. Ever impressed with the beauty of the area, he vowed to return, a promise to himself which he kept a dozen years later. Settling in a series of rustic mountain cabins, of which one now is a ﬂagship of the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village, Brown and his ﬁrst wife, the Métis Olivia, homesteaded and ranched in addition to hunting, trapping and trading with the natives in the backcountry. This tradition continued when Kootenai married Isabella, a member of the Cree First Nations, following Olivia’s passing.

Ever concerned with preserving the natural beauty of these local mountains, Kootenai Brown was appointed Warden when the Kootenay Forest Reserve was created in 1895 by the Dominion Government, a position he

Fall/Winter 2015 | 37 HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

retained some 16 years later when the area was elevated to Park status. Even as a senior citizen, the active Brown The fishing was spectacular. patrolled the mountain valleys and passes both summer and winter, conducting wildlife and fisheries counts, being “On the first day of fishing we an early promoter of Oil City and establishing the physical caught a good size spring foundations of the Park.

salmon along with a number The historical legacy of Kootenai Brown was that his eager of black bass. On the second “ frontier spirit became embodied in many of his pioneer peers who came early to the Pincher Creek area. Thus, the day we ﬁlled our quota for naming of the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village continues that legacy.” (Excerpt from Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village both salmon and bass. brochure)

Remarkably the people in the Pincher Creek area donated The Walrond Ranch house, compete with its round kitchen artifacts and many of the buildings in the Village came table (seated 14) shows how ranch life really was. There is from neighbouring ranches and farms. The actual the Fishburn School, the Northwest Mounted Police ofﬁce Kootenai Brown cabin (1883) has been preserved and is a and living quarters and the Father Lacombe Hermitage focal point of the Village. (1885). Enjoy the general store, doctor’s ofﬁce, barber

38 | The Responder HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

shop, blacksmith shop, and the public bath house. Stroll down main street and enter every door to be delighted by displays and countless antiques and memorabilia of the past. There is the Verigin Barn which reflects the Clockwise from left: The Walrond’s kitchen table seated 14. What do you think was in the jug? Many older visitors will recall Doukhobor culture of the areas. The Mennonite tradition the gravity gasoline pumps like this one. The Cyr House is full of the 1920s comes to live in the rustic Gietz house. or antiques. The well-appointed Ward cabin was a comfortable home. From carriages to old automobiles, you can see it all at the Kootenai Brown Village. For the fire fighter there is the hose and ladder truck which was pulled by six men. It must have been quite a struggle to pull it up the steep hills within Pincher Creek. If you like Serving Saskatchewan’s Fire & Rescue old cars there are a few—a fully restored 1929 Whippet Services Since 1981 and several others. Training, Equipment Sales & Service

Don’t miss it next time you are near Pincher Creek. Located right in town, the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village is worth the trip. Trans-Care Rescue Ltd. Email: [email protected] Web: www.trans-carerescue.com 1-800-71RESCU

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