Vegreville Fire Department Hosts Open House

Vegreville Fire Department Hosts Open House

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Brandon Bay was one of several firefighters on hand to welcome visitors during the Vegreville Fire Department’s open house on Jan. 25.

Bay described his own personal experience with the fire department as “amazing” and would recommend it to anyone.

“Joining the fire department was probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” said the 19-year-old Vegreville resident. Bay said he hadn’t heard about the junior firefighting program before, but hopped on board once he learned of its existence.

It has been three years since he joined the department, and he said he’s gained a lot of confidence, acquired many new life skills, received lots of encouragement and ventured outside his comfort zone to grow personally and professionally. “It’s a very rewarding career.”

While some of the training has been tough, Bay said you are never forced to do something you’re not ready for, and there is always help and support from fellow members at all times and in any given situation. “They have your back and will pick you up when you fall.” Whether it’s during practice or out on a call, Bay said members are always “checking in” to see how you are doing mentally and physically. “You always train like your life depends on it, because it does.” He tries is to be one step ahead, and finds strength and comfort in knowing he can trust and rely on his brothers and sisters in the department.

Bay is the third generation in his family to carry on the firefighting tradition, behind his father Wayne Bay and his grandfather Wesley Shewchuk. Bay said his grandfather, who passed away about a year ago, had some great adventures and stories to tell from his time on the department, and he always loved to hear Brandon’s stories.

Things aren’t always serious, and he enjoys the times when they play floor hockey games in full gear or participate in hose coupling exercises. Paul Scherba also enjoys those fun-filled times. Scherba also went through the junior firefighter program, and said it brought structure and discipline to his life. He loves the camaraderie with the firefighters, serving the community and participating in special events throughout the year.

Lt. Brayden Ferguson participated in the jaws of life demonstration during the Vegreville Fire Department’s Open House on Jan. 25.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Fire Chief Phil Rowe said the junior firefighting program was first introduced into the department by former Fire Chief Jerrold Lemko in 2001. The program is open to students 16 years of age and serves as work experience under the Alberta school curriculum. Students can receive a maximum of five credits per school year which equals 125 hours of service. . In fact, Rowe’s daughter also went through the program. To date, five former junior firefighters have gone onto full-time careers in the industry. In fact, Rowe’s daughter also went through the program.

Young mom Jenn Clyne said the fire department is her “happy place” and loves the camaraderie and being out in the community and in the schools.

Jaime Watt said she has friends on the fire department and was in the process of filling out an application form during the open house. She said she wants to try something physical in nature and find another way to be useful outside of her professional life.

Kieran Foran heard about the open house on Facebook and decided to attend. Foran,16, said he came out because it’s something new that he might want to try. His Mom Heather said she was impressed with the junior program and that it would be a great way to earn credits as well as provide the opportunity for a new life experience.

Twenty-two year veteran firefighter Gary Faas said the main focus of the event was recruitment and anyone who is interested in joining can sit in on a practice which is held once a week on Wednesday evening between 7-9 p.m. Many different types of training is available, including: international training, rope training, high and low angle rescue, confined space training, medical training as well as training in public relations and education.

The fire department currently has 36 firefighters, and are hoping to increase that number to 40 this year. The department serves both the Town of Vegreville as well as several rural areas in the County of Minburn and covers part of the territory near the borders of Lamont County and Beaver County. On average, they respond to between 160 and 180 calls for service each year.