Chipman Firefighters Take the Leap

Chipman Firefighters Take the Leap

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

‘Take the Leap’ was the theme of the seventh annual Chipman Fire District’s Firefighters Ball Feb. 29.

The firefighters, 13 in all, were formally recognized for their service. Dave Zayonce, Regional Fire Chief for Lamont County Emergency Services, applauded the courage and commitment of the firefighters.

Zayonce commended the firefighters who worked tirelessly, to extinguish a mobile home fire in the village in minus 30 degrees celsius to save the home and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring homes. He also recognized the work they do during practices, fire calls, motor vehicle accidents and everything in between.

Dan Warawa, one of around 80 guests in attendance, was not expected to speak during the program; he thanked members of the volunteer fire department for the job they do and commended them for the tremendous amount of time they dedicate to serving the village and surrounding area which encompasses 214 square miles.

Toni Nygren, Mayor of the Village of Chipman was also not slated to speak, but addressed the crowd, and offered congratulations to the firefighters by saying: “We’re small, but you’re mighty.”

Deputy Fire Chief Don McBride officiated during the program. He recapped 2019 when members responded to four fire calls, 10 brush fires, 19 motor vehicle accidents, six medical calls and three responses to alarms. In total, they spent 557 hours practicing and 705 volunteer hours. “I can’t say enough about our people who volunteer and put in the time and training,” stated McBride.

Lamont County Regional Fire Chief Dave Zayonce presents Kattilyna (Kat) Keohane with the Firefighter of the Year Award.

They also had a minute of silence for John Stribling and Greta Stead. Stribling served the fire department from 1981 to 1983 as a firefighter and the fire chief. He passed away in 2018. Greta Stead was a dispatcher with the department from 1980-2009.

She passed away in 2019.

Colette McBride spoke about the value of volunteers, tangible and intangible, and how they benefit and enrich their lives and the lives of people in the community.

There was an “unscheduled” addition to the program when firefighters Shaun Rasmussen and Jenifer Cook presented Don McBride and Theo Wallace with a talisman coin. McBride has served in the department for 20 years and Wallace has served in the department for 10 years.

“These two are our steadfast leaders who, through thick and thin, are there to push us, motivate us, support us and even yell when necessary. They have a vested interest and genuine care for the shaping and development of this regional fire department. We can’t begin to describe the commitment and sacrifices that these two make to keep this department functioning,” added Rasmussen.

Theo Wallace said he was “shocked” to receive the Officer of the Year Award. “It’s something I do for the community not for the recognition, but it’s great to see the firefighters show their appreciation for what I do. I encourage other people to step up to the plate and start showing their leadership and growing in the community and growing in the fire department. That’s what we need for volunteers to do more for the growth of our department.”

Kat Keohane was named Firefighter of the Year. “It, (the award), means a lot because it’s something I never would have expected. I’m the second youngest member on the department, there are so many others. I think everyone deserves it, but it’s surprising they picked me. ”

One event that stood out this past year was the house fire. “I just remember I was so cold and so wet. I think I was out there for ten and a half hours and it just showed me it is something I really love to do. I ended up falling in the water and having to go back to the hall to get another set of gear.”

What she enjoys most about being a firefighter? “The people I’m with and the opportunities that they give with the friends I’ve made I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”