Lamont Fire Hall Renamed Robert A. Mitchell Fire Station No. 4

Lamont Fire Hall Renamed Robert A. Mitchell Fire Station No. 4

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Firefighters with the Lamont Fire Department surprised its only surviving original member by the renaming its fire hall the Robert A. Mitchell Fire Station No. 4.

The official unveiling was held on Sept. 12 with around 100 people in attendance. Assistant Fire Chief John Helton said Mitchell, who has served 70 years with the department, was not aware of what was going to happen until the sign in his honour was actually unveiled for all to see during special ceremony that began at 2 pm.

Marc Helton, left, with his daughters Jorja and Ava and wife Melanie with Bob Mitchell.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

The eighty-nine-year-old Mitchell is second oldest serving firefighter in all of Canada. Helton said he’s been such an inspiration to him and helped guide him when he first became fire chief. “He told me to be yourself and that really, really helped me.”

Helton joined the department in 1984 and said Mitchell was always there in the background. He, along with several other firefighters described Mitchell as a quiet leader, and one who has shaped them as well as the department as a whole.

Mitchell can be seen at the fire hall every Tuesday evening where he takes roll call. He has not only been involved in regular activities over the years, but in all of the special events and fundraisers the department has held.

The admiration, appreciation and fondness for Mitchell was evident in the kind words and deeds of the department members as well as visiting firefighters from all of the departments within Lamont County Emergency Services, (LCES) who were in attendance.

Bob Mitchell with Lamont firefighters.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Mitchell officially joined the Lamont Fire Department on Sept. 4, 1951. The department was officially formed that year following a serious fire in the community.

LCES Regional Fire Chief Shayne Milliken said renaming of the fire station is a fitting tribute to Bob. He also brought greetings on behalf of the Office of the Fire Commissioner and offered congratulations on behalf of the 100 members of the LCES for 70 years of service.

Retired Deputy Fire Chief Herman Sieker has known Bob since 1988 and said he’s a very dear friend to him and his wife Linda. “His dedication to the department is without question. No one will ever achieve this,” stated Sieker.

Plans to rename the fire hall began earlier this year, and in March a formal request was made to town council. Mayor Bill Skinner said through his involvement with the town he

received a lot of insight into the operations of the fire department thanks to Bob.

Skinner said Bob’s continual dedication to the department and to the safety of the community has been outstanding, and he is well deserving of this major accomplishment.

Lamont Fire Chief Scott Calder also commended Bob for his dedication and commitment to the department, and for reaching this special milestone.

Mitchell said they are a “very tight knit group” and he has enjoyed all of his time with the department. Two of the biggest scenes he was involved in the was the bus-train accident and the hospital fire in Lamont. Bob said he was surprised by the renaming of the fire hall in his honour and was very emotional following the ceremony.

Former classmate and friend Ken Harrold said Bob is very intelligent and did really well in school. He described him as “modest” and as a “quiet leader” with a great deal of common sense, good sense of humour, and someone who showed respect to everyone. Harrold said Bob was on the rifle team in air cadets, earning a scholarship, and becoming a pilot. Bob also ran his own automotive shop in town for many years.