| Members of Fire Department Pleased with Response from Community |
The kind man rescuing a cat from a tree .The big red truck with the men hanging from the side rushing to the sight of a raging fire can portray in ones eye the image of a firefighter . Well, Conrad Collier a member of the St.Alban's Fire Department commenced the Fireman's Ball on Saturday, May 14th by addressing the crowd on how the duties of the Fire Brigade have changed . Conrad spoke to many of these changes. No longer is it the sole duty of a firefighter to arrive at a fire and make sure that everything is under control. Today a fire person works in conjunction with the many other community organization to preserve and save lives . As a result continuous education and training are vital components of the fireman's life . As technology changes the many types of automobiles that flood the highway so to do the situations under which a rescue worker must perform when one arrives at scene of an accident. One must be trained in the proper use of all equipment as well as to the reactions that one will face when they enter a damaged vehicle.
In addition to training the firefighter also spends a significant amount of time in educating members of the general public in fire prevention. Education programs are offered to school systems regarding fire safety and prevention as well as training in the proper use of fire extinguishers for all non-profit charitable organizations.
"Meeting all of these obligations can put great demands on the coffers, therefore, fundraising is also a vital part of a fireman's life . Due to tremendous amount of cooperation among all community groups, the St.Alban's Fire Brigade has experienced overwhelming success in this area. For example, in the telethon held in early May, St Alban's Fire Department raised over ten thousand dollars" said Fire Chief Frank. Frank also thanks the community who helped in the production of the Fire Departments CD.The Fire department produced a CD two years ago raising approximately twelve thousand dollars. This success inspired members of the Fire Department to produce a second CD which will hit the markets in about two to three weeks. Frank also thanks the various
volunteer organizations such as the Lion Club and its counter parts the Lioness and the Leos for their support. A certificate of appreciation was also presented to the Royal Canadian Legion and the Ladies Auxiliary for their continuous support. Members of the firettes also received a token of appreciation for their dedicated efforts and continuous fund raising efforts .
Mayor Gail Hoskins congratulated the Fire Department on their success and thanked them for their service. Ken Carter, assistant to the Honourable Oliver Langdon congratulated the Fire Department on the exceptional achievements. "Your department is a credit to your community. The skills and training are vital to the protection and preservation of your community," said Mr. Carter.
The formal part of the evening then came to a conclusion with the presentation of various gifts and awards. Everyone was then invited to stay and enjoy some music and dancing to help celebrate a successful year.
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| Walene Benoit (Volunteer)is presented with a token of appreciation from Fire Chief Frank Collier for all the work that he did in the production of the fire department CD's. |
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| Mayor Gail Hoskins presents a plaque to Fire Chief Frank Collier |
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| Members of the fire brigade receive a token appreciation from Mayor Hoskins |
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| Theresa Farrell accepts an appreciation plaque on behalf of the St. Alban's Lioness Club. |
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| The St. Alban's Firettes receive a token of appreciation from the Fire Department for their commitment to helping the department with the fund
raising. |
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| Alvin Crant (right) presents Conrad Collier with a token of appreciation for the exceptional work he did at the telethon. Conrad prepared the video
for the show . He interviewed many of the local residents as well as providing scenes from around the community thus producing a very entertaining and informative video on the day of the telethon. |
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| Alivin Crant presents a gift to Fire chief Frank Collier (right) on behalf of the members of the St. Alban's Fire Brigade. |
| Fire and Rescue Fundraiser |
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| Over the past number of years, the St. Alban's Fire and Rescue Brigade has purchased a variety of rescue equipment. In addition to firefighting, we are now able to perform vehicle extrications, open water and ice rescues. This has been made possible through the generous support of the general public, the business community, the service organizations, the Town Council and MHA, Oliver Langdon. |
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As this equipment has been purchased, we find that our present vehicle - an old ambulance - does not have the suspension nor the room to transport this equipment in a safe and efficient manner. In the firefighting and rescue profession, we do not know what will be required or which techniques we'll use until we arrive at a scene and assess the situation. Therefore, to save time, and possibly lives, we need a vehicle that is capable of carrying all of our equipment to any scene. |
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| Fire Chief Frank and Asst. Chief Alvin hosting our 2003 Telethon |
In an effort to purchase a rescue vehicle, the St. Alban's Fire and Rescue Brigade has embarked on a number of fundraising ventures including our annual telethon, dinners and ticket raffles. Our latest venture is the release of a compilation CD containing a few traditional tunes along with a variety of original songs by local performers.
These artists have donated their time and talent free of charge toward this worthwhile project for the Bay d'Espoir area. The CD contains 15 songs by well-known local performers who tell stories about growing up on a sawdust dump, moving away from home, getting caught by the police, general thoughts about Bay d'Espoir and many more. Besides a great listening experience, these CDs make an excellent Christmas gift especially for family members living away from home.
We are retailing the CD for $20.00 CDN and the cassettes for $15.00 CDN. To order your CD, contact Fire Chief Frank Collier at 709-538-3311 or Walene Benoit at 709-538-3774 or by e-mail at walene@cancom.net. Your CD will be mailed to you COD.
We thank you for your support.
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