The Hedley Fire Department held a celebration of their 100 year anniversary, starting with an apparatus demonstration, and a “water ballet” spraying water against a beautiful blue sky, creating rainbows against that spectacular backdrop. It was explained to spectators why we did things in such a way, why we wore turnout gear and self contained breathing apparatus and how the pump hoses and nozzles operated.
A well attended open house with a historical display as well as all of the current apparatus, allowed people to view the equipment, ask questions as to how they work, and see the contrast between firefighting today and 100 years ago.
Almost 100 hotdogs were served, for a donation, dropped in a firefighter’s boot.
Children as well as some older folk were entertained by being able to put out a “structure fire” using forest fire equipment, emulating in a very small way what a regular structure fire would be like.
This celebration was held in place of Fire Prevention Week as home and fire safety were one of the themes of the day.
The Hedley Fire Department now has a full roster of 20 with an average of 14 at each practice. This includes two junior firefighters, one of whom will graduate next year to become a regular firefighter. We hold regular practices on Tuesdays and optional practices on Saturdays so that people who miss regular practice can catch up, as well as those on probation can get more experience.
We have been holding “cross training” exercises with the Keremeos Fire Department in areas such as roof venting and water transfer. We have also trained with the Princeton Fire Department. This is invaluable practice to expose our members to advanced instruction and experience practical training.
