The community came out in droves to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the 150 Mile House Volunteer Fire Department during the department’s annual Halloween party Monday evening.
Amidst the hot chocolate, cotton candy, popcorn, hotdogs with fried onions, candy bags, cake, two bonfires, a host of great costumes and a generous fireworks display, Fire Chief Stan McCarthy and his crew were officially honoured by the Cariboo Regional District.
“Thank you so much for 35 years of service and for all you do,” CRD Area F director Joan Sorley said as the crew stood outside the firehall.
“It is very impressive that lots of you have long-term service.”
Looking toward McCarthy, Sorley praised the fact he has 35 years of service and said she didn’t expect he would be the last one to achieve that.
CRD chair Al Richmond commended McCarthy for starting and staying with the fire department.
“I don’t know of anyone in the regional district who has done that,” Richmond said as he went on to thank McCarthy’s wife Salley for supporting her husband.
Sorley and Richmond presented the department with a wooden plaque depicting the names of everyone who has served on the fire department.
They also gave the McCarthys a large canvas photograph of themselves with a plaque on the left hand corner, thanking them both for their dedication.
Chuckling McCarthy said 35 years was a long time, but he was grateful for the recognition.
“It’s a beautiful plaque,” he said, before he returned to barbecuing hotdogs.
Captain Jason Davis said McCarthy has been instrumental in getting the fire department going during the last 35 years.
“He has done an excellent job here to make sure all of our needs are met and keeping our camaraderie going,” Davis said. “It’s a pleasure to be working with him as the captain. Hopefully he sticks around for another few years.”
