Oct. 5-11 is Fire Prevention Week and there is no better time to offer our gratitude to our firefighters than now.
In the Cariboo Chilcotin, we have many dedicated volunteers who give their own time to make their communities a better, and safer place to live. We were reminded of their ongoing dedication and commitment as we checked in at the various departments for our annual Fire Prevention Week edition.
In Likely, 81-year-old Sue Taylor, founder of the Likely Volunteer Fire and Rescue Society, still oversees daily operations and has championed for a fire hall for years. After much fundraising by the community, that dream is finally becoming a reality with a new hall on the way.
Down the road at Big Lake, their fire department responds to all and every need of their community from fires and highway accidents to fire safety talks and even water delivery. Every year the Horsefly Volunteer Fire Department puts on great community events such as the Halloween fireworks display and ATV poker race, and just secured a new-to-them fire truck to respond to emergencies.
At 150 Mile House, the fire department plays an important role in responding to the many needs of a growing community. Volunteer fire fighters give fire safety talks at the school and respond on average to two to three calls for service per week, while also offering fun community events such as their upcoming Halloween Fire Works Display and community gathering.
The Wildwood Volunteer Fire Department is another small department making a big difference in their community. This year, the fire chief has plans to develop a new training centre as they continue to respond to about 80 calls per year.
McLeese Lake should also be proud of their fledging McLeese Lake Volunteer Fire Society. The society was formed out of a desire to help others following the tragic death of a Prince George family in a highway accident. Society president Ian Hicks is dedicated to making a difference with the society and we are certain the volunteers will help save lives with their efforts.
Thank you to all the fire departments that serve our communities.
- Williams Lake Tribune