Sedgewick Fireman’s Gala a huge success
The Town of Sedgewick hosted the Sedgewick Fireman’s Gala 2015 to celebrate nine of the department’s members completing the Firefighter Level 1 course, on Friday, April 10 at the Community Hall.
The sold-out, family friendly evening sold 170 tickets, and also featured a silent auction and dance.
Fire Rescue Officer for East Central Alberta for the Alberta Office of the Fire Commissioner, Don Rosland, was on hand to present the Level 1 certificates to the firefighters.
Rosland spoke beforehand, saying, “I understand the importance of training.
“I commend all firefighters for the training you do. I know it gets repetitive, but that will come into play; when you’re in a real emergency, it becomes second nature to you.”
Rosland reminded the Sedgewick firefighters that, “You are part of a world-wide family; not just in Sedgewick, or Flagstaff, but around the world, your fellow firefighters are your brothers, and you are part of that family.”
Rosland presented certificates to Fire Chief Joe Hebert, Deputy Chief John Armitage, Deputy Chief Rob McArthur, and Firefighters Ted Djos, Rob Djos, Cory Gagnon, Rick Sheppard, James Steil, and Ariana Vandenberg.
Each of the nine also completed Hazardous Materials Responder Awareness and Responder Operations courses.
Chief Hebert told those gathered, “I am honoured to be here. Thank you for coming to share in the fire department’s successes.
“We’ve worked hard over the last few years, towards our Level 1 – 1001NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) certification, and it has been amazing for me to watch our members grow, learn, and become a stronger team together.”
Hebert gave a special thank you to the families of the firefighters, as well as to Camrose County Regional Fire Services Coordinator Dave Zayonce, who proctored the department member’s exams.
“Thank you to Tyson Armitage for sharing what you know with us, and for helping out.
“And to our department, as Chief, I would like to thank you for your time and dedication to our community.”
To the crowd, Hebert added, “Thank you for coming out and for your support.”
The silent auction items raised just over $4,300 for the department, which will go toward the purchase of a quick medical response truck and equipment for the Sedgewick Fire Department.
As to whether this may become an annual event in Sedgewick, CAO Amanda Davis said, “There have been lots of people inquiring if we would be willing to do this as an annual event and if all goes well, and the department and volunteers are up for it, then I’m sure we will.”
Leslie Cholowsky
Editor
