Killam Fire Department celebrates firefighter milestones

he Killam Fire Department celebrated another busy year at their annual awards dinner, held on Friday, Jan 17, at the Killam Legion. Chief Joe Knievel handed out some long-term awards, welcomed some new members, and named a new Captain. Above, from left: back row, Kyle Andrews, Troy Zieffle, Dylan Eskra, Rick Krys, Roger Obrigewitch, Gordon Thompson. Front row: Ian Strachan, Trevor Levitt, Joe Knievel, Izaya James, and Bud James.

During the evening of Friday, Jan. 17, the Killam Fire Department held their annual gala and awards banquet at the Killam Legion Hut.

Special guest Don Rosland from the Alberta Fire Commissioner’s Office spoke to Killam firefighters briefly. “Thank you for your commitment to training, and your support of your community.

“Thank you to the partners for supporting firefighters; your support is so very, very important.

“Thank you for inviting me now for 10 years to celebrate your achievements.”

Killam Mayor Ben Kellert told firefighters, “It is indeed an honour to be here.”

Killam Fire Department’s Troy Zieffle (above left) was promoted to Captain by Chief Joe Knievel during the Killam Fire Department’s annual gala and awards night, on Friday, Jan. 17 at the Killam Legion.

Kellert says he has worked with children and youth for some 39 years, including a recent visit to Rwanda last spring.

“When you talk to any child about their future aspirations you get a sense of their zeal for life; they’ve got some pretty big dreams.

“It’s not too long before one responds, ‘I want to be a firefighter.’

“I’m not sure what’s so attractive there. Maybe the big red truck, the uniform and equipment, or the fact that we view you as heroes… and those are legitimate reasons.

“We respect your courage, to use that equipment and put your lives on the line.

“Firemen, it’s not just a once-a-year affair, but for us, it’s every day; Thank you for your fire fighting efforts throughout the night; thank you for risking your personal safety; thank you for braving the elements; thank you for the time you saw things you couldn’t un-see; and thank you for standing in the cold and rain time after time to raise awareness and funds for other community groups.

“Killam Volunteer Fire Department members, you have and continue to provide excellent, efficient, and sincere care. Thank you for your service to our community.”

Deputy Chief Rick Krys received recognition for 25 years of service to the Killam Fire Department, above (left) from Chief Joe Knievel.

Killam Fire Chief Joe Knievel says that the Department answered 53 calls in 2019, including a record four structure fires, with five outside fires, 19 motor vehicle accidents, five assists to other agencies, and 16 alarm calls.

“False alarms continue to be a problem,” he said, urging firefighters to continue to meet each call without prejudice no matter how many false alarms have come in from a location. “I urge you to take each one seriously, and respond accordingly.”

Knievel says that training is an important part for the entire department to retain their skills. “Our goal is to be the firefighter you want to show up at your house when you need one,” he said.

To his department members, he said, “Thank you for your good work and your dedication, and thank you for your commitment to working efficiently and safely.”