By Leslie Cholowsky, Editor
Members of the FRESS Killam Fire Station gathered on Friday, Jan. 30, for their annual gala, an evening of fellowship and thanks.
Mayor Les Fee brought comments from town council, saying that the fire department members are held in high regard.
He said, “These elements of your character do not go unnoticed. And I want to let you know that we pray for your safety, and your return each and every time you are called to assist.”
Fee then saluted firefighters with a toast.
Killam Station Chief Joe Knievel then took the podium to say a few words.
He said, “As we reflect back at the past year, I would like to express my thanks to all of you. Your committment to our service has helped keep our community safe, and it has inspired those around you.
“Killam station responded to 68 calls in 2025, which is an increase from the past year.”
He said that figure included 19 motor vehicle collisions, 12 wildfires, five structure fires, five vehicle fires, 15 alarms calls, two false alarms, and more.
He said calls of note included one big truck rollover, one slope rescue, a major area structure fire involving multiple stations, a major, multiple-injury motor vehicle collision, a major, multiple-station wildland fire, just outside of Sedgewick.
Knievel said they station also landed STARS three times over two months.
“These are examples both of the importance of the role that we play and the challenges of the job.”
Knievel noted that as a region, FRESS was also able to support others in the province with teams heading out to large wildland fire events across the province.
“All these efforts remind us of the importance of our work and the dedication of our team.”
Knievel also mentioned some group training that had happened last year in a wildland fire course, and more training being done this year on the NFPA1001 course.
Knievel said he also wanted to take an opportunity to thank “all of our member’s partners.
“We all know that a call out to an incident can and has resulted in a shift of family plans; postponing and cancellation of activities and events. We also know that it is our partners who are tasked with carrying on.
“Please know that you are appreciated when this happens.
“Thank you as well to the business community, the employers, who allow our members to respond to calls during work hours. This is a contribution to our community that comes at a cost, and we appreciate this.”
In closing, Knievel reiterated his personal thanks to all the station’s members, “for your dedication and committment, and this important service your station provides for our regional communities.”
Knievel said this year the Killam station added one new member to its roster. New firefighters are always welcome.
Captain Bud James then got up to speak a few words. He noted that the Friends of the Killam Fire Department worked a casino in the first part of January, giving kudos to Troy Zieffle for organizing and getting everyone together to work that.
James said driving back from working the casino in Red Deer had him reminiscing back 20 to 25 years ago when he’d also worked a casino night for the fire department group.
He had a couple of humorous stories that happened to include Deputy Chief Rick Krys and put the whole crowd into laughter, including Krys.
Knievel said that normally any awards would have been handed out, but that those will now take place at the Fire Ball, which this year is being hosted by the Sedgewick Fire Department and will take place this April.
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