Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to make note of a couple of events recently held in Hay River. This past Saturday night was the 53
rd Annual Firemen’s Ball
and the 61
st anniversary of the Hay River Volunteer
Fire Department. This annual ball is an opportunity for members of the fire department and their flames – that’s their significant others – to attend a gala event to celebrate and receive recognition for their accomplishments of the past year.
Again this year, in Chief Ross Potter’s annual report, those gathered heard of the many calls and responses made in the community. We also heard of the many training milestones attained by the various members as they continued to expand their skill set and credentials as ambulance attendants and fire call responders.
The volunteer fire department also contributes many hours of public awareness and safety campaigns and other community service organizations. This year Chief Potter commented on the 185 cumulative years of experience of the members of the Hay River Fire Department, and that includes and is averaged with the many new members who have recently joined the department. They responded to 296 emergency calls, attended 71 training events and each averaged 127 hours of volunteer work.
This group of firefighters seems to be getting younger every year, are highly motivated and competent, and this is something to be proud of in a
time when other types of service organizations are struggling to replace members who have retired or moved on and having challenges with recruiting new and young members to carry on the work on behalf of the community.
The event was emceed by Deputy Chief Vince McKay, who is next to Chief Potter with 28 years. The deputy chief is the longest serving member next to the chief, with 17.3 years of service.
This evening also sees the presentation of the Firefighter of the Year. This year’s recipient was Sara Conley, who was recognized for the second year in a row as the Firefighter of the Year. It was very nice to see how many women are now serving in the Hay River Fire Department. Ms. Conley clocked 320 volunteer hours of service this past year.
I’d like to thank the Town of Hay River for their support of the department. I’d like to thank the employers of the firefighters, who allow them to leave their place of employment to attend the fire calls. Also to the families of our firefighters for their support of their family member who works to keep our community safe.
I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted