By TERRY PUGH
A celebration of Warman and area’s protective services personnel attracted a full house on Saturday, October 26.
The Warman Fire Rescue (WFR) 8th annual Dine and Dance, held at the Brian King Centre, provided an opportunity for the volunteer fire service to recognize its five newest certified firefighters, hand out five and ten-year service awards, and shine the spotlight on other area fire services, police agencies, EMS, EMO, military, corrections services.
The WFR has 29 members and is the busiest volunteer fire department in Saskatchewan; last year it responded to 576 medical and fire-related calls in Warman and the surrounding area. The annual event, supported by donations from area businesses, is a fundraiser that provides the fire department with funds to purchase extra equipment in addition to that provided for in the department’s annual budget from the city.
Attendees check over the silent auction tables at the Dine and Dance October 26
While the tone of the event was upbeat, the underlying fact that protective services is serious business was never far below the surface. There was a moment of silence at the beginning of the evening to honour protective services members who died in the line of duty.
Warman Fire Chief Russ Austin explained the significance of a small white table with a firefighters’ helmet, a Mountie’s Stetson, and a police officer’s cap, a flag, a rose and other items:
“We’re proud to honour and recognize our comrades who have died in the line of duty, and this ceremony symbolizes that they are with us in spirit,” said Austin. “The small table occupies a place of dignity and honour at the front of the room. It is set for one, symbolizing the fact that the members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, municipal police services, EMO, EMS, public safety, Corrections, and the Canadian military are missing from our ranks tonight. We call them comrades. The table is round to show our everlasting memories of our fallen comrades. The tablecloth is white, symbolizing purity of their motives when answering the call of duty. The single red rose displayed in the vase signifies the blood they have shed in sacrifice. It also reminds us of the lives of each of the fallen and the loved ones and friends of these great Canadians. The vase is tied with a red ribbon; a symbol of our continued determination to never forget them. A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. A pinch of salt symbolizes the countless fallen tears endured by the family and friends of those who have fallen. The glass is inverted to symbolize their inability to share in this evening’s toast. The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope that their lives were not given in vain, and our nation is eternally grateful. The chair, of course, is empty because they are not here. The Canadian flag reminds us that they have paid the supreme sacrifice to preserve safety, law and order in our country. Let us remember and never forget their sacrifice.”
Newly-certified members of Warman Fire Rescue who received training over the past year include: Mark Clingen, Derek Duquette, Louis Cloutier, Nik Hrapchak and Chandler Gross. Five year service awards were presented to WFR members Chris Beblow and Nathan Balas. WFR firefighter Chris Beblow was presented with a 10-year service award.
Dalmeny Fire Chief Rick Elder, who was named Canada’s Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year earlier this fall, was recognzied at the event.
Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Carlton Trail – Eagle Creek, paid tribute to the “courage and dedication” of protective services personnel who keep the community safe.
“Disaster can strike at any time,” said Block. “Just today, I passed one of those parked fire rescue trucks and saw three members racing into a home as I drove past. I was reassured to know we can count on the well-trained Warman fire services members to respond in our time of need.”
Warman Mayor Gary Philipchuk, said having dedicated members of protective services agencies working for the overall safety of the community is “a vital reason” that many residents have chosen this community as their home. He also drew attention to the strong bonds cultivated within the fire department membership. That extends even to the fire chief’s ever-alert canine, Chester, who’s been a regular at the fire hall for the past nine years, ever since he was a puppy.
“For the past few months, Chief Austin and his team have been taking Chester along in the fire truck on calls,” said Philipchuk. “I asked him why. He replied that ‘Chester helps us locate the fire hydrants’.”
Philipchuk said the fire department provides a “reassuring sense of security to our community,” and noted the firefighters go above and beyond in terms of response times, training and community involvement. “They’re a tight-knit team of volunteers who have made the commitment to serve our community and surrounding area,” said Philipchuk. “For that we are incredibly grateful.”