By TERRY PUGH

Firefighters are no strangers to teamwork.

In emergency situations, they rely on each other to get the job done, whether it’s at the scene of a fire or a motor vehicle collision; or helping a patient in medical distress. When they get together, it’s invariably because they’ve been called to assist someone in need.

“Firefighters develop a strong bond,” said Borden Fire Chief Ian Wainwright. “But, it’s not often that we get together in a social way to relax and have fun. I guess that’s one reason why the Saskatchewan Firefighters Curling Association (SFFCA) and its annual bonspiel have been going on so long. It’s all about camaraderie and socializing with other firefighters who go through the same things you do.

“The friendly competition is also a big part of it, too.”

The SFFCA provincial championship began in 1960, and has been held every year since, except 2020, 2021 and 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It attracts teams from communities across the province; with the provincial championship team moving on to represent Saskatchewan at the Canadian Firefighters Curling Association (CFFCA) championship.

This year, the 66th provincial championship bonspiel takes place at the Martensville Curling Club February 7-9. The Canadian championship is slated for Edmonton March 20-29.

Wainwright, who’s also a director with the SFFCA, said the bonspiel is open to all career and volunteer firefighters.

“We have 11 teams registered this year,” said Wainwright. “That’s up from last year, when we only had seven, and just five teams the year before that. The Covid pandemic really put a damper on the event, but it’s becoming more popular.

“One of the differences now, though, is that we have more teams from smaller communities. When I first got involved 25 years ago, almost all the rinks were from Saskatoon and Regina. Now the tide seems to have turned, and it’s almost all volunteer firefighters. We’re working on getting more participation from the bigger centres.”

Wainwright said the Saskatchewan provincial bonspiel is open to the public.

“You’ll see varying degrees of skill on the ice,” said Wainwright. “I’d say the majority of the curlers are very skilled; and even though it’s friendly competition, it’s still quite competitive.”

The Canadian championship coming up in Edmonton, though, is a much bigger deal.

“I’d compare the national championship to the Brier in a lot of ways,” said Wainwright. “We have opening ceremonies where each province is recognized. It’s not the Brier, but it’s the next best thing.”

Wainwright has a rink in this year’s provincial championship.

“I’ve skipped in the past, but I think I might play third this year,” he said. “We have a really good curler named Kelly Salmon who will probably skip. We also have Dan Gunsch from Borden and my son Connor Wainwright on the team.”

Since its inception in 1960, Saskatchewan rinks have won the fire-hydrant CFFCA national championship trophy 15 times; which is second only to Alberta (20 wins). Saskatchewan is actually the defending national champion team, thanks to the victory of Skip Gregg Tarasoff, Third Chris Haichert, Second Carmen Koch and Lead Andrew Kowalsky during last year’s national bonspiel in Moosomin, Saskatchewan.

According to the SFFCA website, the organization was formed in 1961 with members from the Regina Fire Department and the Saskatoon Fire Department. Key players in the early years included Gord Addie and Aubrey Neff.

Currently, the SFFCA consists of member departments from Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Borden, Moosomin, Hudson Bay, Swift Current, Aberdeen, Wakaw, Martensville and Assiniboia.