Langham Fire Chief Bill McCombs and his wife, Langham Emergency Measures Coordinator Sheila McCombs, are stepping away from active service after more than three and a half decades.
Bill and Sheila McCombs moved to Langham in 1989, bringing with them extensive experience and a strong commitment to community service.
At that time, the Langham Fire Department responded primarily to fire calls, while the RCMP frequently called upon Bill and Sheila to assist with vehicle extrications and medical emergencies due to their recognized skills and expertise.
Bill joined the Langham Fire Department shortly after arriving in the community. Drawing on his previous experience as an Emergency Medical Technician instructor with SIAST, he volunteered to teach an 80-hour Medical First Responder course. Eight individuals completed the program, marking the beginning of the First Responder service within the Langham Fire District.
Bill served as Deputy Chief from 1993 to 2003 and has served as Fire Chief since 2003. He is certified as a Fire Service Instructor Level 2 and has provided training across Western Canada.
In addition, Bill was a member of North Corman Park Search and Rescue, Ice/Water River Rescue, and the LUSAR team.
Sheila joined the Langham Fire Department in 1991. In 1993, she was promoted to Captain and Training Officer. Also drawing on her background as an Emergency Medical Technician instructor with SIAST, Sheila became responsible for the recertification training of the department’s First Responders. She is certified in Critical Incident Stress Management and has served as an executive member of the Saskatoon Health District First Responder Committee, representing the Town of Langham Fire Department.
Sheila holds Fire Fighter Professional Qualification Level 2, Fire Service Instructor Level 2, and Fire Service Investigator certifications under National Fire Protection Association standards. In 2023, she was appointed Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) Coordinator for the Town of Langham.
In recognition of their outstanding dedication and service, Bill and Sheila McCombs received the SUMA Meritorious Service Award in 2015.
In 2018, they organized and hosted the 110th Anniversary Celebration of the Langham Fire Department, honouring past members for their contributions and service to the community.
After 37 years of service for Bill and 35 years for Sheila, the couple are retiring from the Langham Fire Department and First Responders program. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment have left a lasting impact on the community and the fire service. They now look forward to enjoying their hobbies and a well-earned retirement.