Robson Fire Department is on fire - in the good way
By Castlegar Source
The Robson Volunteer Fire Department has received a National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day award for its efforts to make its community safer from wildfire. The fire department will host a community clean-up day on May 7 to mitigate the risks of wildfire.
“We hope to have a great turn out and hope to build more momentum in the coming years,” says Jeff Grant, Robson’s Fire Chief.
“I am so proud of our fire department,” said Rick Smith, Electoral Area J Director.
Echoing Smith’s sentiment is Andrew Bellerby, the RDCK’s Regional Fire Chief: “The Robson team is taking a proactive approach to educate, clean-up and protect their community. They demonstrate that firefighters not only respond to fires, they also work to prevent them.”
The award comes with a $500 prize, which will be used to host the event on May 7.
This is but one of many events the department hosts throughout the year – perhaps the one they are best known for is the International Firefighter Games, which last year alone drew 20 teams from throughout the province.
“We’re moving forward with our third year now, and this year should be one of our biggest years. I think we’re going to see quite a few new teams,” said Chief Grant. “All proceeds go to Muscular Dystrophy, a cause very near and dear to our hearts.
“It’s also great, letting people know what we do. It’s a pretty heavy-duty thing to get into – but we do get to have some fun as a group, too. We never get called to a good thing, so doing other fun, positive things is really important, too.
“It builds retention, and it builds momentum.”
Certainly, the department’s stats indicate they’re getting it right – despite a comparatively small population, the department boasts 22 volunteers, including Grant himself.
For more information about the Firefighter Games, go to firefightergames.ca or visit the department’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Robson-Fire-Department-424791767571472/?fref=ts
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