I write this as Fire Prevention Week begins, though you will only have it as the week comes to a close. In Canada, 83 per cent of the firefighters are volunteer and for the first 50 years, Roberts Creek was 100 per cent (as of last year our chief is a salaried position, so 95 per cent unpaid).
Our little department had the first female firefighter on the Coast, who, after being encouraged to do so, promised she wouldn’t quit until there was a woman in every Sunshine Coast hall. Edna Naylor kept that promise and was the first female chief this side of Langdale before retiring from the service after 41 years.
These men and women drive your buses, work at the hospital, make musical instruments or will sell you a car. Some are retired (we have one of the most experienced departments around these parts) and some have not finished high school (our junior members, at 16-18 years old, are usually a child of a current member). All have one thing in common, a dedication to learn how to take someone’s worst day and try to make it better.
What you see when you drive by every Wednesday night is the tip of the iceberg. With weekend courses in first aid and pumper operation, or live fire training in Maple Ridge, the department as a whole is constantly improving their skills to serve you better.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you your Roberts Creek Volunteer Fire Department:
Pat, chief and steady leader with a wry sense of humour and a movie quote ready for any situation. Sean, assistant chief and training officer who has upped the game for the department, inspiring us to hone our skills. Billy, captain and driver training officer. I know no one I would want by my side in a pinch more than Billy (Bill is his dad BTW).
Our lieutenants share responsibility with our chiefs to investigate burning complaints and other “duty calls” – Brett, father, farmer and friend; Russell, retired programmer and firefighter of the year many years running; David, bringer of the swag and dad to Euan, our junior member (and a few others!); and Nick, diminutive Britt with a huge heart and skills to run a scene.
Our firefighters: Grace, para-magician and wildfire fighter, she throws herself into the fray! Kevin, great firefighter and a great friend. Patrick, local RMT who makes sure our downtime has an upside with the social committee. Bruce, former chief and a big reason I am now part of this group. Brian, full of knowledge and ready to share it. Tavis, your friendly bus driver and spirit guide at BC Liquor.
New members include local pan drum builder Brynn (his parents kinda count too) and husband and wife duo Aaron and Jacqueline, who came from search and rescue in the Interior and have both found work at the hospital.
That’s how the department stands at the moment. We have members on leave (Darin) and past members who we hope will return. The pager is always on and when Sechelt or Gibsons call for help, we go (last night we were out on Field Road along with both those departments).
Speaking for my brothers and sisters, I want to say it is an honour to be here for you, Roberts Creek.
kellybacks@rocketmail.com
