I grew up in a picturesque town much like a movie set, and indeed it has been, a couple of times. As kids we often played in the street –– riding bikes, or just walking around and around talking. Growing up here, we knew to retreat to the sidewalk the moment the fire whistle sounded, staying put until the sirens faded. Neighbours and shop owners turned firefighters leaped out their doors and into their trucks, wind whipping their hair as they sped toward the fire station.
Benjamin Franklin, also credited with the lightning rod and bifocals, founded North America’s first volunteer fire department — turning bucket brigades into a trained force. In Canada, we still rely heavily on volunteer fire departments, with volunteers comprising approximately 70 per cent of all firefighters. Pause and take that in: one of our most vital services runs almost entirely on volunteers. That’s awe-inspiring.
I imagine that I’m not the only person who has taken this a bit for granted –– thinking of fire services as a given that will just always be there, should I need it. The reality is that volunteer fire departments nation-wide are experiencing significant threats. Volunteerism is declining, training requirements have increased, and in Roberts Creek, rising real estate prices and shifting demographics make recruitment harder. Try to imagine a future where this service doesn’t exist –– it’s not pleasant. That realization makes it even more important to ask: how can we support them?
Support local fundraisers, like the one this Sunday (March 2), where 10 Roberts Creek firefighters will climb 48 flights in full gear for the BC Lung Foundation. For firefighter Savannah Dubois, it’s personal — she lost her father to stage four lung cancer in 2018. To donate, search “Climb the Wall 2025” and enter Savannah Dubois.
Consider volunteering. You might be more capable than you think. It’s a chance to gain new skills, build friendships, and find deep purpose.
Refresh on the basics: check smoke detectors, have an escape plan, properly store flammable materials, and –– come warmer months –– respect the fire bans.
As I was preparing this column last week, Megan Fraser, beloved kindergarten teacher at Roberts Creek Elementary, lost her home in a fire. Her husband Roger has been a volunteer firefighter in Sechelt for the last 20 years. His 20-year service pin, awarded last year, was lost along with everything they owned. Now, they face the difficult task of rebuilding their lives. Despite everything, Roger took the time to speak with me. Even through loss, his voice lifted when he spoke of his service. It’s an absolute passion, he told me — not just firefighting, but serving his own community, the place that raised him. It struck me how rare this is. No paycheck, no expectation — just a team bound by purpose, by choice, choosing to serve.
If you’d like to support Megan, Roger and their family, you can contribute to the GoFundMe that was initiated by Dee-Ann Andronyk and Kim Wilson. Visit https://gofund.me/2033b3db or email Kim at [email protected].
Over Roger’s 20 years, the faces in the fire hall have changed, but the heart remains: a passionate, highly-trained team, sharing hugs and hi-fives after a job well done. And because they choose to serve, we are all stronger for it.
