Firefighter Don Ross practices an auto extrication procedure during a fire department practice last month. TRFD photo.

By: Matt Treit, Fire Chief

March was a little slower than average with the Tumbler Ridge Fire Department (TRFD) responding to only ten calls that month.

Of those ten calls, seven were First Responder calls, two were for ringing fire alarms, and one was for a motor vehicle fire. Training in the month of March included the topics of CPR, First Responders, Rope and Pulley systems, and auto-extrication.

Congratulations to deputy Diana Vandale, and firefighters Dustin Curry, Don Ross, Brandon Braam, Russell Colbourne, and Darcey Knittle who all achieved 100 per cent attendance at training sessions in the month of March.

Congratulations to Darcey Knittle who completed his probation in the month of March and is now a full member of the Tumbler Ridge Fire Department. We wish him all the best with our organization.

Members of the TRFD also raised $156 in March selling shamrocks at Shop Easy. This is part of the “Buck for Luck” fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy. We would like to thank Shop Easy Foods for allowing us to conduct this fundraiser there, and all of those people who purchased a shamrock.

The TRFD still needs more members, and this is especially important with summer fast approaching. It’s atime that many firefighters, like everyone else, take holidays and so are unavailable to respond to emergencies.

Applications to join the fire department can be picked up by stopping by the fire hall during regular business hours. If you have questions about joining the fire department, please feel free to stop by the hall or phone 250-242-3939.

Experience is not necessary, but a positive attitude and a willingness to participate in training are essential.