Construction begins for memorial
Shannon LeClair – Times Reporter
After much anticipation, the groundbreaking ceremony and construction for the firefighters memorial took place May 12.
ATCO gas is the primary sponsor, and president Brian Hahn came to speak to the crowd and join in the celebrations.
“Safety is the number one focus of ATCO gas and by supporting the fire department and this great endeavor that they have here, it’s another way we can continue to contribute to the safety of our customers and the public here in Strathmore,” said Hahn.
The memorial is being built to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Strathmore fire department and the men and women who have dedicated their time throughout the years. The project had been in the works, being discussed and changed, for three years before a design was agreed upon.
Strathmore firefighter Jamie LaChance is happy there are so many supporters and donors to the project.
“What we really wanted to do ideally was involve as many companies as we could in town. The more people we got involved from the community, the more community united the project,” said LaChance.
“I think it’s a privilege to work with all of these companies,” said Mayor George Lattery.
“It was great to see all of the supporters of this project out, from the town council, to ATCO gas and our firefighters,” said Kimball Yorston, president of the Strathmore Firefighters Association.
“It was a great show of support.”
Genista Kippin, looking a little shy, spoke on behalf of the youth to the crowd. Genista is the daughter of firefighter Scott Kippin whose son Seth was also a part of the ceremony. Seth stood next to Lattery to help officially break ground.
“I had a hard time picking between the two, they both wanted to do it,” said Scott.
The kids were involved as a way to show that the town and youth are united. Yorston and Hahn were on the other shovel.
“The reason we had four people on shovels was to show unity,” said LaChance.
After the ceremony drinks and snacks were offered inside the fire hall to all those who had come down to show their support. The memorial will be erected by July 1, just in time for Canada day celebrations.