Fire hall opens and volunteers recognized

Times Contributor    

 

Although it’s been in use since Dec. 31, the Standard Volunteer Fire department waited for warmer weather to officially open their new $832,000 fire hall on Saturday, May 5. 

The project has the distinction of having been finished on time and on budget – something both County Councillor Alice Booth and Standard Mayor Alan Larsen noted in their comments. 

The building, located in the Village’s industrial area, allows the firefighters to keep all their vehicles in one building, as well as providing a wash bay for the trucks, a meeting room, air room and washroom/shower facilities.

The idea of a new fire hall began almost 10 years ago, but it wasn’t until the last five years that fundraising and planning began in earnest.

The County of Wheatland provided 60 per cent of the funding, with the remaining 40 per cent coming from various donors as well as assorted fundraising projects such as suppers and bottle drives. 

“We appreciate the funding from the County and the larger sponsors, but we also want to recognize the contribution of community members who supported the various fundraising efforts,” said Fire Chief Phil Faubion.

One unique aspect of the hall is the large Canadian flag hanging inside. Former Standard Fire Chief and volunteer fireman, Andy Schulthess donated the flag.

“About 23 years ago I put my name in for a program where you could receive a flag that had flown over the Peace Tower in Ottawa,” said Schulthess. 

“I didn’t think I had much of a chance but recently I received a package in the mail containing this flag which flew over the Peace Tower on April 5, 2012. I couldn’t think of any better place for it than this new fire hall and I’m thankful I could donate it,” he said.

The grand opening also provided an opportunity for both the Village of Standard as well as the Alberta Office of the Fire Commissioner to recognize those volunteers from the fire department and emergency first response team (EFRT) who have achieved milestones in service. 

Tom Harnos, from the South Central Region of the Fire Commissioner, presented the Alberta Emergency Services Medal, which recognizes the dedication of time and talent of these volunteers in the service of others. Started in 2003, the award is given to those who have served 12 years or more. To date 5,400 volunteers in the province have been given this award. 

The EFRT members recognized by the Village were:

Kathy Pedersen 5 years; Connie Schulthess 11 years; Gloria Laycock 11 years; Glenda Gauthier 13 years; Debbie Gates 13 years.

Fire Department members recognized by the Village were:

5 Years – Marc Duguay, Kennan Hauck, Dustin Larsen and Kevin Bardi.

10 Years – Scott Jensen

15 years – Colin Gates and Martin Guathier

35 years – Malcolm McKinnon and Phil Faubion (39 years)

The Alberta Emergency Services Medal was presented to: Colin Gates, Debbie Gates, Glenda Gauthier, Martin Gauthier, Scott Jensen, Malcolm McKinnon and Phil Faubion.