A Year in Review

Well, as the year comes to a close, it's time to look back and remember all of the accomplishments the fire department achieved. This was definitely a year of progress and opportunities. Never mind that we have attended more emergency calls than any other year in the departments history, but we completed many other projects as well. Where do I start. OK, in my opinion, the most amazing item of the year may have been the collection for the food bank and the generous support of the community. We were completely overwhelmed with donations. It was quite an amazing sight and truly reflects how everyone can pull together in a time of need. On to other highlights of the year. We managed to hire another firefighter this year and was very pleased in having Rick McLeod accept the job. Looks like two more positions in 2010. We are definitely moving forward. After many years of trying and thanks to a downward slide in the economy, we were finally able to replace the front apron at Station 1. This one was constructed properly and should last for many years. We even managed to add extra parking along Otter Point Rd and with the fire hall site, all in the same budget. A successful recruiting campaign in Sun River not only saw an increase in applicants from this area, but appears to have sparked an interest in building a satellite fire station in the area. Welcome aboard to our new members as ten new recruits passed their basic training. A successful pub ed campaign had the graphics completed on the pub ed trailer. This rolling billboard certainly advertises the fire department in a positive manner. With the funds raised, we were even able to order two more inflatables for the pub ed division. The fire department began the take over and helped establish a new ESS (Emergency Social Services) program, with about 20 new members joining the group. With the pending retirement of our Emergency Coordinator in early 2010, it appears the fire department will be taking over the entire EOC division. We managed to a acquire several new items in our inventory. The first was an old ambulance for use as a First Responder vehicle. While the unit has worked very well, it seems to have a magnetic personality as it is attracted to other objects and has already been in three accidents. Two new sets of Jaws of Life were obtained, replacing the older 20 and 25 year old sets. To date, they have been used twice on emergency calls. Instant snow chains were added to both front line pumper trucks with the rescue trucks to be equipped in 2010. Hopefully this well make responses in snow conditions safer for everyone. Not that we can take all the credit, but the assistance of fire department members at the Subaru Triathlon was certainly one of the reasons that the Ironman Competition is coming to Sooke in 2011. The volunteer support of this community always seems to shine through. Oh, and who can forget the Olympic Torch starting in front of the fire hall on its cross Canada journey. And finally, an amazing day was held when we celebrated Bill Stephenson and his 60 years of service as a volunteer firefighter. Now that was a party. While I am sure that there are many more items to add to this list, all in all, it was a good year and I look forward to working with all of you in 2010. Happy New Year.