Brock’s volunteer firefighters recognized for dedication and service

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: Seventy-nine firefighters are currently answering the call when emergencies strike across Brock, with volunteers serving from fire stations in Sunderland, Cannington, and Beaverton.

Brock Councillors received an update on the Fire Department’s personnel, during its meeting on Monday, July 27th, with, Fire Chief and Community Emergency Management Coordinator, Rick Harrison presenting a report outlining the department’s current complement of part-time paid on-call firefighters.

The 79 personnel are distributed among the township’s three fire stations, with 26 firefighters, based at Station 81, in Sunderland, 24 at Station 82 in Cannington, and 29 at Station 83 in Beaverton.

The department’s personnel include: district chiefs, captains, an acting captain, and firefighters, reflecting the range of leadership and operational roles required to maintain an effective volunteer-based emergency response service.

Chief Harrison said, the department’s volunteers play an important role, not only when responding to calls, but also through the ongoing training and preparation required to be ready, when their communities need them.

“Our firefighters are dedicated, professional, and highly trained members of our community,” Chief Harrison explained. “They give their time to train, maintain equipment and respond to emergencies, often leaving their families, jobs and daily lives at a moment’s notice to serve their neighbours.”

The report noted, the firefighters continue to demonstrate “dedication, commitment, and skills” while training, maintaining fire equipment, and serving residents throughout the community.

Mayor Mike Jubb also recognized the contribution of the township’s volunteer firefighters, noting, their service is an essential part of public safety in the community.

“Every one of these 79 firefighters deserves our thanks and appreciation,” Mayor Jubb commented. “They are volunteers who make a significant commitment to their community, and we are fortunate to have such dedicated people willing to answer the call, when residents need help.”

The current complement includes firefighters with a variety of experience and responsibilities at each station, ensuring coverage across the township’s urban and rural communities.

The report also noted, the next round of recruitment for the Fire Department is anticipated to commence in the autumn.