 |
Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms |
|
|
|
Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade
175th Anniversary (1830 - 2005)
"From Buckets to Pumper Trucks
A Tradition of Protection "
|
Robert Lynch, PR Daphne Mercer, Harbour Grace Tourism The first Harbour Grace Fire Company was organized in 1830 and under the Act III, Chapter IV, in 1832 under William the Fourth (the Sailor King) members were given the status of Naval Reservists. In 1841, the wardens and captains applied under this Act to the Magistrate for permission to levy a tax at the rate of six-pence in the pound (2 ½ %) on appraised rentals on all buildings within the boundaries, for the more efficient operation of the Fire Company. |
|
The Symbol of Office Daphne Mercer, Harbour Grace Tourism In the early Regattas the 'Silver Trumpet' was used on Regatta Day as a microphone would be used today. Until this trumpet came onto the scene the Regatta organizers did not have any means of contacting crews other than by yelling and gesturing from the lakeside. The trumpet enabled the races to run much more smoothly and professionally. The Silver Trumpet was donated around 1890 to Joseph Godden by Edward Phelan of Vancouver. Mr. Phelan was a cooper by trade, who had formerly lived and worked with Garland's Ltd., one of the larger firms in Harbour Grace at that time. Mr. Phelan later moved to Vancouver where he retired and sent the trumpet to the Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Company for their use. Through the years, the Silver Trumpet was the subject of many interesting stories. After reviewing the minutes of the Harbour Grace Fire Brigade it was noted that due to fiscal restraints in the early 1900's the membership decided to gain money for their organization by melting the trumpet and selling the silver. Luckily, for unknown reasons this action was not carried out and this part of our heritage remains intact. Another section of the Fire Brigade's minutes indicates that the trumpet was misplaced for a number of years and had been packaged for shipping to parts unknown. The membership at that time requested that the trumpet be returned and it now remains the property of the present Fire Brigade. Today the trumpet is used at the annual general meeting of the Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade. At this meeting there is an election of officers and as a symbolic gesture the silver trumpet is passed from the outgoing fire chief to the newly elected chief. Although the trumpet is not used at the Regattas of today it has been an important part of the early years and has a history of its own |
|
The 2nd oldest Sporting Event in North America On July 22, 1862, members of the Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Company came out in their blue uniforms and, headed by a band, formed the procession and marched carrying boats on their backs to Lady Lake, or Lady Pond as is it better known to the older folk, to hold the town's first Regatta. A description of the uniforms and the procession to the
lake reads: "it was a red Garibaldi shirt with green velvet facings pants with
red stripes down the side and a cap like that worn by the solders of the
Federal Army during the Civil War. Each officer had his own insignia, for
instance the Treasurer wore the Keys, and Secretary, quills, etc. It was a
picturesque and splendid uniform that was used for special occasions."
|
|
In Service and Protection the Brigade runs approximately 65 -70 calls per year and conducts 20 -30 inspections per year. They provide rescue services for 18 communities along 110 kilometers of highway. The membership is trained in the of High Angle Rescue, Cold Water Rescue and Vehicle Extrication. Conducts regular weekly practices and monthly meetings throughout the year to an estimated 3000 man hours per year.
Apart from its designated role The Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade plays a very important role within its community . The membership organizes the Town’s Annual Santa Claus Parade, usually a kilometer long consisting of over thirty entries. The members are responsible for Fire Prevention Week activities, Peter Easton Days, Pumpkin patrols, and Guy Fawkes Night patrols. Firefighters conduct Traffic direction and First Aid for the Annual Blueberry Run, and the 2nd oldest sporting event in North America the Annual Harbour Grace Regatta.
Instruct First Aid Training for the Sea Cadets, Badge Work for the Girl Guide, teach a Workshop on Volunteer Fire Service For Workplace Safety Course to Level 2 students over a two day period, and teach the Gateway Fire Prevention to the Elementary Schools. Organizes the Annual Fall Fair Parade and hosts a Booth at the week long Fair. At Christmas time the Brigade is call upon to help with the Tree Lighting Ceremonies and on New Year’s day are responsible for family fireworks at the Town’s Park and host the children and parents at the Hydrant Club afterwards for a hot lunch.
The Harbour Grace Volunteer fire Brigade has an Annual Fire Brigade Scholarship valued at $500.00. The Membership donates $500.00 to the Trinity Conception Placentia Annual Telethon (15 consecutive years), sponsors an Annual Men’s and Ladies Dart tournament donating $1200.00 to each winners charity of choice, Easter Saturday crews are slotted into place for the Muscular dystrophy Boot Drive raising approximately $1000.00 for the Firefighters Charity of Choice.
Along with all of this the Brigade still finds time to fund raise $5000.00 each year, through Steak and eggs breakfasts and take out teas to honor their commitment on a loan for their 1999 pumper.
The Brigade currently has 40 members that are on a volunteer status twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The brigade is governed by an Executive consisting of: Fire Chief, Assistant Chief, 5 Crew Chiefs, Secretary, Treasurer and the Manager of the Hydrant Club. In 1977 the Brigade welcomed both the Ladies Auxiliary and the Junior Brigade to its ranks and in 1993 the retired members of the Brigade formed the "Top of The Ladder Club". These three additions to the brigade family also remain very active today
The brigade presently has the following apparatus. 1999 pumper housing an 840 gallons per minute pump supplied by a 1000 gallon water tank and a computer control injection system for Class A Foam. A 1982 pumper with a 840 gpm pump with a 500 gallon water tank. A 1985 Cube van use to store the Brigade’s Cold Water Rescue Team and High Angle Rescue Team Equipment, as well as SCBAs and Extra Air Cylinders. A 1992 Rescue Vehicle housing the Jaws of Life, a Generator with Lighting System, Air Bags, 2 sets of SCBAs and Absorbents. 1993 Utility Pickup and also in the Brigade’s inventory is the 1956 pumper #1 restored to showroom condition and used for displays and parades.
|