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Photo: Shows gloves, glasses and footwear belonging to two female passengers thrown from a speeding ATV as the result of an accident Sunday September 24^th, 2006

The Harbour Grave Volunteer Fire Brigade was dispatched to the scene of a ATV Quad Accident this morning September 24th, 2006. The call for assistance was place at approximately 9:55 a.m. A report of a bike accident was given with two of the three passengers having been thrown from the vehicle.

The brigade dispatched its rescue vehicle Unit #2 , the Pumper unit #4 and the Rescue Van Unit #3 to the scene. Upon arrival at the scene firefighters joined by the RCMP and paramedics from Moores Ambulance Services found two female victims aged 34 and 30 years lying on the pavement approximately 30-40 feet apart. Both had received extensive but non-life threatening injuries and were promptly accessed and transported to Carbonear General Hospital.

It was determined that the driver of the Quad and fled the scene leaving his two passengers injured and lying on the road. The driver, a 22 year old male from Carbonear was arrested later that afternoon and faces several charges as a result of the accident.

The Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade= s cold water rescue were call to respond to a vessel sinking at the wharf owned by the Harbour Grace Cold Storage Ltd.. The call for assistance was place a 6:00 am Saturday June 17th/06 by Chief Sonia Williams. Chief Williams was there to met local fishermen to pick up lobsters for a Brigade function and was startled to see the MV Hamilton Banker sinking at the wharf.

The Brigade responded with 6 officers and a crew of 14 units #2, 4, and 6 the teams Zodiac and cold water rescue equipment. Unable to establish whether or not someone was on board the chief call for further help. The ships owner was quickly called and confirmed that there was no on board the vessel. A call was placed to Canadian Coast Guard, RCMP Transportation Canada, and The ships agent were all notified of the sinking.

Upon the arrival of the Coast guard asked the team to assist place a boom around the vessel. A boom was borrowed from the Harbour Grace Port Authority. Crotty Diving Services were call to the scene to help secure the vessel, sealing all vents to minimized fuel spillage. The cold water team members donned floater suits and helmets and having manned the zodiac prepared to place the boom and absorbent pads? to contain any fuel spillage. Having surrounded the vessel to contain any spillage Coast Guard Canada took control of the scene. And the brigade were relieved of their responsibilities.

Chief Williams said@ Harbour Grace is a port which offloads many fishing vessels is not uncommon to see vessels listed to one side or the other when i arrived on the wharf at 6 am i knew this boat was over listed more than norm. My first thought was their anybody on board and knowing that the boat was still sinking I placed a call to the brigade in hopes to put portable pumps on board

A report of a shed fire turned into a busy night for the Upper Island Cove Fire Department. The call for assistance came in at approximately 6:20 p.m. Friday May 19th, 2006. Upon arrival the Firefighters found that the problem was a little more intense than originally expected. The fire had spread from the shed to the porch of the house into a wooded area, and then even managed to, more or less, complete the circle and caught the grass on fire as well. The Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade were also dispatched to the scene and the combined efforts of the two departments was needed to prevent further damage. Upper Island Cove Fire Department Chief Harvey Mercer said we received a call for a shed fire in Bryants Cove, little did we know the problems that it would eventually create, the path the fire travelled was totally unexpected.

Photo: Damage to the grass, wooded area the remnants of the shed and the porch of a house in Bryants Cove, Newfoundland

Senior and junior members of the Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade worked side by side on a 2 hours shift bases at the 3rd Annul Easter Saturday Boot Drive. Easter Saturday is the busiest shopping day of the year and it is the day designated as Muscular Dystrophy Boot Drive for all of Atlantic Canada. Firefighters had set up at Powell s Supermarket on Harvey Street in Harbour Grace with a firefighters boot in Hand collecting all monetary donations tossed into the boot by shoppers. Fire trucks with lights flashing, Md stickers and signs and Helium, supplied by Avalon Industrial And Marine Supply of Carbonear, filled balloons set the scene for the 8 hour fund raising drive. In all patrons tossed $869.00 into the firefighters boot and a motion to top the donation to an even $1000.00 was unanimously passed by the membership. Craig Cox, MD advisor for the Provinces accepted the cheque on behalf of MD and Said A Funds raised in the province stay in the province to help those stricken with Muscular Dystrophy. I would like to thank the Brigade for their continuing support of the Association and wish the membership success in their future endeavours.

The Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade held its Annul Firefighters Ball on Saturday, November 18th, 2006. The Knights of Columbus, Dalton Council # 1448, Harbour Grace, served Roast Beef Dinner with Wine, Tea or Coffee, and Dessert to the approximately 130 in attendance. Emcee for the Evening was firefighter Stephen Taylor. Canon Glenn Small offered Grace, the Toast to the Queen was given by the Emcee and a Moment of Silence was called in memory of deceased Firefighters/Lifetime members William Oke, Roy Avery and Willis Regular.

Following the meal Emcee Taylor introduced the Head Table guest, distinguished guest and the Brigade s Executive. Greetings and congratulations were brought to the gathering by His worship Mayor of the Town of Harbour Grace Don Coombs, MHA Harbour Grace Carbonear District by George Sweeney. Federal Greetings were delivered by District Commander Trinity Conception RCMP Staff Sargent Pat Pembrooke. Firefighter Bob Tetford raised a Toast to the Ladies and Auxiliary member Cathy Hunt responded to the toast. All ladies in attendance were then presented with Carnation in recognition of their continued and ongoing support to the Brigade.

In his Junior s Chief s report Chief Andrew Archibald reported the membership had responded to 35 calls working side by side with the senior members as well as conducting traffic control and assisting on a as needed basis. The highlight of the juniors year is the training in Level One Firefighter instructed by Firefighters Paul Snow and Assistant Chief Brian Dwyer. The testing for their Provincial Certification will take place on December 9th, 06.

In the Brigade s first ever Female Chief s report, Chief Sonia Williams gave a complete overview of the brigade s activities for the past year. While having a Fire Fatality free year Chief Williams reported the brigade s response to two MVA fatalities in 2006. She concluded A When we receive a call we don't know what we will face, but one thing is for certain it will involve someone we know, a familiar face, a friend, a neighbour, a family member. Who knows? Things can become very complicated and stressful, the training that this brigade has and the pride is second to none. Thank you for you support I will never forget my first call as chief and I hope that we as firefighters will never forget our last. Thank you for a wonderful year.

The evening then moved into the presentations 30 years Exemplary 1st Bar Federal Award and the 30 year Gold Bar Provincial presentation was made to Keith Skinner for 30 Years of Service along with the Provincial and Federal Certificates. Retirement from firefighting plague from the Town of Harbour Grace, a 30 year pin from the Brigade and induction into the Top of the Ladder club.

Charlie Archibald received for 25 Years of Service Newfoundland and Labrador Fire Services Long service 1st Sliver Bar, certificate and the 25 year Brigade Pin Charlie Rogers and Hubert Pike for 20 Years of Service Newfoundland and Labrador Fire Services Long Service Medals, Provincial Certificates and the Brigade Pin. P. J. Coombs for 15 Years of Service and Bill Hunt for 10 years of Service.

Membership pins for Chris Noel, Bob Tetford and Jody Mahaney. Mrs Maureen Mahar, President of the Ladies Auxiliary presented the Brigade with a cheque in the amount of $1750.00.

Over the past number of years Noel s Funeral Homes Ltd have made it a practice of presenting a Family Bible as a door prize at Firefighter s Balls in the area. The names of firefighters are placed in a Helmet and one is drawn out and receives the prize. Assisting Bob Lynch of Noel s Funeral Homes was Rev. Russel Small and Pastor Wallace White.

This year s winner was firefighter Doug Taylor.

Erin Dwyer was named this years Scholarship winner. The Scholarship is presented

annually by the brigade and has a plague, certificate and a $500.00 cash award.. Following the

formal part of the evening a dance was held and music was provided by Martin= s Music

A heavy rain and a grey foggy day did nothing to prevent the notorious Pirate Peter Easton from returning on Saturday August 04/06. The heavy fog provided coverage for his ship. The Happy Adventure made its way to the Harbour and through to the buoys before being spotted. Area residents lined both sides of Water Street East, sounds of canon fire and fireworks filled the air as the dastardly men jeered and taunted the terrified gathering

After swinging past the fishermen= s wharf the Happy Adventure made its way westward for a battle with the Ship Head Defenders. Peter had received word that the weather may deter the defenders from battle, but, this was not to be. When questioned about the ensuing battle Defender/Wench Bev Crocker said A We know he is out there and he is using

Photo: The Ship Head Defenders: Front and center Gina Pynn: Second row from left to right Bev Crocker, Alanna Mahaney, Mary Carpenter, A Stray dog , and George Crocker, Back row Jody Mahaney, Isabelle Sheppard, Doug Sheppard, Dave Carpenter and Michael Mahaney.

the fog to hide, but, when he shows himself we=ll be ready@ . With some new defenders on the hill and a stray dog for a mascot the defenders gave Peter and his men a fierce battle and perhaps a little more than he had bargained for. Such was the battle and so strong a defence of the hill that the Happy Adventure returned to the fisherman= s wharf and began to pillage the town from there.

People who had taken refuge in the Hydrant Club and were enjoying fish and brews served by the Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary were not spared a visit from the pirates. In fact the pirates invaded the Fire Station and were seen in and around the Bounce about Castle and the concession areas.

The wedding of Princess Sheila Niagara and Captain Gilbert Pike (Peggy and Pat Hearn)

It was held at the Fire Station and while all were well behaved for the ceremony pirates were soon seen visited local businesses spreading fear and terror throughout the town. By early afternoon Peter Easton and company had left Harbour Grace A Peter said > there be more Ship Head defenders than we expected, and they had a secret weapon A Stray dog@, we gave>em a good fight, we will return again and do battle and be ye sure of the winners next time@ .

The Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade had to post phone a visit from Santa because of in- climate weather. Rain, freezing rain and wet snow didn= t provide must of a festive mood for the visit on Saturday so the parade was delayed until Sunday December 3^rd, 2006. Floats, fire trucks, walking groups, bands, horse drawn carriages all made up the 40 or more participants lined up on Water Street in the historic port town ready to welcome ol= Saint Nic to their town.

Parade committee chair firefighter Ray Verge, beaming with pride, said A The parade committee worked extra hard this year to make the parade a success. The results of their efforts can be seen as the parade passes by, we are so delighted with the turn out again this year and happy to welcome new entrants into the mix. This year also marks our best year yet with our non-perishable food drive for our local food bank. It does you good to see the time and effort put in is worth the end result.@

The Victoria Volunteer fire Department took first place in the commercial division while the Bridal suite came second followed by Coastal Marine. In the non commercial division top prize including a $200.00 cash award went to the Relic Riders. Mrs Bailey= s Class form Harbour Grace Primary took second and $150.00 and third prize with a $100.00 cash award went to Riley Meadus.

1^st place float the Relic Riders, second from Hr. Grace Primary, Mrs Bailey=s Primary Class , third prize went to Riley Meadus, Thomas the train engine.

The Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade were called to the Harbour Grace Cold Storage wharf at 5:49, Friday, May 05,06. A report of an injured worker was given a that Moores Ambulance Services Attendants needed assistance. Upon arrival at the scene Firefighters were told that the injured worker had fallen down the elevator shaft on the M/V Atlantic Enterprise. Firefighters along with the ambulance attendants secured the the victim on a back board, stretcher and stocks basket. Some discussion was given to lifting him out through the hole with the boats Crane, but after some discussion it was decide to carry and pass him from one tea m to another until he was safely taken from the second deck through the boat and onto the main deck.. From here he was passed over and down the gang way and into an awaiting ambulance and transported to Carbonear General Hospital.

On October 21, 2003 the 175^th Anniversary Committee. commissioned Mrs. Charlene Godden Garland , daughter of deceased firefighter Charles Godden, to complete a print to mark this historic occasion. The print itself consists of photos of modern day firefighting equipment and attack techniques as well as nostalgic re-creations of scenes of equipment and firefighters in the dress of early to mid 1900's. Reprints of historic photos and pictures of apparatus owned by the Brigade both hand-drawn and motorized. In the centre of the print you will find the Brigade emblem carrying the tools of firefighting and the documented date of the inception of the brigade at 1830.

A Civic dinner was hosted by the Brigade on August 13^th, 2005 where the print amidst much fanfare was unveiled and presented to the Brigade.

On June 20^th , 2005 Harbour Grace Tourism coordinator Daphne Mercer received approval from Youth Employment Strategy B Skills Development Canada. This grant allowed the hiring of 4 Graduate student workers. The first project taken on by this group was the 175^th Anniversary booklet. The booklet contained the early history of the Brigade as taken from a booklet prepared by ex-chief W. E .Parsons.(deceased), from news paper articles by Robert Lynch, articles from the Telegram of 1944 and research completed by the Youth Employment Strategy Skills and Development Canada Participants.

The second booklet came as the result of a wish from the Celebration Committee Chairman and the availability of a Provincial Job Creation Program, a program employee was working with Harbour Grace Tourism at that time and the idea of having a book containing a brief overview of all the calls responded to by the Brigade over the past 50 years came about. All the records were delivered to Harbour Grace Tourism and the calls were broken down. This information was then past onto the Youth Employment Strategy Team, the second booklet was compiled and both were printed in time for the 175^th Anniversary Celebrations and were also presented at the civic dinner.

Sunday August 14^th, 2005 the entire Brigade Family, including the Active membership, the Top of The Ladder Club, the Ladies Auxiliary and The Juniors Brigade gathered at the Hydrant Club. From there they formed a parade and processed to Historic St. Paul= s Anglican Church for a Celebration Church Service. The Service began with of a presentation of Colours, Presentation of the Brigade= s Symbol of Office and presentation of the Tools of Firefighting.. Members of the Brigade read the scheduled readings for the day and the 175^th Anniversary Choir preformed two selections, Rise: Shine and Because He Lives.

Following the Service a 1 2 Kilometre long parade wove its was through the Town as friends of the brigade, antique cars, clowns, and at least one fire truck from every community bordering Harbour Grace both north and south joined in the climax of the Anniversary Weekend. Those on the Reviewing stand were treated to the best showing of firefighting equipment ever in one place to help Harbour Grace Celebrate its unique milestone

Always a leader in providing firefighting services in the greater Conception Bay North area and celebrating our 175^th Anniversary the Anniversary Committee suggested that membership take on a project as a goal for the celebrations. A motion was made and passed that the Brigade canvass local business seeking donations toward the $20,000 needed to make the purchase. Chief Paul Snow explained the benefits of a thermal Imagining Camera to businessman Mr. Dan Green, Dan decided to lead the charge and himself approach local businesses Through his initiative some $9,000 was raised and presented to the Brigade. Being so close to achieving the goal for the celebrations the membership decided to take the remaining funds needed from its fire Brigade= s own fund raising accounts new purchases budget and buy the Camera. This announcement was made at the Brigade annual Christmas dinner and the Camera package was presented to incoming Chief Miss Sonya William

In 1999 the provincial government gave the Town of Harbour Grace funding to purchase a new pumper. The executive of the day felt the standard issue pumper would not meet the needs of the Brigade and that some $40.000 in improvements would bring the pumper up to their requirements The executive presented a proposal to council outlining the additional dollars needed and council then agreed to finance the addition equipment : however the brigade had to fund rased the monies, the executive approached the membership with a plan.

The membership realizing the direct benefits to the improvements agreed to put a fund raising committee in place to raise $5,000 each year until the $40,000 was paid off. The fist step in payment was the sale of the Brigade= s 1973 pumper #4 this move realized $10,000 toward to funds needed. Each year after that the membership would fund-raise through Take-out Teas, Steak and Egg Breakfasts, and canvas the neighbouring Community of Bristol= s Hope, which lies within the Town= s planning area , for fees for Providing fire fighting services. The last payment on the loan was made at the Christmas Dinner Meeting in our 175^th Anniversary year.

At the annual election of officers in our Celebration year The Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade set another provincial milestone. Miss Sonya Williams, elected by acclamation, became the province= s first lady Fire Chief. Three people were nominated, two declined the post and Sonya accepted the office of Chief of the oldest Volunteer Fire Brigade in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Sonya is a 12 year veteran firefighter with the brigade having served executive positions prior to this year including crew chief and secretary, she is a Level 2 firefighter Gold Seal, has the Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator -Pumper Level Gold Seal, Hazardous Material Awareness Level Gold Seal, and Small Airports Training Certificates Sonya is looking toward serving the citizens of Harbour Grace and the surrounding communities in her term as Chief. Williams said A I am hoping to do A half the job@ of the previous chiefs and If at the end of my term I can look back as see that I made a positive impact on fire protection area then I will be pleased with my term as chief. She continued A I am confident that with the support of the entire membership we will have a successful year in providing fire services and protection in the Harbour Grace area. Her father, Fred, is a life member of the Brigade and remains an active member of the Brigade= s Top of the Ladder Club.

Out going chief Paul Snow Said A We have a had a very successful 175^th Anniversary Celebration Year. I would like to thank all those who participated in the events: the Celebration Committee for a very successful hosting and would like to wish the new Executive a very safe and successful term in office@ .