Department welcomes increased membership and support
In 1982, when the Glassville Fire Department was first established, there were only 14 or 15 members, recalls founding Glassville firefighter Gailen Allen.
Today, the department has 32 members, more than double the original count, with most of that growth occurring in the last few years.
“Our department as a whole has put in 2,750 hours [in the last year],” said Chief Al Downey, highlighting the commitment of the department’s members.
What’s more remarkable, said Allen, is the number of young volunteers.
”Once we started doing the [equipment] upgrades and got the word out [that] we’re going to do the expansions, our membership went from 15 or 18 right up to 32.”
These upgrades include a heating system and a generator, as well as two extensions to the fire hall, all of which have been funded by the District of Carleton North municipality.
In the near future, the department will purchase new equipment, including an additional fire engine, an air compressor to refill the department’s oxygen bottles, and an on-site water reservoir.
“We’ve had the luxury of dealing with a municipal government, mayor, councillors, and CAO, who have all been tremendously supportive,” said Downey.
Some of the land needed for their expansion was donated by McCain Produce, which Mayor Andrew Harvey described as great neighbours.
These upgrades began shortly after Glassville was amalgamated into Carlton North during the municipal reform process in 2023.
Allan said the shift from being part of an LSD, which meant provincial control, to having the department under municipal control has been transformative.
“I’m really pleased with the way it’s unfolded,” said Allen.
“I think it’s been a good thing,” commented Harvey.
Harvey said that since amalgamation, fire departments like Glassville’s have had direct access to various representatives, including the town’s CAO.
“With amalgamation, this is all municipal tax dollars that fuels this and Juniper and everyone else,” said Harvey, motioning to the firehall as he spoke, “We try to spend that wisely.”
Harvey also noted that Carlton North’s six departments now have over 130 firefighters, a sharp rise from recent years.
Downey and Harvey agreed that members’ commitment has fueled the department’s transformation more than anything else.
In recent years, the department has also introduced new training, including the use of a “Jaws of Life” hydraulic cutter and auto-extraction techniques.
“With all these new members, the future looks much brighter now,” Allen said proudly.
“There’s always a job at the fire hall, doesn’t matter who you are, you’re going to have a fit,” said Downey, noting that they are still open to more members.
“Everyone treats you like you’re welcome, there’s no outcasts,” said Victoria Everett, the newest member of the department, nodding in agreement with Downey.
The Glassville Fire Department will be hosting an open house on Saturday, June 27.
Interested individuals are invited to attend the open house or head to the Glassville Fire Hall on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Glassville Fire Department, you can contact Chief Downey at 506-325-8229.
