Remembering the ‘Hall of Flame’ Fire Chief’s contributions to his community and passion for New Brunswick firefighters
Mike Walton’s impact as a community leader, councillor and businessman will remain part of the Hartland community for generations, but his devotion to Hartland’s and New Brunswick’s firefighters proved iconic. Walton died of cancer on Feb. 24, 2025.
“He breathed it,” said Hartland Fire Department Deputy Chief Roy Reid and Walton’s lifelong friend.
While acknowledging Walton’s tremendous contributions as a building developer, business owner, council member and community volunteer, Reid said firefighting held a special place in Walton’s heart since he joined the department in the mid-70s. Walton joined the department in 1975 and became chief in 1982.
Reid recalled the 1980 blaze that destroyed much of downtown Hartland.
He said Walton, who he believed was a lieutenant at the time, realized the department lacked the necessary equipment to battle such a blaze.
“Mike said that’s not going to happen again,” Roy said.
Over the next four decades, Walton was pivotal in equipping the small-town fire department with the equipment to protect residents and property.
One of the valuable pieces of equipment Walton helped secure for the department and the region helped Hartland firefighters pay tribute to their leader before Christmas when he was a patient at the Upper Valley River Valley Hospital, unable to receive visitors.
The crew brought the ladder truck to the hospital and raised it to Walton’s window. Crew members took turns at the top of the ladder to wave hello to their chief.
“He really liked that,” Reid said. “The nurses were impressed.”
The respect Walton earned from his crew and the Hartland community spread beyond the borders of the Covered Bridge Community.
Walton’s colleague, Woodstock Fire Chief Harold McLellan, witnessed his devotion to firefighting and firefighters for nearly half a century.
“That was his passion,” said McLellan.
In a devastating post issued Monday, Feb. 24, the town of Hartland announced Walton’s death.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Councillor Mike Walton. Mike was a dedicated and active community member, serving as Hartland’s Fire Chief, a valued council member, and a respected businessman. His commitment to Hartland and his unwavering service to others have left a lasting impact on our town.
“On behalf of the Mayor, Council, and staff, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mike’s family and friends during this difficult time. His leadership, kindness, and dedication will truly be missed.”
McLellan said he remembered when Walton replaced Phillip Orser as Hartland fire chief, describing Walton as a dedicated chief of the Hartland Fire Department and an effective leader for the Central Valley Fire Fighters Association and the New Brunswick Association of Fire Chiefs.
McLellan recalled Walton’s instrumental role in acquiring a mobile burn trailer for the region. He said the trailer is a vital training unit for firefighters.
As chiefs of neighbouring communities, McLellan said he and Walton supported their respective teams and each other on numerous occasions.
McLellan also noted their longtime friendship.
“We shared many good times and many not so good times,” McLellan said.
In a social media post, the New Brunswick Association of Fire Chiefs expressed its condolences on Chief Walton’s passing.
“Chief Walton served several terms with the New Brunswick Association of Fire Chiefs in various roles, including the office of President. He will be dearly missed,” the post read.
NBAFC president Scott Poupart said Walton was an active member of the association for more than 20 years, serving as a director and executive member representing the Central Valley Firefighters Association and as NBAFC president from 2017 to 2019.
Poupon said Chief Walton served the interest of firefighters across the province and the nation, participating in several trips to Ottawa for the annual Government Relations Week and Fire Chiefs on the Hill.
“During this week fire chiefs from across Canada would meet with MP’s and Senators of all parties on behalf of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs to bring the needs of the fire service forward to the federal government,” explained Poupart.
He said Chief Walton, or “Mike,” as he preferred, participated in meetings with provincial government representatives and gained great respect within government departments, especially the Office of the Fire Marshal.
“Mike excelled in guiding the financial business of the association, ensuring its viability and financial succession,” Poupart said.
Like Chief McLellan, Poupart noted the purchase of the prototype mobile burn unit as one of Walton’s outstanding accomplishments.
Poupon also noted the Hartland fire chief’s role in establishing presumptive cancer coverage for New Brunswick’s volunteer fire service members.
“Chief Walton’s dedication and hard work throughout all of his years with the fire service was recognized with his rewarding of the most prestigious award presented by the New Brunswick Association of Fire Chiefs when he was inducted into the Hall of Flame in 2019,” said Poupart.
Reid acknowledged how hard it is to say goodbye to his lifelong friend, noting their friendship dates back to their early teens.
“Mike lived at the bottom of the hill near the river,” Reid said. “I called him River Rat. He call me and my friends the Hill Top Gang.”
Reid credited hard work and garnering the respect of others for Walton’s success in delivering on community projects, fire department improvements, business ideas and other ideas.
“Mike had one gear, high speed,” he said.
While Walton earned the respect of top officials across the province and the country, he always treated his firefighting team and community members he served with high respect. They reciprocated.
“He was a great leader,” said Reid.
Michael Dale Walton was the son of Evangeline and the late Wesley Walton. He was also predeceased by two brothers, Lewis Walton and Paul Walton.
Michael is survived by his wife, Carolyn Walton of Hartland; children, Gregory Walton (Meredith) of Simonds, Amy Brown (Philip) of Hartland; grandchildren, Kyle Walton, Daniel Walton, Julianna Walton, Mason Brown, Janessa Brown; mother, Evangeline Walton of Hartland; siblings, Carolyn Swim (Robert) of Bubartown, Rosalie Walton (Jan Koops) of Somerville, Jeannie Wilson (Stephen) of Fredericton, Clarence Walton (Stephanie) of Howard Brook, Jeffrey Walton (Laurie) of Somerville, Nancy Prosser (Walter) of Stickney, Wade Walton (Kathy) of Moncton; sister-in-law, Cindy Walton of Hartland; nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at the Hartland Wesleyan Church, 115 Somerville Road, Somerville, NB, on Thursday, Feb. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the church on Friday, Feb. 28, at 2 p.m., with Pastor David Wilcox and Pastor Brian Murray officiating. The interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. If so desired, donations may be made to the Town of Hartland Fire Department’s new fire truck fund.
