Caronport Fire Rescue is competing in a provincial contest against 33 other emergency organizations for a chance to win one of two prizes worth $24,000.
My Mutual Insurance is holding a Responders First contest from Sept. 17 to 24 that could see two volunteer first responder groups receive $24,000 each.
Visit www.mymutualinsurance.ca to cast your vote.
“In a world that seems to be out for themselves, there exists the selfless nature of the First Responder. If you are a First Responder, My Mutual Insurance wants to thank you and celebrate you for what you do for your community,” the website said. “My Mutual holds our First Responders very near to our hearts and are thankful for these brave individuals who put people first.”
As of Sept. 17, Caronport Fire Rescue (CFR) sat in second place with 180 votes, after the Redvers Fire Department.
A member of the fire department raised the idea of participating in the contest, explained deputy Fire Chief Amy Long. The team thought it was a good opportunity since it would build community support and help the department put its name out there again.
The organization held a successful fall supper last October, but couldn’t this year due to the pandemic, she added. So, this contest was another way to develop support among the community.
Caronport Fire Rescue is composed of 18 members who train and serve as firefighters and first responders. CFR responds to roughly 70 to 80 calls per year, while it handled 90 calls —its highest-ever total — three years ago. The department covers 1,476 square kilometres (570 square miles) of farmland and pasture, along with the villages of Caronport and Mortlach and hamlets of Caron and Parkbeg. It also covers a long stretch of Highway 1.
The organization is on track to respond to similar numbers this year, Long said. First responders didn’t respond to too many calls when the pandemic struck, but so far, they have handled 57 calls.
The unit has also served as medical and fire support at community functions such as the Mortlach Berry Festival, Caronport Day, Caron’s Touch-A-Truck events, Briercrest’s YouthQuake, and area sporting events.
“It’s a good thing to be involved in the community … because so many of our volunteers live in our community,” said Long. “Whenever there is an emergency, the fire department, we’re the ones who respond, aside from police.”
Only one-third of the organization’s calls are related to fire, she continued. Another third is related to motor vehicle collisions, while another third is related to medical emergencies. Some of the department’s core values have always been to be active in the community and serve it where possible.
For example, members ensure that fire extinguishers at the college and other public places are maintained properly. They have also helped the school to create, test and maintain its fire drill procedures and muster points for the dormitories. Fire Chief Rod Appleby — a recipient of the Governor General’s Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal — also mows the ditches around Caronport to prevent grass fires.
The department attempts to train when it can, said Long. Usually, there are regular practices where firefighters use the Jaws of Life and their self-contained breathing apparatuses to know how to use these tools when going into a situation.
Four members plan to travel to Pense soon to participate in hazardous waste training and receive certification in that area.
Besides responding to calls, CFR hasn’t held too many practices during the past few months due to the coronavirus, Long added. However, they plan to start soon since there are new members to train, while the rest of the unit needs to be prepared for whatever comes its way.
