The fighters and their loved ones gathered in the morning at the rue Bernard barracks for a recognition ceremony and a light snack. From the outset, the guests observed a moment of silence to the sound ofAve Mariathe instrumental track in homage to firefighters.
It was the director of the local fire department who got the ball rolling. Fond of the past and its stories, Patrick Gallagher gave a speech with a historical flavor, recalling a famous African proverb. To know where we are going, we must know where we come from.
Patrick Gallagher, director of the Waterloo Regional Fire Department. (Nicolas T. Parent/La Voix de l’Est)
“We have a rich history, a well-established culture, with a breath of fresh air that has recently been blowing. New skills, new collaborations. A new team, attached to the service, which has chosen our community to launch its career,” declared the director of the Regional Fire Safety Service (SSI) of Waterloo.
The passion for the profession would die out without the support and resilience of family. In passing, Patrick Gallagher also underlined the dedication and understanding of these loved ones – spouses, friends, parents, children… – gathered at the barracks. “We want to tell you… you are part of the success and achievements of the fire department,” he admitted at the lectern.
Another highlight: the tribute to the missing and their loved ones, regardless of the era or the territory. We first played a song written in tribute to the firefighters who died in action.
“The impact that the situation can have on the spouse. He walks out the door, but will he come back? Sometimes we don’t think about it. It is not only a nightmare for the spouse, but also for the officers. Our mission: always to ensure that the firefighter is safe, healthy, and comes home.”
“We must keep it in mind, and salute the sacrifice. It’s a risk, it’s part of our life. When a firefighter goes on a mission, it is to help his neighbor.”
— Patrick Gallagher, Director of the Waterloo Regional Fire Safety Service (SSI)
Promising succession, dedicated veterans
The speeches gave way to the presentation of plaques and certificates. The next generation first stood up, invited on stage, to the applause of colleagues and the public. We also honored the contribution of firefighters who have several years of loyal service.
Among them, Captain Pierre Brien. Very involved, he is well known as a local municipal councilor. This time, it was as head of first responders and logistics that he received a brilliant tribute and a certificate illustrating his 40 years of service within the Waterloo SSI. Certainly, colleagues wish to count on him, to benefit from his vast experience, for several more years.
Waterloo firefighters pose with their social club’s brand new logo. (Nicolas T. Parent/La Voix de l’Est)
A special day
In the afternoon, the Joseph-Gallagher fire station welcomed local residents and those from partner municipalities protected by the Waterloo SSI for nearly 75 years, namely Sainte-Anne-de-la-Rochelle, Saint-Étienne- de-Bolton, Stukely-Sud, Saint-Joachim-de-Shefford and Warden.
This festive and free day was an opportunity for the community to understand the role of firefighters, which is not limited to putting out fires. Between civil security interventions, first responder service, water rescue, extrication and fire prevention, the tasks are varied, but too little known to the population.
The youngest received hats and coloring books. Several activities were held during the open house. (Nicolas T. Parent/La Voix de l’Est)
The public was able to discover the installations, vehicles and equipment, tour the trucks, and attend conferences on prevention and the profession. Demonstrations and simulations were also on the schedule. Not to mention an exhibition on the history of the service and the major fires in the region.
As for the youngest ones, they could have fun in the inflatable games and indulge in outdoor activities. On site, the Sûreté du Québec checked children’s car seats free of charge. The Red Cross, paramedics and the Haute-Yamaska Rescue Unit were also there. We helped guests register for the bciti+ citizen alert system.
Place for prevention
We were celebrating much more than the 150th anniversary of the service. This day also kicked off Fire Prevention Week, held this year from October 6 to 12.
On average, 13 houses are damaged by fire every day in the province. Each year, there are an average of 308 injuries and 27,000 people evacuated.
Caution is the watchword. Over the next few days, the Waterloo firefighters will have a kiosk at the Métro supermarket, located on Foster Street. Those interested will be able to learn more about good practices aimed at avoiding disaster.
