A busy year for Raymond Fire Department

Westwind Weekly News Photo Submitted

By Heather Cameron
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

R

aymond Fire Department Assistant Deputy Chief Chad Coppieters says that 2025 has been ‘a busy year’ for the Raymond Fire Department.

To that end, Coppieters says, the department has had approximately 100 calls this year, including lots of Medical First Response calls, fires, motor vehicle collisions, and other calls.

The Raymond Fire Department, Coppieters says, is comprised of 21 volunteer members who work in a variety of careers but come together to serve the citizens of Raymond and area when there is a need.

“Our volunteer members are our most valuable asset,” said Coppieters. “When we invest in them, they invest in our community, and it shows.” 

In addition to people, Coppieters says, the Raymond Fire Department has also invested heavily in our equipment over the past five years. 

“We have replaced our two front line pumpers, replaced out airboat with a new jet boat, rebuilt our air compressor station that supplies us with clean breathable air during emergencies, and we just replace one of our wildland mini pumpers a few weeks ago,” said Coppieters. “This equipment complements our water tender, other pumper, Rescue Vehicle with SCBA’s and Rescue tools, another Wildland mini pumper, a command unit, and a side-by-side wildland unit.”

Recent grants from the provincial government, Coppieters says, have also allowed for the training of newer volunteers.

“We recently completed a NFPA 1001 Level 2 Course for several of our members, and last year we participated in a NFPA 1021 Officer Training Course for our veteran members,” said Coppieters. “Additional members attend a training course to learn about extrication and fires pertaining to electric vehicles. The Town of Raymond Director of Emergency Management also hosted an ICS – 200 course targeting specific responsibilities during disasters and large-scale events using the Incident Command System where about 13 members of our community received certification. We appreciate the Town of Raymond and the County of Warner councils for their continued support. This enables us to provide a high caliber level of service for our residents.”