Warner volunteer firefighters have strong ties to community

Posted on November 14, 2024 by admin

By Heather Cameron
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

“The Warner Volunteer Fire Department offers quick and effective response to fires, medical emergencies and other disasters, helping to protect lives and properties, increased awareness and education about fire safety, prevention, and emergency preparedness, fostering a culture of safety,” said Kim Owen, Director of Corporate Services for the Village of Warner. 

The Warner Volunteer Fire Department officially started in September 1960, and currently has 18 men and women on their volunteer department, Owen says. The department was started by Les Warner and Bob Johnston, at which time there were 17 members and from 1960 until the present, the Warner Volunteer Fire Department has been working to raise money for new equipment and keeping the recruitment and retention numbers up.

“As a small department we are lucky to have the equipment that we do but it has seen quite a few years,” said Owen. “We have a County Pumper stocked with hose, foam and a little bit of traffic control items and of course breathing apparatus, a water truck that is stocked with the obvious, two bush trucks stocked with water and pump, brooms and traffic control items. Our rescue truck is stocked with cribbing, jaws of life, air pads, breathing apparatus, medical equipment, axes etc.”

In terms of training, Owen says, the Warner Volunteer Fire Department has six members that have completed their 10-10 Training along with hazmat training. We are starting another course at the end of October along with a Medical First Response program.

Regarding calls, Owen says, the Warner Volunteer Fire Department averages approximately 50 to 60 medical and fire calls a year. 

“With the very dry spring and summer we had this last year we are lucky enough to say that the fire calls are almost none,” said Owen. “Thank you to all the members of the community and farmers that are being more fire aware. Our volunteer fire departments play a crucial role in our community. We provide essential emergency services, often with a strong commitment from our dedicated volunteers who are deeply connected to their neighbors.”

That role in the community, Owen says, includes involvement in community events.

“We host events like open houses, hosting school classes at the hall, and our annual Santa Claus Parade and fireworks and we also have a Facebook page, and we advertise in our Village Matters Newsletter,” said Owen. “We have participated in races at the Warner Airport, and the Warner Days Parade. Our 5th Annual Santa Clause Parade and Fire Works show will also be this December 14 beginning at 7 p.m. It’s all free! We rely on donations for the fireworks show. There will be advertisements on our Facebook page.”

 The Village of Warner, Owen says, admires the Warner Volunteer Fire Department’s commitment, especially considering they often train and respond to emergencies while balancing jobs and family life.

“Our volunteer firefighters have strong ties to our community, which fosters trust and support,” said Owen. “Overall, our well-supported volunteer fire department been a source of pride for our community. Our amazing community stands behind us 100 percent with amazing support by the means of farmers who are water haulers and community members that make amazing donations towards equipment that we need to do our job. Many people feel grateful for our service, recognizing the sacrifices and training involved. It’s not just the volunteer members that need praise! It is also the significant others and families that these men and women have to leave in a moment’s notice to go and help someone that they may or may not know. It’s the dedicated time spent away from family to train on what they could possibly come upon but as a volunteer you can never expect the unexpected. Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”