69th Anniversary

The Grand Bank Volunteer Fire Department marked the passage of another year Saturday.

The organization hosted its 69th annual firefighter’s banquet at the Grand Bank Lions Centre.

During his report, Fire Chief Tony Snook acknowledged the department responded to eight emergency calls in the past 12 months.

They included an electrical fire that started when a clothes dryer caught fire, a fire involving a utility trailer, a brush fire at Farmers Hill that resulted in the loss of a cabin, a light pole fire, a call to assist a couple trapped by ice in their cabin at Little Barasway, a report of smoke in a home, a request to assist the Fortune fire department with a fire and a false alarm.

Snook said the fire department had a busy year of training and other activities, particularly during Fire Prevention Week in October, when some 80 children visited the Fire Hall for an open house.

The department acknowledged the retirements of two members during the banquet. Dorman Scott and Alex Hatcher have hung up their fires hoses after serving 24 years and 13 years, respectively.

Three other active members, meanwhile, were recognized for their years of service. Gordie Rose and Dean Thornhill have both reached 15 years while Wade Matthews has served for 10 years.

Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador president Churence Rogers was in attendance for this year’s event, visiting the area for the Burin Peninsula Joint Council’s annual general meeting earlier in the day.

He noted the important role fire departments play in their communities during his greetings.

“We truly appreciate the work that you do, and we encourage you to continue on,” he said.