Granum Fire Department - Granum, Alberta, Canada

History: 2003

January
- A New Year and a New Fire Chief. Rick Kehoe took over as the new Fire Chief in July of 2002 - James Dautremont became the new Deputy Chief.
- Our Dept. belongs to the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association.

Roster

Jaws Of Life Project

The G.F.D. started a new project in February of 2003. It was decided that due to the increased volume of traffic and the increase in highway traffic accidents, purchasing the Jaws of Life was a high priority for the G.F.D.

The G.F.D's annual supper in February 2003 was the start date for fund raising. All proceeds from the supper went to the Jaws of Life fund. $4,700 was raised to start the project. This included several large donations from local residents. Safety Codes Officer, Don Douglas, and Deputy Chief, James Dautremont, were in charge of the fund raising committee. The G.F.D. applied to the Provincial Government for a Community Initiatives Program Grant. With the help of the local M.L.A., David Coutts, the G.F.D. was successful in obtaining $15,000 for the Jaws of Life Project.

The project consisted of two phases. Phase one would purchase the basic equipment consisting of a cutter and spreader at a cost of $20,000. Phase Two included the extra tools for lifting which cost $10,000.

On April 26, 2003 the G.F.D. held a Fire Extinguisher Day and press conference. M.L.A. David Coutts was on hand to present the G.F.D. with a cheque for $15,000, obtained through the Community Initiatives Program. With the proceeds from the supper the G.F.D. were able to purchase the spreader and cutter completing Phase One.

In the following months the G.F.D. received $5,300 from the local Curling Club and $500 from the Granum Drop-In Centre. Another $3,000 in donations was also received.

On June 6-8 the School Reunion was held in Granum. Registrations exceeded 700 people. The Lions Club from Claresholm supplied the meal for Saturday evening. It was estimated that 650 people were present for the supper. The Lions Club intends to donate all their profits to the Jaws of Life Project. The G.F.D. expect to soon reach the goal of $10,000 and complete the project in record time.

David Coutts M.L.A. for Livingstone Macleod Minister of Govt. services presenting the Granum Fire Dept. with a cheque for $15,000 under the Community Initiatives Grant Program this helped us to purchase Jaws Of Life phase 1 project.

February
GFD Annual Supper & Silent Auction was a huge success! Over 350 people attend this year's event. The supper was prepared by the Fire Department members; they cooked 144lbs of roast beef, 112lbs of turkey, 150lbs of potatoes, and 50lbs of turnips, topped off with 20 gals of ice cream. The auction raised over $1,500.00 and the supper raised $2,500. With additional donations a total of $4,700 was raised to go toward the purchase of The Jaws of Life (estimated cost: $20,000). The highlight of the evening was a presentation of the Queens Medal to a former Mayor of Granum. David Coutts, Minister of Government Services, made the presentation to Larry Demeare for his service and leadership over the past 40 years.

March
Our Dept. sponsored a livestock extrication course. We had 16 members take this course. The Ontario Dept. of Agriculture sent one of their key people to take this course. The Dept. learned new methods for extricating different types of livestock from large cattle liner trailers.

April
STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service) helicopter pilots gave an orientation course for landing zones for the Air Ambulance.

May
The Dept. purchased Jaws Of Life consisting of three major components - spreader, cutter and power units - for a cost of $20,480.00. Some members were already trained, and a vehicle extrication course was scheduled for the remaining members.

June
Granum Fire Dept. hosted a co-ed slow pitch tournament. Monies were earned from the concession and tournament.

July
Our Chief attended the Fire Chiefs Convention in Grande Prairie, Alberta.

August
One new member applied for membership - Cody Murray.

September
Fire Extinquisher Days Demonstration. Many people learned how to safely and correctly handle a hand fire extinguisher. Burgers, pop and fresh farm eggs were on sale.

October
Fire Safety program for Kindergarten to Grade 4 was held at the Granum Schools and Granum Hutterite Colony School. This safety coloring program was sanctioned by the Fire Commissioners Office and MacDonalds Canada. Winners were selected for the coloring contest - Danielle Schluer and Lauren Hann. They received plush fire bears and fire hats for their efforts.

November
- Purchased new pagers and radios; the Dept. continually upgrades communications. - Purchased a Garmin GPS which helps STARS locate the scene more quickly.

December
- Our Fire Dept. hosted a Vehicle Extrication course with instructors from Lethbridge Fire HQ. We had 14 members write their final exam and all passed with an average of 88%.
- Travis McQuigge made application for our Fire Dept.
- Fire Chief announced his resignation for the end of December as he will moving and living out of the area.
- Elections will be the first item for 2004.

Vehicle Extrication Course

The Granum Fire Department hosted a vehicle extrication course Dec. 6-7, 13-14, 2003. This 30 hour course was taught by fire training officers Ken Mercer and Dave Heatherington from the Lethbridge Fire Department. 14 fire fighters came from Barons, Nobleford, Fort Macleod and Granum to participate in this Alberta Fire Training School sanctioned certificate course.

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