Home Hardware and Canadian Tire at the Invermere crossroads were a beehive of activity last Saturday (Oct. 27)as the seven fire departments in the Columbia Valley gathered for the first Trucks and Tools Fire Department Showcase.

“The event was fantastic,” says Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Service Deputy Chief, Martin Caldwell. “It was quite a sight to see all the trucks and firefighters in one location, and this was evident by the number of drivers who slowed down or turned around to see what all the commotion was about.”

Crews from the Fairmont Hot Springs, Windermere, Invermere, Panorama, Radium Hot Springs, Canal Flats and Edgewater Fire Departments split the fleet between Home Hardware and Canadian Tire to showcase their tools, recruit new members, and raise money for Radium Fire Department’s Medical Equipment fund. “Local Volunteer Firefighters served up hot dogs, brats, and beverages and thanks to the generous support of the public, we sold out by 2 p.m.,” adds Caldwell. At the end of the afternoon, over $800 was raised for the Fund.

The event was part of the fall recruiting drive and throughout the day, new candidate names were collected and application packages handed out. Department members also had the opportunity to share their stories and experiences.

“We would like to extend a huge thanks to the owners and staff of Canadian Tire and Home Hardware and Bram Rossman of Extreme Xposures Photosgraphy for their generous help and support with this initiative,” says Caldwell.

The 2012 RDEK Recruiting Drive closes November 30. If you would like information on how you can join or support your local Volunteer Fire Department, please visit the “Columbia Valley Fire & Rescue” Facebook page, or contact the Windermere Fire Department at 250-342-6214.

Photos by Bram Rossman of Extreme Xposures Photosgraphy

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