They come from all walks of life; businessmen, teachers, moms, construction workers, farmers and ambulance drivers.
But, whatever their profession, the men and women who belong to Rimbey Volunteer Fire Department all have the same objectives in mind.
They want to make a difference and they want to help.
And they do just that.
Fire Chief John Weisgerber said there are about 23 members on the department, presently. More are always needed, he added.
“We always need people who are available during the day. There is a constant turnover with people moving in and out of town.”
The department accepts new members who are in good physical condition and are ready and willing to be trained.
“Once you decide to join, we will do the training,” Weisgerber said.
The fire department covers the area West of the Fifth Meridian in Ponoka County and their equipment includes two pumpers, a tanker and a rescue unit, an off road bush truck and a ranger.
Calls, which can happen anytime during the day or night, are going up.
“Right now we are only about five calls short of the number we had all of last year,” the fire chief said. “And every year they go up.”
The fire department responds to all calls, whether they are for accidents or fires.
“We go where we are needed,” said Weisgerber.
Being a fire fighter is a challenging and rewarding job, but it can be emotionally difficult at times, he added.
“You always meet people on the worst day of their lives or at the very least, a pretty bad day,” he said. “That’s the hardest thing.”
The fire department practices on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the fire hall.
Fire prevention week is Oct. 5 – 11 and Rimbey fire department reminds the public to drop in to their open house to be held Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. at the fire hall.
Hotdogs and refreshments will be served and the firemen will be on hand to chat.
The theme of this year’s fire prevention week is Smoke Alarms Save Lives.
Smoke alarms should be tested every month.