By Treena Mielke
Ponoka County West District Fire Department has made a few changes to their parking lot to ensure they can respond as quickly as possible to calls.
“Every minute, every second counts,” said Dennis Jones Regional Fire Chief for Ponoka County.
To ensure the public doesn’t park in parking spaces designated for volunteer firefighters additional cement blocks have been set up to define the area.
“We are trying to properly identify our designated parking for our volunteer firefighters so they are getting parked as close as possible to our fire hall so they are not delayed in responding to life and property saving emergencies.”
Jones said drivers are welcome to park on the west side of the blocks, although it is not public property.
“As good neighbours we are still allowing public parking on the west side of our lot but people are cautioned that they park at their own risk.
Jones said the West District Fire Department always welcomes new members.
“We have a few openings for volunteer firefighters if any local residents are interested in becoming local heroes,” he said.
Training, gear and equipment are provided, there is a small benefit package, members are paid per call and are eligible for a tax break.
An annual appreciation barbecue is held every year.
Jones said members enjoy a comradeship and have fun together.
“They really are a good crew,” he said.
There are about 22 members, four of which are female, on the West District Fire Department.
Anyone interested in becoming a member of the fire department should phone Jones at 403-783-3333 or email him at dennisjones@ponokacounty.com