The Village of Rockyford was a hive of activity on Saturday, April 15, as the Fire Department celebrated its centennial.
Rockyford Fire Brigade was formed on February 5, 1923. Deputy Chief, Mayor and long-time firefighter Darcy Burke explains, according to records, eight or nine men gathered in the office of Secretary-Treasurer of the town, and put the question to the people about fire protection.
“There were 54 names written down that evening at the meeting, the actual residents of the village, and so they decide at that point in time they would organize the fire brigade. Council made a motion to appoint a fire chief, and that chief would select six men to take charge in case of a fire,” Burke explains.
The department has a long and storied history, going from a bucket brigade to a state-of-the-art rural volunteer fire department that serves beyond its borders and has mutual aid partners. Part of the history on display was the department’s original fire truck.
Burke explains it was built by a local garage owner in the village named Ken Henry, and it has been with the department since it was acquired. A few years ago, it was restored and is now the perfect vehicle for parades.
Today, the department has one engine, two tenders, two bush buggies and an all-terrain vehicle. The department is also equipped with highway rescue tools.
“You see where it starts out at, and where you are today,” said Burke.
The highlight of the weekend was a hose-laying competition.
Burke was proud to say the two fastest teams were made up of members of the department. The old timers also got into the act with a team, consisting of Burke, Rosebud firefighter Art Hudson, Gary Geeraert and Regional Fire Chief Mike Bourgon.
This was followed by a free hamburger and hot dog lunch with over 200 served.
They held a banquet in the evening with the department members, old and new, and made some presentations. Long-time firefighter Dave Elder donated a jacket from his time with the department, which will be displayed in the hall.
“It's about the community. The success of the department is because of the backing of the community. Whenever we need to do a little fundraising for equipment, the village folks, the county folks, everybody just steps in,” said Burke. “There is pride and respect in the community, and the fire service is built on the tradition of reselect, and we certainly see that here.”
