The Morrin Fire Department has a proud history of serving the community, and this year, the department will be marking its centennial.
This year the department will celebrate 100 years. What started as a bucket brigade in response to serious fires in the community, has grown into a modern volunteer fire department.
“We are fortunate to be here when we turn 100, and past members are the reason why,” said current fire chief Darcy Davidson.
On March 13, 1922, a meeting was held, and William Kirby was elected as the first Fire Chief of the Morrin Fire Brigade. There was a roster of 25 active members and seven officers.
According to an extensive history of the department, written by former Fire Chief Larry Anderson in the Blooming Prairie II, the second edition of the Morrin History book, one of their first recommendations was to forward the village a request to purchase an electric bell as a fire alarm and to also to be rung on the eve of the Fire Brigade’s meetings. They didn’t get that bell right away but instead used a circular saw as an alarm.
In June of that year, the brigade discussed where they could locate a chemical engine (soda acid fire extinguisher).
It wasn’t long before they were called into service. On December 12 of that year, the Morrin Flour Mill burned overnight with damages estimated at $10,000.
In 1924, the village was asked to provide the brigade with two axes, four lanterns, two nose respirators, and a box large enough to hold all of the fire fighting equipment. Dealing with the weather in Southern Alberta and around that time, they also canvassed for spaces to store water for the bucket brigade where it would not freeze up.
In 1950, Kirkby resigned from the force, however, he was named Honorary Fire Chief. The department has a dozen chiefs in its 100-year history.
The first piece of apparatus aside from the soda acid extinguishers was a 1940 Dodge truck with a reel that would hook up to hydrants, which were installed in the village in 1955.
In 1956, they finally sold the soda acid wagons, and the department purchased a 1950 Ford Lafrance pumper from Drumheller, their first specialized apparatus.
Even in the early meeting minutes of the brigade was its dedication to the community. Even in the early days, the membership was raising funds for the skating rink and the tennis courts, with firefighters making personal donations to the causes.
The community involvement has endured. Davidson notes the department has, for a long time, been active at Christmas, this year even held a parade in the village during COVID protocols, bringing Santa Claus along for the youngsters. Doug Grenville, Vern Riggs, Cliff Upton, and others took their turn as jolly old St. Nick.
They have also contributed to the new Morrin School project.
The department also raised funds to update and modernize its fleet and has made great strides, most recently adding a bush truck.
The department also enjoys a partnership with Starland County. While Morrin and Delia are municipal departments, they serve a fire district, and also help serve the surrounding area with neighboring departments.
Last year they responded to 19 calls, which includes everything from structure fires, highway calls, bushfires, and medical assistance. While they're not currently Medical First Responders, they are completing training and certifications. The department also has extrication tools at the ready and is working towards certifications.
They are currently 22 members strong and have four apparatus at the ready to respond.
For Chief Davidson, he says his motivation to serve the community comes from his father, who was chief in 1993-1994. His mentor is former Chief Larry Anderson who served as chief for about 14 years.
“It is a way I can give back where others can’t. That's important to me,” he said.
He credits all the men who have volunteered over the years to lead and to follow in the tradition of protecting life and infrastructure.
“Any fire service requires people to give that time, it is very important.”
They are looking at possibly planning an event to mark the centennial as COVID restrictions are relaxed.