This coming October the Drumheller Fire Department is going to be celebrating its 100 years of operation in the valley.
On October 1, 1919, Mr. William Guterson was appointed fire chief, signaling the first time Drumheller had an organized fire department. Current Firefighter Keith Hodgson says prior to the formation of the brigade there had been attempts to organize and there was an unofficial brigade.
“Prior to 1919, they did have some equipment, but they didn’t have an organized group of people. Whenever there was a fire, they let off a siren, and depending on the number of rings, it told people what part of the town it was in, and anyone who was able-bodied was supposed to attend and try to help with the fire.
According to the book, The Hills of Home, there were 14 original members. By 1921 the department had two hand drawn reels, four playpipes, two hydrant hose gates, 1250 feet of cotton hose and two ladders. Hodgson says local lore dictates that Chief Guterson brought the ladders.
“He was a painter I believe and because he had ladders someone suggested he be fire chief,” Hodgson tells the Mail.
One reel was kept at the Sutherland Block on 3rd Avenue. The other was stored in a garage on the corner of Railway Avenue and 1st Street West. Shortly after forming the brigade it was recommended that a hall should be built with accommodation for the men and space to dry hoses. A building was prepared.
In 1922, a new town hall was built, that included a police station, cells, town offices, a courtroom and the magistrate’s office as well as space for the brigade and its apparatus. Also in 1922, they acquired a combination chemical and hose carrier mounted on a Ford chassis. In 1928 a Pontiac hose truck was purchased.
Like many prairie towns, there were notable fires over the years including Regent Theatre and the White House Hotel. Tragedy struck in 1937 when Harry Lefebre perished fighting a fire at the Vickers Hardware Store. Lefebre was the brother-in-law of Chief Guterson. In 1951 Adolph Guterson, son of William perished battling the Napier Theatre fire. He was 23.
Through the years the department grew and adopted new technology. Today it is still a volunteer service and has fire halls in central Drumheller as well as in Rosedale and East Coulee.
The main centennial celebration will be on October 17. There will be a banquet inviting the community and former firefighters. There will also be displays and history at the event, and stories shared.
“Luigi Vescarelli has come back to help us plan the event, so we are working on as much of it as we can,” said Hodgson.
Leading up to the celebrations, the department will be honoured by having the theme of the Canada Day Parade. Hodgson says they are looking at a possible event such as an Open House on that day.
Hodgson has set up the Drumheller Fire Department 100th Anniversary Facebook page that will have more details of the celebration as it approaches. Hodgson says he plans on sharing tidbits of the Drumheller Fire Department history on this page.
Hodgson adds they are interested in items or memorabilia from the history of the fire department to display during the celebration.
“We want to capture some of this history from the people are still around,” he said.
He has also set up the email drumfire100@kch.ca for those interested in learning more or who wish to get involved.
