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Dec. 10, 2012, Waubauschene, Ont. – If someone were to ask you to
describe your fire department in three words, what would they be?

Tradition? Respect? Family?

We were at a fire department Christmas party on the weekend and those three words are ones that come to mind for me. After a fantastic roast beef dinner (kudos again to the ladies of the Waubaushene Legion!!), the firefighter emcee started off the speeches by commenting on the many changes that had occurred in his fire hall this year.

His speech was heartfelt as he acknowledged the contribution to the fire department of the two fellas who were moving on (one to Barrie Fire and Emergency Services and one to the Canadian Armed Forces) and how they would be missed. He then welcomed the “new guys” to the family, both the recruits and the one who transferred from another hall.

Following that, the officers all took turns welcoming everyone and saying a few words, as did as the new guys and the deputy chief. What struck me was the sense of tradition in the hall, the obvious respect the members have for one another, and the feeling of one big family. Members who spoke all made similar comments.

Also at the dinner were the wives of some members who have passed on. They expressed deep appreciation for being included year after year, and I was touched by how the family feeling was extended to everyone there. It was clear that the bonds that have been formed among the members in the hall over the years have remained strong.

No matter what fire department or fire hall you belong to, the feeling of being a part of a family is in all of them; it’s essential for us to be able to do what we do. You never know what you may be thrown into on a call, but knowing and trusting your fellow firefighters allows you to do it anyway. People may come and go and there may be some ups and downs, as in any family, but the bonds, once formed, remain.

All in all, good people, good party, good time.

There is, however, one thing they had at that party that we don’t have at ours . . . a karaoke machine. That’s probably not a bad thing.