The Bowen Island Fire Department (BIFD) held its annual open house last Saturday at the new Satellite Fire Hall on Adams Road. There was a high turnout and the public was able get fire safety tips, have fire extinguishers serviced, take part in demonstrations and see the new firetruck.
The event went from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and close to the end, fire chief Brian Biddlecombe presided over a brief ceremony. He noted that the new hall is welcome and will serve Bowen well for many years. He said the new firetruck, which arrived about a month ago, was an "exceptional" piece of equipment and, like the hall, a great addition to the island's firefighting capabilities.
To a great round of applause, chief Biddlecombe turned to Bowen's volunteer firefighting crew, thanking them for the time and effort they put in on behalf of the safety of islanders. He noted that adding all the years of experience of Bowen's volunteer firefighting crew comes to some 520 years.
Taking a good-natured jab at Lloyd Harding, the veteran of the bunch, Biddlecombe mentioned that there is far less experience if Harding's years in the BIFD aren't counted. "If you take Lloyd out of the equation," he said. "Those 520 years become about 180." A highlight of the day was the awarding of service pins and bars to many of the 33 or so BIFD crew, given out by the fire chief with help from mayor Jack Adelaar.
The following firefighters got five-year pins: Scott Begg, Chris Sorrentino, Eric Blomberg, Shawn Davies, Ian Thompson, Kevin Toews, Shane Tweten and Spencer Grundy. Ten-year pins were earned by Ken Gisby and Lloyd's son, Steve Harding, while 15-year pins were awarded to Scott Moore, Aaron Hanen, Kevin Huskisson and Bob Robinson.
Deputy fire chief Bob Clarke was given his 20 year federal service award, as were Matt Taylor and Jeff Dempsey. Four of Bowen's firefighters got their 20 year federal and 25 year provincial awards: Laurin Macdonald, Gary Davies, Brian Perry and Phil Wood.
A highly-valued Bowen firefighter, Mick Strubin was given his 25-year provincial award posthumously. Strubin died in 2012 at the age of 68.
Earning their 25 year provincial and 30 year bar were Don Cochrane, Frank Seaberly, Randy Arnot, Rick Cannell and chief Biddlecombe. To the biggest round of applause of the day, Lloyd Harding, a part of Bowen's firefighting crew for 52 years and counting, got his 50 year federal bar.
Chief Biddlecombe also noted the great service of other members not receiving pins this year: Mike Laudrum, Ian Brown, Mike Hartwick, Wil Hilsen and Lachlan Huinink.
In addition to official goings-on, kids got to experience firefighting by putting out a small fire, afterwards grabbing a hot dog and drink with parents. One young firefighter, Hugo, 4, showed his gratitude to the BIFD crew by giving each a high five before taking his leave.
