ARDMORE - The Ardmore Fire Department held a community open house on Sept. 9. Derek Neumann, Fire Chief for the Ardmore Fire Department, said the event was held so people from the community could learn more about the fire department.
At last year's grand opening for the new fire hall in Ardmore, about 350 people attended. And after hosting another successful open house in 2023, the fire department is hoping to make the open house an annual event.
There were many things to see and do on Saturday afternoon. People could pick up a bowl of homemade chili or a hot dog, they could enter draws, and they could also pick up a variety of pamphlets and brochures about fire safety. There were outdoor games set up for the kids, and free swag to give away. Attendees could sit in a fire truck, and youth could try on fire gear, along with taking turns using a fire hose while putting out a pretend fire.
Many members of the Ardmore Fire Department were on hand to give tours and talk about the fire trucks, and hand out food. Sparky, the fire mascot, was also a hit with the kids.
Neumann said all the stations in the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority are accepting volunteer firefighter applications, including Ardmore.
He added, "Anyone over 18 who is willing to answer the call, whether it's a medical assist, a fire, an motor vehicle collision, or an alarm call, can submit an application. And for youth ages 16 to 19 years, there is a junior firefighter training program. They are taught all the things the firefighters are taught but they cannot answer a call until they are 18." Applicant forms were on hand on Saturday.
The Ardmore Fire Department is made up of 22 members, at present.
