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Explore the history of the Dryden Fire Service.
| Early years |
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Formed in 1908, the first fire department was formed with Alex Kennedy as Fire Chief (from 1908 to 1910).
1910 to 1920
During this time, the department purchased new equipment to improve services, including:
- A standpipe for water for fire wagons
- A chemical fire engine
- A sleigh for the chemical fire engine for winter use
- Two small chemical fire extinguishers
- Two eight-candle power electric lights
- Arrangements for water to be hauled by tank and team
- Various ladders
- Torches
- Hooks, cables and chains
- Fire pails
- Fire alarm cards
In 1915, the by-law to establish a fire department was passed and Dave Anderson was officially appointed Fire Chief for the Town of Dryden.
1920 to 1930
From 1920 to 1930, the department continued to improve services through the purchase and building of equipment, including:
- Purchase of a two wheel, silver tank pressure water and soda machine, with attached hose reel and ladders
- Installation of an 8-inch pump for fire protection on Rhodes Property
- Building of a pump house
- Purchase of fire hoses, hose reel, nozzles and necessary couplings
- Purchase of a hose wagon
- Purchase of firemen's coats
- Building of a hose tower
- Purchase of a model "M" siren
- Purchase of a combination chemical and hose truck (currently on display at the Dryden Fire Service Hall 1)
In 1922, Council passed a motion to forbid burning of refuse in yards during the months of June, July and August. During this time, it was also decided that the Dryden Fire Service help the neighbouring Van Horne Township with any cases of fire directly connecting with the Town of Dryden.
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| 1930 to 1980 |
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The Fire department continued to grow and fire practice for firefighters increased to no less than every second month. Through the sale of old equipment and the purchase of some new equipment, including a fire pump, the Fire department continued to improve services for the community and training for firefighters.
In 1946, the Fire Chief and three firemen attended fireman's training school in Fort William.
From 1950 to 1980, the Fire department continued to bring on larger, more advanced equipment to help keep the community safe. Equipment included:
- An equipment truck
- A 500 GPM pumper truck (the department's first fire truck with pump)
- A new ambulance vehicle (donated to the Town Fire Department. Before this, an old police van was used.
- A 625 GPM pumper truck.
- An 840 GPM pumper tele-squirt with a 75-foot ladder with a 1000 GPM pre-piped nozzle pumper.
In 1978, a new firehall and police station opened.
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| 1980 to Present |
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In 1980, the Fire department purchased "Jaws of Life" equipment for auto extrication and began responding to Highway Collision calls. In 1998, the Dryden Fire department and the Barclay Fire department merged to form the City of Dryden Fire Service.
In 2004, Hall 1 moved to its current location at 189 Colonization Avenue. The new hall features office space, a training centre and 3 drive-through bays with 6 apparatus.
In 2008, the Dryden Fire Service celebrated its 100th anniversary!
Staff and training programs also grew with the department during this time with the establishment of a full-time Administrative Assistant and Deputy Chief in 1991 and a full-time Emergency and Education Officer in 2010. A group of 10 new firefighters completed recruit training in 2012 and another 10 new firefighters completed training in 2015.
The department also continued to grow by replacing older equipment and purchasing new, more advanced equipment during this time, including:
- A 840 triple combination pumper truck
- Numerous sets of firefighter turnout gear, boots and helmets
- A vehicle for the Fire Chief's vehicle inspections and for carrying auto extrication equipment
- A new equipment truck and command post vehicle
- A rescue and auto extrication vehicle
- A Superior 1050 Pumper
- A vehicle for fire prevention and inspection duties, and to serve as an Emergency Incident Command Post
- An equipment vehicle
- A 6-person cab Quint Pumper with 75-foot ladder
- A 1,500-gallon booster tanker
- Updated breathing apparatus
- A new Rescue Unit for Hall 2 to carry equipment for portable pump water supply and water/ice rescue
- A new Rescue Unit for Hall 1 to carry heavy hydraulic auto extrication equipment, hazardous materials equipment and rapid intervention equipment
- Maverick combination tool cutter/spreader for auto extrication and rescues
- A new Pumper Unit
- A replacement for Command Unit #26
- 8 sets of equipment for Water/Ice Rescue teams
- A replacement breathing air compressor
- New eDraulic extrication tools
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