Safety, friendship first for firefighters

July 9, 2013
Executive of the Ontario Native Fire Fighters Society: Steve Nolan, Garden River Fire Chief, Secretary/Treasure; Frank Jionette, Fire Chief Mississauga, Board Representative of the Sudbury District; Austin Henry, Chippewa of the Thames Fire Chief, Vice President; Charles Wright, Walpole Island Fire Chief , President; Terrance Meekis, Firefighter, Sandy Lake . – Photo by Margaret Hele
Executive of the Ontario Native Fire Fighters Society: Steve Nolan, Garden River Fire Chief, Secretary/Treasure; Frank Jionette, Fire Chief Mississauga, Board Representative of the Sudbury District; Austin Henry, Chippewa of the Thames Fire Chief, Vice President; Charles Wright, Walpole Island Fire Chief , President; Terrance Meekis, Firefighter, Sandy Lake . – Photo by Margaret Hele

By Margaret Hele

GARDEN RIVER FN – Firemen’s competitions create friendships.

“It is an honour and a privilege to host this event,” said Steve Nolan, Garden River First Nation Fire Chief, following the 23rd annual competition of the Ontario Native Fire Fighters Society.  “It builds friendships. It’s a great learning experience. You learn how each First Nation deals with situations — lack of funding is a common one.”

While there was a competitive aspect to the June 15 gathering – Walpole Island took first place among the five First Nation teams  being graded on technique and time – “safety is the key feature”, stressed Nolan. “Penalties are given for infractions.”

Tim Johns Jr., a member of Garden River’s second-place team, said that participants enjoyed the cameraderie and it was a lot of fun.

The Walpole Island team will advance to the Nationals this August.

Third-place Chippewa of the Thames were named most sportsmanlike team.  Sandy Lake placed 4th and Mississauga 5th.

Prior to the competition the society’s  provincial assembly elected Walpole Island Fire Chief Charles Wright their new president.