Stettler Regional Fire Rescue members were on a high as they were perched atop the roof of Canadian Tire to raise funds in the national Heroes in the Sky on Sept. 11 and 12.
“This was our first year participating in the event and selling calendars is one way for us to raise funds and a great way to promote our services in the region,” said Fire Chief Mark Dennis.
“We raised about $3,000 and we are very pleased.”
With photos of local firefighters, 500 local calendars were printed and sold for $20 each to raise funds for new equipment.
“We plan to buy gas-detection equipment for all four fire stations in the regions,” he said, with stations in Stettler, Donalda, Byemoor and Big Valley.
Firefighters sat on the top of the roof from Sat., Sept. 11 at 12 noon to Sunday, Sept. 12 at 5 p.m.
“We had many firefighters spend the night,” said Fire Chief Dennis.
“It was an opportunity for us to honour the volunteer firefighters, let people know who they are and have some fun.”
While 125 calendars were sold during the weekend, 375 are still available
for sale at Canadian Tire and from firefighters.
The event was created by The Fire Within to assist local fire departments to get out into the community to raise funds and community spirit.
The Fire Within is an organization is operated by firefighters for firefighters to train firefighters, educate the public and help equip fire departments.
Since 2005, the nation-wide event has raised over $2.6 million and with the help of generous sponsors and supporters, The Fire Within has donated an additional $1 million in equipment and training.
The objective of the organization is to bridge the gap between what municipalities can afford and the ever-increasing needs of the volunteer fire departments.
The local fire department staged its event atop the building of Canadian Tire since the national company is a major supporter of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and is a major sponsor of several national fire-prevention campaigns and programs.
A brief ceremony with one minute of silence was also held on Sept. 11 to remember the hundreds of the firefighters, rescue workers and other emergency officers who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks in New York City at the World Trade Center twin towers on that date in 2001.