Photo Karen Graham – Alvin McMahon, Joe Lunn Sr and Bob Packman on the utility vehicle made possible by a $10,000 donation from Enbridge Gas, exiting the new trailer donated by the Firefighters’ Association with the help of community members including these gentlemen.
After months of fundraising activities including a baseball tournament and a “boot drive” at the Millbrook Fair, the local Firefighters’ Association unveiled the new trailer purchased on behalf of the township on October 2nd at the municipal office. This significant purchase was made possible by a number of organizations and individuals, including Marion and George Corfe, the Lions’ Club, Millbrook Agricultural Society, Cavan Custom Cabinetry and the Loyal Orange Lodge. The trailer will be used to transport the new Utility vehicle and stretcher system purchased by the township last month that was funded in part by a $10,000 donation by Enbridge Gas. The Firefighters fundraising was so successful, they exceeded their target and have donated the surplus to Fire Department for the purchase of accessories for the unit such as lights, an awning and other items to extend its use in the community.
The utility vehicle it will be used to transport will assist Firefighting staff in retrieving accident victims in remote locations or where access is limited, including wooded sections of rural properties and trails. It can also be set up as a command post in the event of a significant rescue event.
The organization maintains the original Firefighters’ Association Hall on Hay Street behind the former township office, which acts as a sort of museum and houses antique equipment. It will be open for viewing during the Thursday evening festivities of Christmas in the Village on December 1st, where an elderly red-suited visitor may make an appearance. The new trailer will also be on hand, housing gingerbread houses submitted for the annual Gingerbread Competition.
Members of the Cavan Millbrook Firefighters’ Association are all current and retired paid or volunteer Firefighters, but not all Firefighters are members. The group is a member of the Volunteer Firefighter’s Association of Ontario, which was founded in 1899. By partnering with the Ontario Fire College, they provide regular training opportunities and represent Firefighters interests with different levels of government. Our local group supports a wide variety of organizations with their community activities, including Camp Bucko, a camp for child burn victims, and its members often run through generations, including 3rd generation Joe Lunn Jr. who recently retired from the volunteer Fire staff after 35 years of service, and whose father Joe Lunn Sr. continues to be a member. KG
