Southeast Rocky View County just got a little bit safer thanks to a new piece of equipment residing in Langdon.
On Thursday, Sept. 7, the Langdon Volunteer Fire Department introduced its newest truck to the public at a traditional “Rolling In Ceremony.”
Engine E111 is a state of the art unit purchases by Rocky View from Englewood, Colorado’s Fire Department. With 500 HP available, it can put 1,500 gallons/minute where it is needed most.
Addressing the crowd, Langdon Station Chief Ron Wenstrom particularly thanked the unsung heroes of the Langdon Station, the Fleet Maintenance crew, for getting E111 ready for its debut.
Fleet Manager Glen Neilsen, Supervisor Chris Holmes, and mechanics Jason Cormier, Doug Ouellette, and E111’s “go to guy”, mechanic Steve Varga work behind the scenes to keep all their equipment available ready for work as often as possible.
Rocky View County Fire Chief Randy Smith also welcomed E111 and introduced county Fire Chaplain Chris Haggith, who explained that the Florian Cross worn by Rocky View County firefighters is named after Florian, a third century AD Roman general who organized fire brigades in what is now Austria.
Chaplain Haggith blessed the service E111 was going to perform on behalf of the citizens of Rocky View and blessed the firefighters who risk their lives for them.
Following the blessing and prayer, the ceremony concluded as Chief Wenstrom and his crew wiped down the wheels of E111 and then pushed it into the Fire Hall.
The Langdon Fire Station has served Langdon and Rocky View County since its first call in 1992. It is home to the only Heavy Rescue Unit and Rehab (Rest and Recovery) Unit in Rocky View County.
Like 78% of the Firefighters in Alberta, Langdon Station is volunteer. The 28 firefighters train rigorously throughout the year, two to three times a month.
This year Chief Wenstrom estimates they will handle between 340 and 350 calls, thankfully down from their peak of 503 in 2013.
The Langdon Fire Station has specialized equipment for dealing with brush and field fires including Rocky View’s only bush buggy and now a drone which will give a valuable “bird’s eye” view of fires.
The Station is supported by the Langdon Volunteer Fire Fighters Association which since its inception has raised over $300,000 to purchase equipment which is then donated to Rocky View County, including $10,000 worth of supporting equipment for E111.
October 8-14 is Fire Prevention Week, commemorating the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This year’s theme is: “Plan 2 Ways Out!”.
Chief Wenstrom urges everyone to have a home fire escape plan and to review it regularly with the whole family. If you have any questions stop in at the Fire Hall, call 403-230-1401, or you may access educational materials at ofc.alberta.ca/educational-materials.
The next time you meet a Langdon Firefighter, thank them. They are your neighbours who volunteer to run towards danger to keep you safe.
