Formal Firefighter Gala sold out on Saturday; Service celebrates 125th anniversary

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on October 25, 2025.

Members of the Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services will be dressed to impress Saturday night wearing their class one uniforms as they join their families, retired firefighters and members of the community to celebrate the service’s 125th anniversary at the sold-out Firefighter’s Gala at Co-op Place.

The gala also wraps up 125 anniversary celebrations held by Medicine Hat Fire throughout the year, which included two community open houses and a historical photo exhibit held at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre.

“The gala is an opportunity to honour the service and sacrifice of our firefighters, past and present, and to thank the community that has supported us for more than a century,” said Fire Chief Chad Eakins.

Since 1913, the local firefighter service has only held one firefighter ball to commemorate its 100th year celebration 25 years ago.

“It’s just something that hasn’t really even been a part of our mandate,” explained Kelli Ireland, fire and life safety educator. “But I think this year, after 125 years, it’s absolutely necessary to honour.”

Guests will enjoy a formal evening of celebrations including a formal dinner, live entertainment, a dance and a silent auction in support of the Firefighter’s Charitable Foundation.

The silent auction includes 76 donated items and all proceeds will directly support the Firefighter Charitable Foundation.

The evening will feature a performance from talented duelling pianists as well as a performance by the Lethbridge Firefighters Pipe and Drum Band.

The evening will also include video presentations with guest speakers who will highlight the history of the service and honour past firefighters who have paved the road for new generations.

“We’ve got some acting components throughout the night that will take people on a journey through time,” explained Ireland. “We’re going to have people dressed up from the 1900s acting out a moment that happened back in the day and so hopefully it takes you on this journey through time.”

The evening will also include a moment of silence to honour all fallen firefighters.

The gala is sold out. Doors open at 6 p.m. with cocktails followed by a buffet dinner at 7 p.m.