Screenshot from a 12-minute video published by the Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services highlighting its 125th anniversary. The video was recently published to the service's social media pages.--SCREENSHOT
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com
In celebration of the Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Service’s 125th anniversary, the service premiered a video to honour the past, pay tribute to firefighters and provide the community a look behind the scenes.
The video, approximately 12 minutes in length, premiered during the Firefighter Gala held Oct. 25, and was shared over social media on Facebook on Tuesday.
With dramatic and inspirational music, cinematic videography and using historical photos, the video pays homage to the fire service’s humble beginnings and shares its story as firefighters evolving with time and technology.
“It’s really important that we remember the 125 years and how far we’ve come in terms of firefighter safety and technology,” says Wayne Lust, retired fire captain. “Fires are never going to go away, our job is probably the most secure job of any out there.”
Several active and retired members share personal journeys throughout the production, which takes viewers behind the scenes and showcases the hours of training firefighters undergo to ensure they are able to perform duties to the best of their abilities.
The film also shares the brother and sisterhood of local firefighters and the bonds and friendships made over time through service, as well as duties and off time spent at the station.
“Brotherhood and sisterhood is very much family,” said Rob Cote, retired fire captain. “You’re working in close-knit quarters, you become dependent on each other, you rely on each other, you know you have to have each other’s back.
“It’s your second home, your second family. So being part of that, knowing that you just have that connection with your co-worker, that’s part of what the brotherhood is.”
The important role of 911 dispatchers acting as the first point of contact in emergency situations is also highlighted in the video.
Several firefighters also reminisce about their first big call, and emotions can be seen as they speak about the way they choose to serve their community.
The video can be viewed on the Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Service’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
