Barbara Latkowski
Caledonia Courier
The Fort St. James Fire Dept. held a New Year’s Eve celebration marking the 10th anniversary of its satellite Sowchea Road location.
About 60 people turned out for a night of skating, food, a bonfire, fireworks and fun.
The second fire hall built in 2006 continues to provide service for those living in the Sowchea Road area.
In 2005, residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of establishing the new fire hall which is currently under a 10 year contract with the District of Fort St. James.
John Bennison has been with the Dept. for 13 years.
“It means a lot to be able to provide this service to the residents of Sowchea Road.”
Bennison had seen many positive changes since the second fire hall came to be.
“In the last 10 years, we are proud to have been able to purchase about $50,000 in new rescue tools and a new rescue truck. The construction of a second fire hall to serve the community of Fort St. James has meant a lot to us and to the community,” Bennison said.
Bennison is looking forward to what changes lie ahead. “We are always looking for new recruits. Things are always changing but we look forward to these changes.”
For Bennison, his job wouldn’t matter as much if it wasn’t for all of the community support the Dept. has received throughout the years.
“Community members always pull together every time there is an emergency.”