The event, which was held at the Waltham Station restaurant included an appreciation dinner held for all Waltham’s firefighters and their families, but also included special awards for the four founding firefighters of the department, Larry Perry, Raymond Bechamp, Charles Ethier and Earl Grieve.

“The fire department was formed June 6, 1972. And as of June 6, 2022, we were 50 years of the fire department, officially,” said Larry Perry, Waltham fire chief. “This is a milestone event in terms of the 50 years, not just for the firefighters, but for everyone in the department at this point. They’re part of the celebration, whether they started a year ago or 50 years ago, they’re members.”

Perry discussed the humble origins of the Waltham FD as a citizens committee with no fire house, truck or . . .

any equipment and used the event as an opportunity to honour everyone in the community who had been involved in getting it to where it is now.

The appreciation dinner also used an opportunity to recognize the first fighter trainees or probys (firefighters on probation), who are soon to be promoted to full fighters after they pass their training.

There was also the presentation of stripes to Chris Gardner who was formally appointed to the position of safety officer.

“The appreciation dinner isn’t just for the fire department,” said Perry. “It’s also to recognize the councillors, the mayor and their contribution to the community. Also Public Works, our sanitation people and our Recreation Association.”

Perry also used the occasion to talk about his hopes that the fire department can catch up on its work that COVID-19 restrictions have made impossible.

“We’re looking forward to covid being finally out of our way,” said Perry. “The reason I say that is because fire departments everywhere in the county have made an effort to comply with our fire safety cover plan. One of the things we are required to do and want to do is do house inspections for smoke alarms. And because of covid we haven’t been able to do it so we’ve fallen behind. And there’s really no alternative. You can’t go into people’s homes.”

As of now the Waltham FD is currently fundraising to upgrade a rescue boat they just purchased. He expects the repairs to cost about $7,000. Perry also says that a fire truck is due to be replaced, which is another fundraising target they have.

They plan to upgrade and use their new rescue boat this coming spring.

Register or subscribe to read this content

Thanks for stopping by! This article is available to readers who have created a free account or who subscribe to The Equity.

When you register for free with your email, you get access to a limited number of stories at no cost. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access to everything we publish—and directly support quality local journalism here in the Pontiac.

Register or Subscribe Today!