Chris Lowrey
LADYSMITH Aug. 17, 2019
The TCRA was bursting with the sound of electric guitar on Saturday night as the local fire department held its annual Fireman’s Ball.
The event started with . . .
a dinner provided by the TCRA.
The dance floor was bustling as firefighters, their significant others and members of the public danced to the music of Reggie and the Gruff Sisters, while others exchanged laughs over a cold beverage.
The event serves as the department’s biggest fundraiser of the year behind the annual Oktoberfest celebrations.
Last year, the department purchased three new bunker sets – full firefighting gear – that cost $2,500 each.
“It’s also a good way to meet the public,” said Chief of Operations Rick Leders. “We’re here to serve the community.”
The department recently merged with the Otter Lake Fire Department so the event served as a great opportunity for the two units to bond in a social environment.
“Any fire between Thorne and Otter Lake, we both go,” Leders said of the need for an amalgamated department.
He said recruitment has slowed recently because of the demanding training regiment needed to become a certified firefighter. Leders said a 300-hour computer training course is needed along with another 300 hours of practical training.
