The Stanhope Firefighters Association is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend.
From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, residents are invited to Station 80 on North Shore Road to join the celebration.
Association President Julian Haineault says it’ll be an open house of the fire hall, with a cash barbeque and prizes to be won.
“Bring your friends and family, it’ll be a good time,” says Haineault. “You’ll get to see the trucks and what we do, and get a chance to speak to some people at the hall.”
Station 80 Captain Dallas Latanville, who has been with the department for 17 years, says they’ve come a long way since starting as the Stanhope Volunteer Firefighters in 1973. He says in that time their duties have expanded, and thanks to the association and other fundraising efforts, their equipment has as well.
“Our bunker gear has come a long way from just the big rubber boots, to the trench coat and hard hat, to full-on bunker pants, coat, proper SCBA [breathing mask] and helmets,” says Latanville. “Keeping the safety of our firefighters on the front lines.”
Haineault adds the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry will also be there with fire smart information, and the association is taking donations towards future fire gear.