Members of the Port Moody Volunteer Firefighters Association are hoping they’ll be able to continue helping out in the community even as the 111-year-old group is disbanded in the new year.
Whether its 16 active members will be able to do that collectively or as individual efforts has yet to be determined, said Tyson Nicholas, a volunteer firefighter in the city for 21 years.
Nicholas said the news just prior to Christmas the association would be shut down as part of procedural changes at Port Moody Fire Rescue (PMFR) that includes the hiring of two additional professional firefighters was a “gut-punch.” But, he added, community service is at the core of every member’s involvement.
“We like to think that we’re bringing the best aspects of volunteer involvement forward,” Nicholas said.
“Having had the opportunity to be involved with helping people out on ‘their worst day’ and on those care-free days at a community event has meant the world back to us.”
Nicholas said a meeting with PMFR chief Darcy O’Riordan is scheduled for Jan. 9 that may provide more clarity as to the role the volunteer firefighters association might be able to play going forward.
But, he added, without an affiliation with the city’s professional fire department, members likely won’t have access to specialty equipment like bunker gear, firefighting equipment and supplies as well as WorkSafe coverage.
Nicholas said the dissolution of the volunteer firefighters association may also affect their ability to work with the Port Moody Firefighters Charitable Society, such as helping out with its annual pancake breakfast.
Still, Nicholas said, members of the association remain undeterred in their commitment to Port Moody.
“Our members were committed to community service well before becoming volunteer firefighters,” he said. “I have no doubt that the members will either find something through the city or in other jurisdictions.”
Those efforts have not gone unnoticed, as several messages of support were posted on the association’s Facebook page following the announcement of its imminent demise last Tuesday, Dec. 24.
“Thank you for your dedication,” said one.
“You are appreciated and will be missed,” said another.
In 2023, PMFR had 50 career firefighters and three chief officers. They responded to 1,756 incidents, the department’s busiest year ever.
PMFR’s annual operating budget is more than $10 million.
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