HISTORY

The Martintown Fire Department

In the beginning, at the time of the bucket brigade, the Martintown Fire Department was nothing more that an unorganized collection of neighbours who came out to help other neighbors in time of need. The only piece of fire fighting equipment was a small handpumper engine. It was kept in a small shed beside the bridge, it was on wheels and dragged to each fire scene. The section of hose was dropped into the nearest well and the discharge hose was pointed at the blaze while four husky volunteers worked the handles up and down.

Over the years it became more organized and equipped with more modern equipment. In 1956 with the first fire station located on Andrew Street, the Martintown Fire Department was the only station equipped with a pumper, therefore they had a lot of territory to cover. Back then the Township of Charlottenburgh consisted of 3 departments Martintown, Williamstown, and Glen Walter. Since the joining of the townships Lancaster and North Lancaster have joined the team of 5 Departments.

In 1956 our first Fire Chief was Albert Aubin and he led a team of 15 to 20 volunteers. Bierce Lafave was another of our past Fire chiefs and had a total of 36 years service.

After leaving Andrew Street in the early 60's the firehall moved to County Road #20, beside Barton Park, where it resides today. It started out with one bay hall and they soon built a second bay to accommodate a water truck. Since 1956 the station is now on its third pumper and third water truck.

In the past the fire department would notify its fire fighters of an existing fire by sounding a siren. Today all members of the fire department carry pagers and are dispatched from a central station. Today there are 25 members on the department including our current Chief Byran Kyer, one deputy chief, three captains and 18 active and dedicated fire fighters .

Many of the recruits have no prior firefighting experience, however, all are now trained in an array of lifesaving and fire fighting skills. They are continually taking a various array of courses to keep their knowledge up to date.