For the first time in over two decades, members of the Garden River Fire Department claimed the top spot at the Ontario Native Fire Fighters Society (ONFFS) competition.
This contest was held during the final day of ONFFS’s annual conference, which took place July 25-27 in the Oneida Nation of the Thames (just outside of London, Ont.).
Five Garden River members went head-to-head with other Indigenous firefighters in a series of challenges that tested their speed, technique, knowledge and overall teamwork.
Talking to The Sault Star on Monday, Garden River fire chief Tim Johns said he and his fellow firefighters were very “excited” with the result, especially since the department hasn’t achieved a first-place finish in this competition since 1998.
“It’s been 26 years since Garden River brought it home,” Johns said over the phone. “So it’s nice to have (the title) in Garden River again and being able to represent Ontario in the nationals.”
Garden River firefighters now have their eyes set on the Indigenous Public Safety Conference and National Firefighting Competition, which is taking place in Richmond, B.C. throughout Oct. 22-26.
In order to attend this national event, Johns said the community is spearheading a fundraising campaign to pay for travel and some amenities once they arrive.
“We’re still working out all the details. It’s fresh. We just got back from the competition,” the fire chief said on Monday.
“We’re just getting some numbers together right now and … we’re just trying to see which of our guys are going out and what that’s going to cost.”
The Garden River Fire Department is currently staffed by six full-time members and six part-time members, according to Johns.
The department is responsible for providing 24/7 emergency response services to around 500 homes and various other buildings on reserve, including businesses, churches, a school and the community’s band office.