A fire that destroyed the former fire hall in St. Peter’s, has also brought the community together to support the volunteers who battled it.
When the St. Peter’s Volunteer Fire Department arrived on the scene Wednesday evening, the historic building was already engulfed in flames.
Mutual aid was requested from the L’Ardoise and Louisdale Volunteer Fire Departments, with firefighters from all three departments working together to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings and properties; two neighbouring structures sustained heat damage.
Community praise for the volunteers.
The response has prompted an outpouring of appreciation from residents, with many taking to social media to recognize the firefighters for their quick response and efforts to protect the community.
But the members of the St. Peter’s department are quick to downplay the praise.
In a message that followed, Fire Chief Marvin MacLean said that while members are humbled by being called heroes., he says, “We are just an ordinary group of people who share a common goal, to help our communities and be there when someone needs us most.”
That community support continued Thursday.
On behalf of the department, MacLean thanked a group of young men who stopped by the fire hall with coffee and treats after firefighters had spent the day cleaning equipment, getting their trucks back in order and preparing for the next emergency call.
The firefighters say it wasn’t simply the coffee that made an impression. The teenagers took time to shake their hands and personally thank them for their work.
The department also received handmade appreciation cards from the local school.
“Every card brought a smile to our faces,” MacLean said, describing the cards as a reminder of why its members volunteer.
MacLean says the gestures of support, whether a kind word, handshake, cup of coffee or handmade card, have been especially meaningful following a difficult night.
He added, “We may be the ones who answer the call, but it’s the support of our community that keeps us going.”
