Some Like It Hot: The St. Albert Fire Department

The more things change, the more they stay the same. In the case of our 105-year-proud fire department, that “same” is its connection to community. As we discovered on our visit to Fire Station No. 3, serving the community isn’t just the service department’s mandate—it’s their passion. And though that may be a stereotype that doesn’t surprise, we made a few discoveries that might. LEED gold certification? They’ve got it. Cross-trained paramedics and EMTs? In spades. There’s even a community garden in the works. And did we mention they’re kinda fantastic? In the middle of running a 24/365 fire and EMS response team, they not only spent hours catering to our agenda, they genuinely thanked us for being there.

If you ask us, this firehouse rocks. Take a look.

St. Albert Fire Services is a full-time department ready to respond to any emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. With over 100 members, its three stations are equipped to respond to everything from water and ice rescues to fires and medical emergencies. But it’s not just their primary skillsets that make them an elite team. According to Fire Chief Ray Richards, it’s their secondary skills that are unbeatable. Everything from computer smarts to mechanic’s skills, it all adds up to efficient problem solving. When they’re not busy training themselves, they’re out in the community spreading their knowledge and enthusiasm to the public through public education events and open houses.

“What still surprises me about this job every day? That it’s so rewarding. Any time you can serve the community and have quality staff like we do… the commitment is just unbelievable. They care. And they don’t just want to get the job done—they’re invested in the final product. You probably saw a bit of that out there today. Our firefighters are very proud of the work they do, and they like to share that with the community they serve. It’s that personal touch and caring that we’ve never ever lost. That’s pretty incredible.”

              –Fire Chief Richards
Director of Fire Services & Emergency Management

Visiting a fire station anywhere is a treat. Getting to visit ours was a privilege. And of all the things we learned while there, no safety tip was more emphasized than this one:
Slow down.

Just realizing that rushing has consequences—and unfathomable collateral damage—is where everyone can begin. A second request? Make a plan. As Fire Chief Ray Richards says, “We take risks but not chances.” A risk can be mitigated through training. A chance is nothing but carefree.

Their third piece of advice? Call us whenever you need us. There really isn’t anything they haven’t seen. So don’t be embarrassed or wait to call. In fact, don’t wait at all. Visit
stalbertfirefighters.com and make your safety plan today. t8n

“A lot of people say our staff are heroes. But we’re the first to tell you we’re not. In my mind, the real heroes are those who are serving for us in our military or who are helping others who have much more challenging lives than we do. People working with seniors, at-risk youth, at-risk adults—that’s a much tougher job than we do. We only have to put out a fire. They have to turn people’s lives around.”

              –Ray Richards, Fire Chief

Muscular Dystrophy
Rooftop Campout — No, you weren’t imagining it. Last March when you drove past Fire Station No. 2, the firefighter who smiled and waved most definitely wanted you—to make a donation. For the last four years, St. Albert Fire Services has supported the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation with an annual Rooftop Campout Fundraiser, a four-day campout on Station No. 2’s wintery rooftop. At last tally, they’ve raised over $140,000 thanks to donations and generous help from the community. There are numerous events surrounding this fundraiser, including a silent auction and a boot drive. For more information on how you can donate, visit www.muscle.ca.