Fundraiser for local firefighters clears over $3,000 after expenses

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The Friends of Lamont Fire Fighters Society held the most successful Heroes in the Sky Day ever in the annual event’s 13-year history on Sept. 9, bringing in over $3,000 to help support training and purchase equipment for local firefighters.

Treasurer for the Friends of Lamont Fire Fighters Society, Sylvia McDonald, said the event actually brought in over $5,000 but after paying some of the costs to host the event the remaining dollars amounted to over $3,000.

“We made more from our raffle table and business donations than in the past,” she said. “I would say probably our best year.”

Former Lamont deputy fire chief and current president for the Friends of Lamont Fire Fighters Society, Herman Sieker, said the event is important as there often isn’t enough in the budget to support the fire departments.

“The municipal budgets don't have enough funding to provide all of the necessary training and or equipment for firefighters,” he said. “So, our society raises money to support training and equipment to subsidize and supplement what the municipal budgets will allow for.”

Lamont County communications director Jay Zaal said the training budget for Lamont County Emergency Services is $80,000 to support the train- ing for 72 staff in five different districts including Bruderheim, Mundare, Chipman, Lamont, and Andrew. He said it can cost anywhere from $100 to $2,500 per course for one staff member depending on position and course requirements.

“Lamont County attempts to do as many in-house programs and with regional partners as possible using the Lamont County’s Regional Training Centre to keep costs manageable,” he said.

Meanwhile, guests coming to enjoy Saturday’s event were treated to a fire fighters’ hat and gift bag for their children, in addition to hot dogs and hamburgers by donation. The raffle table held several prizes including a smart watch donated in a gift basket from the Lamont Health Care Centre, and gift basket from Queen of Hearts dog grooming valued at $150. Kids also took part in the bouncy castle in addition to a visit from Sparky the dog, mascot for the Lamont Fire Fighters department.

A vehicle extrication demonstration was facilitated by a group of four firefighters, Cole Tatarin, Tyrel Kaluza, Xander Harpe and Lieutenant Nick Mercer, who tore through a donated car with specialized equipment to show the crowd how quickly a victim can be rescued from an accident scene.

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