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Vol. 16, No. 42, Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021 www.LamontLeader.com
Longest serving firefighter, Bob Mitchell, has fire station named after him Robert A. Mitchell Fire Station Number 4 BY JANA SEMENIUK The town of Lamont Fire Station held a celebration on Sept. 12 in honour of their longest serving firefighter, Bob Mitchell (89), to not only commemorate his 70 years as one of the original members of the Lamont fire team, but also to officially re-name the fire station to the: Robert A. Mitchell Fire Station Number 4. Retired Lamont Deputy Fire Chief Herman Sieker addressed the crowd of approximately 80. “On Dec. 4, 1951 Bob stepped forward and officially became a member of the Lamont Volunteer Fire Department,” he said. “To the best of our knowledge Bob is only the second person to achieve 70 years service in a fire department.” Canada’s previous longest serving volunteer firefighter was Fort Saskatchewan’s Walter Thomas who served for 70 years before passing away in 2017 at the age of 95. According to CTV, officials have stated the record sits at 70 years, six months and three weeks. Mitchell, with daughter Koreen, looked on in astonishment when the sign was officially unveiled to reveal
the new name of the Lamont fire hall. “I couldn’t speak,” Mitchell said tearing up. “There’s so many people here. I didn’t think I had that many friends.” Former MP Shannon Stubbs was on hand to deliver comments during the celebration. “What an extraordinary thing it is, to be able to celebrate your 70 years of service with the Lamont firehall and celebrating 70 years of its establishment,” she said. “Its so fitting to rename this fire hall. I thank you for all of your selfless dedication and your years of commitment to keeping your friends and neighbours and community safe.” In addition, MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk shared her heartfelt thoughts and gratitude. “What makes our firefighters here in Lamont and all over rural Alberta true heroes are the volunteers. They give up so much family time and personal time just to make sure our communities are safe and secure,” she said. “It's very touching to learn that this fire station will forever be known as Robert A. Mitchell, Fire Station Number Four.” Continued on Page 8
From no fire department to 70 years of service BY JANA SEMENIUK Lamont’s Bob Mitchell, recently honoured for 70 years of service with the Lamont Fire Station, reflected on his time with the fire department. While some people develop aspirations for the fire department in childhood, Mitchell said this wasn’t the case for him. “We had no fire departments when I was a kid. Never even heard of it,” he said. “There was no fire department until the big fire in Lamont.” In 1950 a large fire on Lamont’s Main Street consumed five local businesses including the town’s bank and hardware store. Estimated damages at the time totalled $125,000 which, according to the online inflation calculator at officialdata.org is equal to $1.4 million
today. “It was a big fire that jumped across the street. There was a small crew in Lamont and they hauled water to help put the fire out and that was when Lamont decided to get a fire engine,” he said. Emergency crews and vehicles from Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan also helped to extinguish the fire. Meanwhile, Mitchell described joining the department. “They had no fire equipment so they ordered a fire truck in 1950 and when the truck came in ‘51 we had no fire crews. I was just out of high school and they asked me to join. I was one of the first people and the only one left today that I know of,” he said. Continued on Page 8
Lamont Volunteer Firefighter Bob Mitchell (seated to the left) is presented with a plaque from Lamont Mayor Bill Skinner (R) and Lamont County Reeve Dave Diduck (L) commemorating his 70 years of service with the Lamont Fire Department. Photo: John Mather
Life-long friend says the times built Mitchell’s character BY JANA SEMENIUK Chairman of the Lamont Hospital Board, Kent Harrold, was present Sept 12 to help honour his long-time friend Bob Mitchell with the Lamont Fire Department. Mitchell was celebrated for serving 70 years with the fire department, which re-named the fire hall the Robert A. Mitchell Fire Station Number 4. Harrold looked at his old friend and smiled as they stopped to chat during the special gathering. “I’ve been thinking about your life my friend,” Harrold said as Mitchell stood in front of him. “We have a lot to remember, don’t we?” “This is good,” said Mitchell, who gazed at the crowd and smiled. “Its very good.”
Harrold watched Mitchell shuffle towards another group of attendees who opened their arms to welcome him. Harrold sat down and reflected on his friendship with Mitchell, speculating what he felt contributed to Mitchell’s strong character. “Well, his character, his desire to serve community, his real sense of love for the country I think occurred at a very early time,” he said. “We went through grades one to 12 together, ate at each other’s houses, played games together. We have been very close friends for many years.” Harrold said Mitchell was a very good student at school. Continued on Page 8
