The Teulon Rockwood Fire Rescue marked its 47th annual Firefighters’ Ball on April 11, drawing strong community support for the volunteer department.
The Teulon Rockwood Fire Rescue department was introduced followed by the Fire Fighters’ Prayer
As is tradition, firefighters prepared and served a turkey dinner with all the fixings, made possible through donations from local sponsors.
Deputy fire chief Danny Hutchinson and fire chief Scott Skinner MCed the evening, while Teulon Mayor Todd Campbell welcomed guests and recognized members of the department.
“Your hard work and sacrifice do not go unnoticed,” Campbell said. “We are proud to have such a dedicated team serving our community.”
Each firefighter was introduced prior to dinner, followed by a reading of the Firefighters’ Prayer by the mayor.
Bert Campbell, representing the Teulon Tractor Pull Association, presented a $1,000 donation in appreciation of the department’s volunteer service over the past 50 years.
Glen and Maureen Kletke, recognizing funding shortfalls faced by the fire department, also donated funds to support priority equipment needs identified in consultation with the department. All proceeds from their donation are directed toward enhancing firefighter safety and strengthening the crew’s ability to protect the community.
“Each firefighter sacrifices approximately 250 to 350 hours of family time per year,” Glen Kletke said.
Hutchinson said the donation will help purchase carcinogen-blocking, PFAS-free protective gear. Studies have shown that traditional turnout gear can contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of chemicals linked to cancer and other health risks.
Thanks to the Kletke donation, the department has also ordered a 2026 Can-Am Backcountry 6×6 to improve access in wildfire situations. Proceeds from the event will help equip the vehicle with a FireSkid tank and pump system.
During the evening, firefighters Ryan Trombo and Robin Chestnut received the Manitoba Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal, recognizing more than 20 years of service marked by professionalism and dedication.
Chestnut and Mike Rawlings were also acknowledged upon their retirement from the department.
Trombo was recognized for 23 years of service in multiple leadership roles, including firefighter, captain, deputy chief and chief, as well as his work with the South Interlake Mutual Aid District Ground Search and Rescue team.
Chestnut retired after 22 years of service, during which he was among the first members in the department to earn NFPA Level 2 (National Fire Protection Association) certification, an advanced firefighter designation signifying competency in complex fire suppression, rescue and incident management. He also served as president of the firefighters’ association and was instrumental in organizing entertainment for the annual ball over the past decade.
Rawlings concluded 10 years of dedicated service. He also served as president of the firefighters’ association, demonstrating his commitment to both the organization and his fellow firefighters, and was known for mentoring newer members.
A slideshow presentation highlighted a record 87 emergency calls over the past year, including 20 grass fires. The department also responded to nine mutual aid calls and 18 false alarms.
Firefighters contributed more than 400 hours battling wildfires in Garden Hill and Leaf Rapids during an unusually active wildfire season in Manitoba.
The department thanked the community for its continued support, noting it plays a key role in sustaining volunteer operations.
The evening concluded with live music by local band Ryes & Shine, along with raffles and a variety auction featuring prizes donated by area businesses.
