Last Saturday, the Teulon Rockwood Fire Department (TRFD) hosted its annual Firefighters Ball fundraiser for a sold-out crowd of 400 guests.
Friends and family celebrated the hard work and dedication of the local heroes while enjoying a delicious turkey dinner cooked by the firefighters. They prepared over 430 lbs of turkey and 300 lbs of potatoes, as well as meatballs, corn, coleslaw, gravy, pickles, buns, cranberry sauce, and delicious cakes for dessert.
The department is 23 strong and recently had a shuffle in leadership roles. Scott Skinner became the new fire chief, and deputy chiefs Danny Hutchinson and Sean McGill joined him. In addition to the leadership changes, Tyler Wilton and Curtis Good have taken on captain positions within the crew, and Tanner Wilton and Jarret Chornoby are new to the department.
Tyler Wilton, Ryan Trombo, and Robin Chestnut were honoured for their 20 years of dedicated service with the local fire department. Trombo’s tenure included serving as chief, deputy chief, and captain within the TRFD. Similarly, Wilton achieved the significant 20-year milestone and currently holds the position of captain, while Chestnut serves as president of the firefighters’ association.
Their unwavering commitment to the department, Town of Teulon, and RM of Rockwood has not gone unnoticed. Chief Skinner aptly highlighted that volunteering one’s time for two decades surpasses mere job dedication; it showcases a different level of selflessness. The constant on-call status comes with underlying stress – always wondering about emergency readiness and response.
“Twenty years of on-call time, time where you think that you can do what you’d like, enjoy yourself, relax, settle in a bit,” said Skinner. “But in the back of your mind you are always thinking . . . do I have my pager or phone? Where’s my car? Am I dressed appropriately to fight fire? Where’s the wind from today? How many members would likely be around to help us if we did get called out?”
“There’s a stress level that hides just under the surface that most won’t know. These guys have dealt with that for 20 years. Thank you.”
The annual Firefighters Ball is not just a night of celebration but also their biggest fundraiser. It’s a chance for the community to come together and show their support for the firefighters who work to keep them safe.
Many generous donors — including Charison’s Turkey Hatchery, which donates the turkeys; Willis Agro, who donated wine for the tables; and printed programs by Ken Loehmer Funeral Services — add to the event’s success.
This year funds were raised through a variety auction and the popular elimination wheelbarrow filled with spirits auction.
The TRFD received a generous $1,000 donation from the Teulon Tractor Pull for their help at the event last August. This donation, combined with the proceeds from the successful Firefighters Ball, will go towards future purchases determined by their dedicated firefighters association.
Recent investments have already been made using funds raised to construct a compound that encloses training equipment at the firehall.
These contributions not only benefit the fire department but also enhance public safety in Teulon and the RM of Rockwood.
