by Isobel Harry
GORE BAY—General Manager of LAMBAC Mike Addison has had his hands full since taking on that position two years ago, promoting and implementing community economic development in the LaCloche-Manitoulin region and bringing into being the 2016-2020 strategic plan.
But Mr. Addison, born and raised in Silver Water, understands the important part volunteers play in making things happen in small communities, both in his LAMBAC position and his ‘other’ role, that of Chief of the Gore Bay Volunteer Fire Department; he became chief two years ago also, after 19 years as a volunteer firefighter with that emergency service.
“The Gore Bay Fire Department originally was based at the end of the town’s main street, and when there was an alarm everyone knew it by the sound of the air raid siren that would go off in town. The fire truck then had to drive down the main street, which caused delays because of traffic and people on the street, kids popping out from behind cars unexpectedly, it wasn’t safe,” recalls the veteran volunteer.
Five years ago, the firefighting station was moved a few minutes away from downtown to the edge of Highways 540 and 542, where the road dips into the town. “In the old days, there really was no equipment, but now we have all the proper safety gear and equipment to be confident in our ability to do the best job we can do safely,” adds Mr Addison.
There are 15 volunteers currently on the brigade who respond to calls from 911 dispatchers via pagers or texts on all their cellphones, rushing to the station to suit up and speed to the emergency location. There are two big trucks including a water pumper, and an additional water tanker for low water locations they may be called to in the Gore Bay and Gordon/Barrie Island Township area.
“Ten to 12 volunteers showing up when there is a call is ideal. Not everyone can come out every time; there are times when people are away or sick and cannot come when they get an emergency call. We have a Mutual Aid system with all the other Island fire departments, so we can call on them or they can call on us to help out when backup is needed.”
Training for all firefighters is extensive, with local sessions every other week and weekend courses offered by the Ontario Fire College, including on how to read smoke, first aid, safety and use of ladders. Prospective volunteers must be over the age of 18 with a valid driver’s licence and preferably with the ability to acquire a licence to drive trucks. “They must have common sense, and must be able to leave home or work to respond to calls,” explains Fire Chief Addison. “I’d like to have a team of 18 volunteers, so we are looking at applicants right now. We have one woman on the team currently, and there are more women in the crop of new applicants.” Applications are administered by the Gordon/Barrie Island Township office.
“Every volunteer firefighter is trained in all the roles involved, to the standards of regular [paid] firefighting,” adds the chief. “That way, everyone is put in positions they can handle. Some cannot go into the burning interior of a building wearing a mask, for example, or cannot climb ladders, so they are assigned other critical tasks such as driving to get more water, keeping notes, or supporting people. “As chief, I’m on the hot seat as Incident Commander, I have to ensure that everything gets done.” Other incidents that will involve the firefighters include car crashes where they provide “basic service–we don’t have the Jaws of Life–we assist the paramedics.”
Gore Bay’s Fire Department is also very active in educating the public on fire safety, smoke alarms, inspections; conducting an evacuation drill at the nursing home is but one example of the pro-active work of the volunteers. “We really ‘push’ smoke alarms and we educate about getting out of a fire right away; we prefer meeting the people involved in a fire outside their home when we arrive, not in it where it is not safe,” Mr Addison adds. School visits to give fire safety talks are common; volunteers engage with community celebrations and events by overseeing fireworks displays and taking part in parades and festivals.
Being a volunteer firefighter is a passion for Mike Addison, and he believes in going that extra mile to gain as much training as is available for the job. He underwent first responder training, an additional 40 hours on top of standard training in CPR and first aid. Mr. Addison is also accredited as a trainer through the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs’ ‘R2MR’ program, the ‘Road to Mental Readiness’ training given to police, the military and fire services. “It’s about learning resiliency under stress and avoiding the stigma around post-traumatic stress disorder which can affect emergency workers. On the Island, many of our volunteers will know the people involved in a fire or a car crash, and it can be traumatic for them without the proper training on how to cope with sometimes seeing friends and neighbours in a crisis situation; on occasion, we have had to rescue our own firefighters.” Volunteers may also attend the annual firefighters’ convention in North Bay to learn from others’ years of experience.
“Volunteers are the backbone of a community, everything functions because of the volunteers who donate their time. When I joined the fire department, I just wanted to help out of respect for those who put themselves out there; also, I really enjoyed the training.
“It comes down to helping in the community; and if I need help, someone will step up for me,” adds Mr. Addison. “Our communities exist because of volunteers and I’ve been fortunate to be able to help. Bottom line: if we don’t help, who will?”
