Morinville Fire Department
From the oldest to the newest, the Morinville Fire Department displays trucks and equipment at the local trade shows.
The history of the Morinville Fire Department is lengthy and colourful enough to fill a book, and to commemorate our first 50 years, that’s exactly what we did, covering a period from 1950-2000 (copies are still available!)
However, for those visitors who may be some distance away and unfamiliar with our little corner of the world, this page encompasses some of the highlights (and low points) of that history.
August 7, 1920:
Fire rages through Morinville, destroying 1/2 dozen businesses as well as the Town Office.
May 2, 1921:
Town Council approves the formation of an ad hoc fire brigade, consisting of 15 members. The purchased pump proved to be too small and ill-equipped to be effective.
March 8, 1927:
A commercial fire breaks out in the local pharmacy. Between the bucket brigade and divine intervention, no other buildings were affected.
June 20, 1940:
An explosion at Tremblay’s garage spreads to adjacent buildings, destroying an entire block of businesses as well as the fire siren which had been perched on top of the garage.
January 23, 1949:
Fire decimates the new buildings which were erected on the same site as the 1940 fire. Weather conditions rendered firefighting efforts futile. The Town of Morinville then purchased the ’50 Dodge, which is still functioning and on display at the firehall.
March 14, 1950:
The Morinville Fire Department became an official organized body, with Leo Pelletier serving as the first Chief. By the end of July 1950, he submitted his resignation due to a change in address and Ray MacDonald took the helm until 1964, and then again from 1967 - 1970.
1960 - 1969:
The Morinville Fire Department enters into a response agreement with Alexander Reserve, as well as covering a good portion of Sturgeon County. The purchase of a new King Seagraves front-mount pump truck for Morinville to use in the rural areas necessitated buying a former auto body shop to utilize as a firehall until the new one was built in 1986.
February 1976:
Our Silver anniversary was celebrated with a Fireman’s Ball. About the same time, plans were underway to purchase a new town truck. With the eventual arrival of the 1978 Ford 840 came the end of firefighters riding to calls on the tailboard.
January 21, 1981:
The siren is retired and replaced by pagers and radios.
Fall 1982:
Donna O’Flannigan is the first female firefighter to join the ranks of the Morinville Fire Department.
Spring - Fall 1986:
A 100 foot aerial ladder truck is purchased from the City of Edmonton and restored by department members. At the same time, a new hall is constructed, furnished and open for business by late summer. Chief Don Found was instrumental in the design and completion of this enormous undertaking.
July 1996:
The MFD participates in the World Firefighter Games in Edmonton, AB. A silver medal was brought home in the Wrestling Competition thanks to the valiant efforts of Captain Herb Pearce.
January - December 2000:
The Morinville Fire Department celebrates its 50th birthday with a reunion and commemorative book.
March 21, 2002:
Don Found, Morinville Fire Chief for 28 years and a member since 1968, passed away suddenly at the age of 59. Don left a legacy of commitment and dedication which won’t be forgotten. The daunting task of continuing the work that Don had started fell on Deputy Chief Ron Cust.
August 1, 2005:
Dispatching via two-way radio became a thing of the past, as Sturgeon County and the Town of Morinville entered into an agreement with Parkland E-911 Dispatch Centre.
Summer 2005 - present:
The Morinville Firefighters Association became involved in “The Fire Within,” a fund-raising calendar venture with photographer Charles Hope. The 2006 calendars were sold from October 2005 and on, raising money to purchase a thermal imaging camera. The calendar sales have become an important source of revenue for equipment, as well as public relations.
