Figure of speech -
On Feb. 3 the Baie Verte Volunteer Fire Department lost their fire hall and all of its contents, including two fire trucks, in a devastating fire.
Being a reporter there for two years, I did much more then just report the news. I embraced Baie Verte as my home and I dearly love the residents who make the town one-of-a-kind.
As a reporter you quickly get the opportunity to know everyone, especially members of the local RCMP detachment and firefighters - who I'm glad to say many are my friends.
Volunteer firefighters deserve praise all over the island (as stated in my previous column) and I'm not being biased by any means, but Baie Verte volunteer firefighters are second to none.
The fire department is always trying innovative ways to fundraise for equipment and have obtained much of it by the sweat of their brow. The first couple of months after I arrived, the fire chief called me elated that they had received a brand new 2008 rescue truck and invited me to be there for the exchange of keys at the fire hall that week.
Every firefighter was on hand to inspect their latest piece of equipment and eager to sign-up for training for the Jaws of Life and other essential tools that came with the million-dollar machine.
I was there to help in any way that I could during community breakfasts and suppers and to take photos of firefighters in their aprons and chef's hats as they served up goodies in hopes of purchasing breathing apparatuses and other much needed equipment to keep them safe while fighting fires and responding to other emergencies.
I was there, front and center, covering a benefit concert for the departments cold-water rescue suits. They had purchased five last year - at $1,000 each. And I was there when they took to the water to stimulate a cold-water rescue at 9 p.m. in Baie Verte harbour - in the middle of November - for hours until they got it just right.
However, the fire department is no stranger to loss. While members were at the fire hall in November of 2009 celebrating their 43rd Annual Firemen's Ball, their training facility just outside of town was lost to a suspected arson.
All the while I was amazed at the level of training and how skilled these volunteers had become. The outstanding eagerness to learn and train to get better in the chance to assist someone in need was overwhelming.
Overwhelmed. That is also the only word I could come up with to explain my emotions when I got news of the horrible fire that completely destroyed the fire hall.
I couldn't help but stop and remember how much work went into each meal, tournament or concert and how much training went into learning each new piece of equipment. The nights when the rest of the town was tucked snuggly into their beds, these firefighters were testing their abilities at a local fire or accident scene.
I have the utmost respect for what these volunteers do and I have every belief that the determination and passion of these volunteers will conquer the recent blow to their department. I know that it will only be a matter of time before they rebound and rebuild.
However, to help in that endeavor Scotiabank has set-up an account called the "Baie Verte Fire Department Rebuild Fund" and is open for anyone to donate at any branch across Canada.
I'm hoping that during your next visit that you think about the community of Baie Verte and the peninsula as you wait in line. What would you do if your community or neighbouring community didn't have a fire department? Would you sleep as soundly at night?
For now, the community has already began planning its next fundraiser and currently has a fire truck from Stephenville on hand in case of an emergency, with other equipment from various departments on the way.
"When life takes the wind out of your sails, it is to test you at the oars."
- Robert Brault
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