The Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department celebrated 60 years of dedication and service of the department and its members to the Coombs-Hilliers area on June 21.
Many past and current CHVFD members, other local fire departments members, Regional District of Nanaimo elected officials, members of the Coombs-Hilliers community and other residents joined to recognize and acknowledge the firefighters’ rich history and commitment to the community’s safety, as well learn about fire and emergency services in their community.
“Congratulations to the Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Volunteer Fire Department and its members for 60 years of serving and protecting our community," said Leanne Salter, Electoral Area F Director. "Whether getting called to a structural fire, a motor vehicle accident or other incident, they show up with the same commitment to serving those in need at all hours of the day, every day of the year. My sincerest gratitude to every firefighter for their dedication and service to our community.”
According to a press release, the CHVFD was formed in 1965, and Isaac Neden was elected as the first chief. A 1952 ladder-pump fire truck was purchased for $1,000, becoming fire truck No.1 at CHVFD. For most of the 60 years, the CHVFD was operated, and services provided by, the Coombs-Hilliers Fire Department Society. The RDN has operated the CHVFD since 2022 and during the past 60 years since the fire department began providing services, there have been more than 100 men and women who have proudly served the community and residents of Coombs-Hilliers as firefighters.
The CHVFD have practices every Wednesday. The firefighters practise for about two hours, with practices including vehicle extrication, fire hose deployment, water supply, rope rescue and first responder scenarios. From its beginnings of one fire truck, the CHVFD fleet now includes: two fire engines, two fire tenders, one rescue truck and two command vehicles.
The department has 19 members whose service ranges from a few months to 40 years. Like most fire departments in the region, the CHVFD is actively recruiting new members to join to help protect their community. No experience is required, and all training is provided. For more information, call 250-752-2144, email chvfd@rdn.bc.ca or drop by the firehall at 3241 Alberni Hwy.
“I am honoured to serve our community as Community Fire Chief of the Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department, said Chief Ron Schildroth. "I thank all our past and current firefighters for their unwavering commitment to serving those in need throughout our 60-year history. Most of our firefighters work fulltime and so generously give of their personal time to serve. Without them, and the support of their families, we could not provide the level of service that we do. We’re proud to carry on the legacy of those who served before us and to give our best to the community we live in and appreciate being a part of.”
The CHVFD is proud to work closely with its neighbouring departments when the need arises, stated the release. This includes automatic aid agreements with Qualicum Beach Fire Rescue, Nanoose Volunteer Fire Department, Bow Horn Bay Fire Department, Parksville Fire Department, Errington Volunteer Fire Department and Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department and a mutual aid agreement with the Port Alberni Fire Department.
