Members of the Bury Fire Department. From left to right : Teresa Jacklin, Tristan Coates, Philippe Carrier, Chief Edward Jacklin, Sébastien Gauthier and Mike McIver.
An exceptionally warm and sunny day greeted the crowds of visitors attending the inaugural open house of the new Bury Fire Station. Denis Savage, the mayor of Bury; Louise Brière, director general; and fire chief Edward Jacklin, along with other uniformed firefighters welcomed the public to have a look around at the modern, newly constructed facility.
According to fire chief Jacklin, who also serves as coordinator for Public Works for the Municipality of Bury, the new fire station’s location at 783 McIver Street was selected by town council’s public security committee in collaboration with the fire department. It was determined the location was « ideally suited » due to its proximity to Highway 210 and McIver Street (Route 255). « This facilitates rapid access and lower response times to a greater portion of the Township of Bury, and also the neighbouring municipalities of Newport, Scotstown, Westbury, and Cookshire-Eaton, with which Bury maintains mutual emergency aid agreements. »
Chief Jacklin expressed gratitude for and pride in his fellow firefighters’ dedication and tireless efforts. « They pitched in to help set up the station while continuing to train and practice, in order to maintain constant readiness in the event of any emergency call. »
He pointed out that the all-metal building was essentially « fire-proof »—not a bad feature for a fire hall—and the land obtained by the town surrounding the building will allow for future expansions when needed. For the time being, the one building is perfectly adequate to house the firetruck, pumper truck, and emergency support vehicle. The building has oversized doors, both front and back, allowing for quick and secure access for responding to and returning from emergency calls. The well-insulated and heated building has replaced the former under-insulated brick fire hall located next to the Armoury on Main Street, making it more comfortable for firefighters and easier to maintain vehicles.
Mayor Savage made short remarks in both official languages, expressing gratitude to all involved. He described the new facility as one of the greatest achievements of his term as Mayor, now on the cusp of beginning its fourth year.
He added that it was particularly commendable so many firefighters and town employees contributed to the project, and that everyone should be proud that the community will be safer and more secure.
Director general Louise Brière concurred with the mayor’s statements and added that the town purchased the nearly new building that had been built originally as a repair shop from a local mechanic. It meets all the fire department’s needs and fulfills government health and safety requirements. The purchase and renovations were thus made for only $350,000 rather than the projected $1.5 million for an all-new building. A subsidy from the Canada Community Building Fund covered all but about $20,000-$30,000, saving taxpayers a great deal of money.
Robert Roy, prefect for the Haut-Saint-François regional county municipality, also attended and expressed his satisfaction with the addition of this vital link in the regional public security network.
About 100 visitors attended, congratulating firefighters and officials, and enjoying snacks and drinks in a festive atmosphere.
On a historic note, the new Bury Fire Station is located very near to the original former Bury Train Station that hailed the first arrival of the railway to the region in 1874.
