The Kindersley Fire Department held its annual banquet on Saturday, April 12, an evening that combined camaraderie, recognition and a reminder of the job’s unpredictability.
Doors to the event opened at 5:30 p.m., giving attendees time to enjoy drinks and connect with fellow guests. The evening’s master of ceremonies was Randy Schmidt, a former member of the Kindersley Fire Brigade.
Just 10 minutes before supper was scheduled to begin, firefighters were called to respond to a reported explosion near Brock. The team quickly departed to perform their duties. For those who remained, dinner, catered by Simply Satisfied Catering, was served shortly afterward, with grace led by Loreen Soveran.
The evening’s speeches and awards were slightly delayed as a result of the call, but the firefighters returned in time to still enjoy the meal and take part in the evening’s festivities.
Volunteer Firefighter Aleesha Bruinooge and spouse Lane Story opened the formal program with toasts, one to the firefighters from their spouses, and one to the spouses from the firefighters.
Fire Chief Jeff Soveran offered his own remarks, followed by speeches from Kindersley town councillor Kevin Martin, RM of Kindersley Reeve Lionel Story and Kindersley EMS representative April Matthewson.
Service awards were also presented during the evening. Jeff Soveran was honoured for 35 years of exemplary service, presented by Tyler Bairos. Myles Perrin was recognized for 30 years of service, presented by Randy Schmidt and Wayne Bleile. Justin Smith received his 10-year service award, presented by Cassandra Annable, while Cody Phinney was awarded for five years of service, presented by Matt Francis.
The formal portion of the evening transitioned into entertainment, beginning with two rounds of music and movie trivia hosted by the Kindersley Trivia Night team. The night wrapped up with Blackjack, where guests played for chips that entered them into a raffle draw for a dual massage package, donated by Massage by Kylee and Shannah Osiowy Massage Therapy.