Wilmot Heritage Fire Brigades open house a family affair

From left, 95-year-old longtime Wilmot Heritage Fire Brigades member Bert Currie, his great-granddaughter Claire Farwell, Claire’s mother Roxanne Farwell and Currie’s granddaughter enjoy Saturday’s annual open house and barbecue in Baden. The celebration included the unveiling of the brigade’s newly acquired antique Ford F155 fire truck from Alberta. Gary West photo

By Gary West

The Wilmot Heritage Fire Brigades welcomed visitors to Baden Saturday for its annual open house and barbecue, celebrating both local firefighting history and the newest addition to its collection of antique fire equipment.

Among those attending was 95-year-old Bert Currie, a longtime member of the Wilmot Heritage Fire Brigades who came with members of his family to show his continued support for the organization.

The open house included the unveiling of the brigade’s newest acquisition, an antique Ford F155 fire truck brought to Baden from Alberta.

Local dignitaries were also on hand to offer congratulations on behalf of the Township of Wilmot and the provincial and federal governments, recognizing the work brigades members continue to do preserving the history of the Baden and New Hamburg fire departments.

Through its collection of historic firefighting equipment and community events like the annual open house, the Wilmot Heritage Fire Brigades continues to keep the history of local firefighting alive for future generations.