Rookies join Jasper’s fire crew

As the rookies piled on their bunker gear for a photo op outside last week’s meeting, it was clear they had become close after only working together a few weeks. When asked what they were looking forward to most, they all agreed they want to help the community.

Looking around at each other, Robert Harkema blurted out, “One of you has to say playing with the hose,” and they chuckled.

Harkema, who grew up in Jasper, learned about the closeness of a fire hall family after working for a fire brigade for five years in Rocky Mountain House.

“It doesn’t take long to get comfortable around the guys,” he said. “It’s like everyone’s brothers and sisters.”

He said the change happens when the gents don their helmets and coats.

“We’re kind of ordinary Joes until we put this stuff on,” he said. A desire to follow in his father’s footsteps drew him to the role.

The camaraderie and a bit of chance pulled in Kerry MacDonald, a St. Albert native who’s lived in Jasper for seven years.

“I showed up for the interview and luckily they took me,” he joked. “This was where my skill set led me.”

Swiss-born Andy Allenbach, owner of Andy’s Bistro, was trained for fire rescue during his stint in the army in his home country.

Since coming to Jasper in 1980, he had considered joining the crew but just recently found the time.

He’s already getting excited about the position, especially after what he’s heard from the other guys.

The tales are, “nothing we can talk about,” he said, smiling.

Torontonian Drew Pearson agreed. “Yeah, I’ve heard some pretty intense stories.”

Pearson has been in Jasper for more than four years and thought this would be a great way to contribute to the community.

“I’ve gotten a lot from Jasper and this is the best way I can give it back,” he said.

The fifth new fireman is Andrew Loughlin, who was out of town on vacation during last week’s Tuesday night training.

Fire chief Greg Van Tighem said the rookies will attend training once a week – twice monthly at basic training and twice at regular training – until their one-year probation is up.

Van Tighem said the new guys are a qualified and ambitious group.

“They seem very keen, ready to commit their time to the community and improve their own personal skills and become part of the team.”

With the addition of the new fire fighters, Jasper will have a team of 30 volunteers and two full-time staff.