While every fire station has a practical function of housing apparatus, each has it’s own story.  Some speak to their longevity or architectural style, while others reflect the personnel, the apparatus they house, share space with or mirror the personality or the structure of the community.  Many provide living and training facilities for personnel; some are used for emergency shelter, and they all provide a place of prominence for the the men and women who serve.

 

The project you are about to enter pays homage and offers a learning experience for those wishing to see the resolution of the people, the communities, and the events which have fashioned them. It is a living time-line compilation of stories, articles, and folklore following the history of these Ontario, Canada fire halls. ​

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It has been an interesting journey over many years, and one where we continually learn about the camaraderie, triumphs, and disappointments behind the evolution of these facilities.  While most events involve the emergency service members, there are also many occasions where private citizens come to the aid of their neighbours and complete strangers, reflecting the inherent good in most people who are willing to help out when there is a need.

 

​We welcome everyone's involvement, and I am truly thankful to the people who have already been gracious and interested enough to assist in this journey by contributing to the collection. This includes so many people: Fire Chiefs, Ranking Officers, retired and active Firefighters, Fire Buffs, Elected Officials, Journalists, Authors,  Broadcasters, Historians and others knowledgeable in the events. 

 

Sadly, however, it has not gone without disappointment, as some officials have been very dismissive or self absorbed and show no interest in helping celebrate their department's evolution. These people could be responsible for voids in the station's history.

 

I would be remiss if I forgot to acknowledge a few more personal connections who have been very instrumental to this project. I'm  continually reminded of the valued contributions of the late Neil McCarten.  Neil loved travelling, meeting people and learning about trains, transportation and fire services.  During many of his journeys throughout Ontario, along with his wife Ruth, he collected and willingly shared the information and pictures which can be seen throughout this collection.

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The late Richard Sargent, from his former web page “The Apparatus Floor”,  who collected everything fire-related, was a major influence by sharing information and provided the inspiration to pursue this project.

Two other major contributors have been Harold McMann and Desmond Brett, for without their knowledge and contributions, many of these pages would have been left without content.  

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The many contributors to the Trumpet and the Third Alarm publications have also added much value with their insight and general knowledge.

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Lastly, I must remember my plus one, Sue, who has spent endless hours travelling, and assisting me in my quest to learn about these stations, helping with note taking, and typing in order to record these stories.

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There are just so many fabulous people who are responsible for these histories that I am unable to acknowledge everyone here, they are however mentioned in the attribution credits of each station.

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It will be a continual work in progress, as today's events are tomorrow's history. With the indispensable assistance of people who are interested in preserving these legacies, it will continue to grow and be an ongoing accolade to the people who are there when we need them.