The RM of North Battleford's Fire Department received a $25,000 donation from Hamlin Farms ltd. (Submitted photo/RM of North Battleford)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Big contribution

RM of North Battleford Fire Hall getting large donation

Nov 9, 2021 | 2:36 PM

The Rural Municipality of North Battleford No. 437 is getting a huge boost for their firefighting efforts.

The RM’s Fire Department received a $25,000 donation from Hamlin Farms Ltd., a fourth generation family farm. One of the largest donations the department has received, this gift will go towards finishing the facility’s training and conference rooms for both the team’s use and others.

In a statement on social media, the fourth generation family farm expressed excitement in having the opportunity to support the department.

“The gift of $25,000 we are able to provide on behalf of our family farm is in remembrance of our father Cyril Fransoo,” the statement read. “It is in line with his and our core beliefs of a strong family and community, which the RM of North Battleford fire department represents.”

Co-Fire Chief Aaron McNabb thanked Hill Farms for their support, adding that the funding is critical for their operations in short and long term. Having a training and conference room will allow the department to offer it to groups like Battlefords Search & Rescue for use when crews aren’t using them, an organization that they work with closely in lifesaving situations.

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“It’s important to have this community involvement and funding, help us move to that next level of proficiency and efficiency from training to response,” he said. “We really strive to be a community department.”

The RM of North Battleford’s Fire Department. (Submitted photo/RM of North Battleford)

McNabb said much of what they are trying to do is connect with the public, which spurred them to constantly build on their relationships to other agencies within the RM, other safety-related organizations and their ratepayers. Crews also have close contact with farms and businesses outside of the city, which requires clear communication during events like wildfires. Other major events the department typically deals with include brushfires and highway vehicle extrications.

“We need to work with everyone in order to be successful in mitigating losses,” he said. “Our surrounding departments have been excellent.”

In receiving this donation, McNabb said it’s a good sign that their relationship building is working, as it means ratepayers are confirming their trust in what the department is doing.

“We’re on the path where our ratepayers will look back and say that this [arrangement] is working and we’re gaining the community feel and function that we require to be the most excellent department we can be.

“It’s nice to see that come back our way and see we are achieving that.”

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW