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On November 4 the crew at Invermere Fire/Rescue hosted their annual Firefighter’s Ball to a sold-out crowd of 300 guests at the Columbia Valley Centre.  

This year marked the 50th anniversary for the Ball, and the 72nd year as a fire department.

To mark their gold anniversary, the team of firefighters and their respective families and friends decked out the hall in glistening glitter and gold, and rolled out the red carpet to welcome their guests, with photographer Morgan Odland there to capture all the action. 

The evening’s events consisted of some old favourites – like a silent auction and the always popular balloon pop – along with some new additions, such as a 50/50 cash draw and an online auction beginning 10 days before the event.

Back by very popular demand, Trotters Catering of Invermere, along with Konig Meat & Sausage Company and Invermere Bakery put together an incredible meal. 

Entertainment for the evening was provided by the very talented band Liquid Rhythm of Calgary, along with IFR’s own in-house DJ. 

Awards  were handed out to members to acknowledge years of service milestones. Receiving awards this year were firefighter Ryan Denis with five years of service, and auxiliary assistant fire chief Tom McNeil with 20 years of service. Four other awards were handed out as well. These awards were chosen by a member vote in four categories:

• Driver of the Year: Ed Jones

• Rookie of the Year: Tyson Hagan

• Firefighter of the Year: Jordan Smith

• Captain of the Year: Janice Dallaire

The firefighters also welcomed a special group this year to help out with preparation and clean- up duties, and would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the Windermere Valley U18 Female Rockies for their outstanding assistance in making the event run smoothly. 

Well over 100 businesses and individuals from near and far donated prizes, gift certificates and cash to support this year’s event. 

While an official count is still being tallied, the Invermere Fire/Rescue crew is beyond excited to announce that the Ball raised over $40,000! These funds will be utilized to purchase new equipment and tools used to protect structures and save lives, provide integral training to members, and to increase membership and member retention within the department. 

IFR would like to thank the businesses, individuals and partygoers that made the Firefighter’s Ball such a huge success and who, year after year, make this the hottest event of the year.

All smiles are Chief Jason Roe and Deputy Chief Colin Matheson.
(Photo by Morgan Odland)

The department’s vintage 1952 fire engine.
(Photo by Morgan Odland)