Firefighters at Beach Build Recreation Hall
Firefighters at Beach Build Recreation Hall
From the Hamilton Spectator
Hamilton Beach, August 1/ 1952
Residents of this busy area may well be proud of the Beach Volunteer Fire Department, under Chief Dan Hazell, which, though hard work and determination, has recently completed the construction of a recreation hall.
The hall, valued at some $15,000 is a monument to the members the department who, in a combined effort, built the impressive structure at no cost to the ratepayers of the area.
For more than 10 years now, the Fire Department, one of the most efficient in this part of the province has seen service at fires and drowning along the busy Beach strip. This group of 27 men has taken over one of the most important jobs in the entire community, that of the protection of life and property, and their record, over the years, has shown that the department has done an excellent job. The department has progressed from one A.R.P. trailer pump to the present well-equipped department of two pumpers, modern inhalers, gas masks and other equipment necessary to make up an efficient fire-fighting unit.
Build First Truck
In 1941, the men received a second hand truck, a former milk delivery vehicle, and under the supervision of G. F. Robins, then assistant chief, the department constructed the first fire-fighting truck the Beach could call their own. Sometime later, a truck was purchased from the Hamilton Department.
The Burlington Beach Commission though (over) the years has offered its whole-hearted co-operation to the department.
Because of the location of the community, and the ever present danger of persons drowning, the department has purchased and financed by its own funds, made possible through various projects held on the strip, and supported by public spirited citizens, the lifesaving equipment which includes two boats, hot water bottles, etc.
Also, the members of the department have spent considerable time in the study of artificial resuscitation, and have built up an enviable record at the popular Beach strip, mecca of the swimming and boating for hundreds of Hamilton and district residents during the summer months.
The department last spring was forced out of the fire hall because of high water, but the men were up to the problem and purchased the old bowling green clubhouse from the Beach Commission, added to it at their own expense, and have a hall that is excellent for training and social purpose.
Supervision of this project was under Fireman C. Simmons, D. Young, J. Gavalin and K. Agur.
Besides their work at fires and Beach accidents, the members of the department also respond when called upon to assist in any charitable purpose, and in their own way have assisted the needy, the school and churches, with physical and financial aid.
Annual Frolic
To assist them in their work the department each year holds a frolic, and the date this social event is August 8, 9 and 11, at the Dynes Station.
Members of the department at the present time include Chief Dan Hazell; Assistant Chief Bud Allan; Captains W. Sommerville, C. Dean; Lieutenants F. Leach and C. Hewitt; Fire Building Inspector A. Christian, and Firemen K. Kinrade, D. Young, W. Ronalds, R. Manzer, L. Griffin, H. Wilkins, H. Hindman, C. Simmons, G. Markis, K. Agur, J. Gavalin, G. Hopwood, R. Foster, E. Tubman, A. Fulton, G. Pree, J. Embelton, W. Simmons, F. Wain, H. Henderson.