Fire Hall opens during 1913 Days

The new fire hall in Sylvan Lake almost had to tap a maple tree to keep up with the syrup demand.

On Saturday, June 11 – hundreds of Lakers packed into the shiny new fire hall to take in the sights and with a pancake breakfast provided by members of the Sylvan Lake Fire Department.

In what might have been the most well attended 1913 Days Pancake Breakfast ever, guests were treated to guided tours provided by significant others of the firefighters, as well as a hose cutting ceremony to celebrate this long-awaited grand opening.

Peter Dziepak, who attended the event with his family, was amazed with the turnout.

“It’s a pretty exciting day for Sylvan Lake,” he said. “We did the tour and cruised through all the vehicles. Had an awesome breakfast and coffee.”

He added that it was interesting to find out the fire department was mostly run by volunteers.

“It is really, really incredible,” said Dziepak. “The amount of people cruising in and out of here and supporting the community is amazing. I think that is the best part I can see here.”

Mayor Sean McIntyre, who opened the building by cutting a fire hose with the jaws of life, felt that this is a huge step for the community of Sylvan Lake.

“Our fire department had outgrown our old facility and they were really in need of something new that would allow them to help the community, not only now but in the future,” he said while waiting in line for pancakes with his family.

He added that the new facility has eight apparatus bays, above and beyond the four which the previous building had. This provides the “ability to expand the department as time goes on.”

The day began at 7:00 a.m., with pancakes being served until 11:00 a.m. and the ceremony, being hosted by Jared Waldo of KG Country radio, taking place at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony included a moving speech by Fire Chief Cliff Brausen, who was also floored by the turnout.

“It’s going great,” he said when asked about the turnout. “Lots of kids, lots of adults. Every seat is taken and the weather is cooperating.”

He added that the morning started off with his members getting a crash course on the building, which he said ended up working out great.

Mayor McIntyre was happy to see “so many happy people out in one place, enjoying 1913 Days and exploring the new fire hall.”

“We are so happy to have them all together,” said the Mayor.

Brausen added that he wanted to “thank all the residences for coming out and supporting the fire department. Thank you to everybody.” said the Chief.

Reporter@sylvanlakenews.com