Following the Wildfire one of the members of the LLVFD, Terry Passley, put his thoughts and feelings together to create a poem. It is shared here for your reading pleasure.
It was 30 days before Christmas when I looked round the room,
Lots of faces not smiling and appeared full of glum.
I was taken back by this lack of good Xmas cheer
As it was supposed to be the festive time of the year.
I gave it some thought and wondered just why
and it came right to me without even a try.
Each face told a story of the year that had past
How they learned about each other and learned it quite fast.
They came from all trades with different skills, jobs and more
And who could believe the odd “604”
There was Colin the Chief or staples as known
who led this great team without even a moan.
I guess when you think of the crew that he had
there was nothing else he could do but sit back and be glad.
He had many talents of several great souls
from artists to farmers and paramedics as roles.
We had Sid the mechanic and Les with class 1
even Jeff the ex cop and Leanne the new Mom.
We had several full timers we knew were quite handy
Like Daryl and Brian and even young Randy.
Then there was Kevin from the resort Marigold
That runs a fine show from present clients I’m told.
There was always a man willing to take up a new job
that would be Mr Salisbury not his old Uncle Bob.
He had a few key men that he knew he could enlist
just a couple quite seasoned that came with a twist.
There was Norm the electrician who knew all the gear
and Ray that old plumber too perfect to jeer.
So the weather was gorgeous no storm in the mix
until that cloud came and it changed to a class six.
As we stood at the hall in awe of the stage
We realized Loon Lake was about to turn a new page.
The mood changed quickly on that sun filled day
when the black cloud came in and we couldn’t see a ray.
The lot went all crazy as the new order was given
Everyone get out now this lakes not for liven.
And so it began on that fateful day in July
the test of the team and on who we could rely.
The gloves had been dropped and the line had been drawn
it was only our crew we knew we could count on.
With the Chief at the wheel and the Captains hands on
Our direction was given as landowners were gone.
We did what we could to defend their sweet homes
Going back and forth to the lake in each given zone.
The water did flow all day and night
with many crew working to win this great fight.
It took a few weeks to get more hands on the ground
At which time the battle we knew had turned around.
It appeared the worse was over, the help made that clear
the beast had gone past us the end was quite near,
As we did the last back burn to end all the threat
We were thankful to all of the crews we had met.
With everyone leaving we stopped to look around
the mess left behind, great scars and black ground.
My memories will be of the strength of our plan
Each link in the chain that backed every man.
From 33 and its’ Captain who led with great pride
to the rookie he guided along at his side.
So when I look round this room of great faces
I change up my attitude and tighten up my boot laces.
It is that time of year to be smiling, and happy with cheer
to look ahead and be positive for the next year.
How can we change it, what would make it better
It might be that jolly elf in his new Christmas sweater.
Now don’t be confused about the man that I say
Not the big round red guy in a present filled sleigh.
This elf that does come always brings us neat gifts
But this elf works great tools, hot cars and cool lifts.
Some think he works too much, for the family and banko
But we love this elf and he goes by the name of Franko.
This year in his pocket he has the greatest gift of all
It is the sweet letter of chance for the new fire hall.
He is working with the TNRD, jeff, paul and yes pat.
To build us this new hall where the old one sat.
But if we could just ask for one more little favour
from this jolly old elf and his quite unique behaviour.
Can he reach back in his sack, find a promise to make
Not one hall but two, one for each end of the lake!!
LLVFD Head Cook,
Terry Passley
