An old red bicycle hangs from the ceiling inside a building just off Metchosin Road.
Alongside is a plaque telling the story of Alan Emery, who pedalled the bike to the fire hall every time the siren wailed, calling ColwoodB次元官网网址檚 volunteer firefighters into action. The human-powered transport is dubbed one of the regionB次元官网网址檚 first emergency vehicles.
Hundreds of other pieces of history line the walls at the Colwood Firefighters Historical Museum. They are reminders of the history Colwood firefighters still value today, says Lt. Craig Twidale, one of the caretakers of the collection.
B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e learned a lot (from) the past and IB次元官网网址檓 helping preserve the memories of the fellow firefighters that have come and gone,B次元官网网址� he says. B次元官网网址淲hen my kids grow up (they can see) this is where I worked B次元官网网址� When their kids and their grandkids come by, they can see (it too).B次元官网网址�
A Buckle trailer pump issued to the Colwood Fire Brigade during World War II, old hand-pump fire extinguishers, hundreds of metres of retired fire hoses, a 1944 International Fire Truck and a 1955 one-ton 4 x 4 Power Wagon live at the museum, which sits next to ColwoodB次元官网网址檚 No. 1 hall.
The facility is alive because of community support and volunteerism, Twidale says. B次元官网网址淚t makes you feel good. I enjoy learning about the department and where it has come from and where itB次元官网网址檚 going.B次元官网网址�
The restored International pumper truck, particularly, has been a labour of love for the volunteer crew, he says.
B次元官网网址�(It took) two months to hand-sand the ladder, then there was body work to painting, a year of work, most of it volunteer time. Still have a few little things to do.B次元官网网址�
With artifacts from as early as 1939, when the Provincial Protection Committee formed Air-Raid Protection (ARP) units in Colwood, Langford and View Royal, the beginnings of the Colwood Volunteer Fire DepartmentB次元官网网址檚 are preserved at the museum. Old helmets adorn the walls, and turnout gear that once didnB次元官网网址檛 even include full pants, just hip high boots, hang as if ready for an emergency. Firefighters in decades past wore boots with just a jacket overtop before entering burning buildings.
B次元官网网址淚 used to wear that stuff; IB次元官网网址檝e been around a long time,B次元官网网址� says Capt. Frank Gale, B次元官网网址渁nd the science of fire has grown (by) leaps and bounds. ItB次元官网网址檚 no longer B次元官网网址榬un into a burning building and squirt wet stuff on the red stuff.B次元官网网址� ThereB次元官网网址檚 quite a science and an art to attacking a fire.B次元官网网址�
A firefighter in Colwood since 1975 and a city resident more than 54 years, Gale points out the history display is open to the public. He hopes more people take an interest in stories and artifacts illustrating the hard work and dedication of firefighters past.
B次元官网网址淚 wanted to service the community and I am very proud of Colwood, always have been,B次元官网网址� he says.
B次元官网网址淭o keep part of the old Colwood is what I really want to do and what I have done all my life.
B次元官网网址淵ou have to watch you donB次元官网网址檛 lose your heritage.B次元官网网址�
