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Baynes Lake FD receives heartfelt donation honouring firefighter’s mother

Last week, six members of the Lacombe Fire Department arrived at the Baynes Lake Fire Hall to donate and deliver new rescue tools, in person.
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Last week, six members of the Lacombe Fire Department arrived at the Baynes Lake Fire Hall to donate and deliver new rescue tools, in person.

In addition to new rescue tools, they also donated a new pump.

The driving force behind this donation was a man by the name of Zach Walker, a former volunteer with the Baynes Lake Fire Department. He joined as soon as he was old enough, and eventually moved on to become a member of the Lacombe Department. Walker’s brother, Ethan, is currently enrolled in the Baynes Lake FD Junior Program.

“I can remember both boys being around the Fire Hall from the time they were very young,” said Elk Valley and South Country Rural Fire Chief, Dave Boreen.

In a recent tragic event, Ethan and Zach lost their mother, Juanita, in a motor vehicle accident near Wardner.

The newly donated rescue tools were each adorned with a small plaque that read, ‘In memory of Juanita Walker’.

For the remaining portion of the weekend, the Lacombe firefighters, including Zach, delivered a multiday extrication training course.

Firefighters from Baynes Lake, Elko and Jaffray fire departments also participated in the training exercise. This was spoken of as not only a great opportunity for cross-training, but also as a great team building exercise.

Boreen said he was very grateful to the Lacombe Fire Department for the donation, and thanked all the firefighters who came down to participate in the training.

“(I) would like to extend special recognition to Zach and Ethan, who have been, and continue to be, an important part of the Baynes Lake Fire Family.”

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Phil McLachlan

About the Author: Phil McLachlan

Phil McLachlan is the editor at the Penticton Western News. He served as the reporter, and eventually editor of The Free Press newspaper in Fernie.
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