Jasper Volunteer Fire Brigade members have always been in the hearts and minds of those who hold Jasper dear. Since July, they’ve been even more embedded within the community.
Crisis Team calendar honours Jasper firefighters
A new calendar pays tribute to Jasper’s fire-affected landscape and the very people who had a front row seat to its transformation.
The Crisis Team Society of Jasper has launched a 2025 Firefighter Calendar and Auction to support individuals experiencing trauma and tragedy in times of crisis.
The calendar features breathtaking imagery of Jasper’s firefighters amidst the stunning landscapes of Jasper National Park.
“It really captures the passion and resilience of those who protected our community during the Jasper Wildfire,” said the Crisis Team’s Lisa Darrah.
Jasper’s Ash and Brian Van Tighem of Kinfolk Photography captured the photos for the calendar.
Every purchase or sponsorship raises essential funds for the Crisis Team, said board chair of the Crisis Team of Jasper and Captain of the JVFB, Kelly Dawson.
“Together we’re making an impact that goes beyond crisis response, we’re strengthening resilience and community-well being,” Dawson said.
The Crisis Team receives referrals from healthcare staff, the RCMP, Jasper Community Outreach Services, the Municipality of Jasper and other first responders. Since 2007 the Crisis Team has operated with support from the MOJ, provincial grants and community fundraising efforts.
Darrah said calendars can be purchased at Tekarra Color Lab in Jasper and are available at crisisteamsociety.ca/calendar so people can help make a difference today.
TELUS and GlobalMedic deliver fire relief trailer unit
On his own calendar, JVFB Deputy Fire Chief Don Smith had the week of December 9 circled. That’s when a wildfire relief trailer unit was due to be delivered to the community of Jasper.
Mounted on a skid, the wildfire relief unit contains a tank, a pump and a hose, all of which fit neatly into the bed of a pickup truck—essentially turning the pickup into a fire truck.
“The unit instantly turns any truck into a mobile firefighting device, allowing firefighters to be deployed right to the front line,” said Rahul Singh, executive director of GlobalMedic, the non-profit which designed the units with their affiliate, GlobalFire.
The donation to Jasper was made possible thanks to a $40,000 contribution to GlobalMedic through the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation. Fire relief units have been delivered to communities on the frontlines of wildfires across the province, including High Level, Rainbow Lake, Peace River, Edson, Millet and now Jasper.
Train of thoughtfulness
ViaRail employees showed their appreciation for the members of the Jasper Volunteer Fire Brigade recently.
Last Tuesday (December 3), Jasper Station Manager Sue McCarthy made a special delivery to the firehall: $540 cash and a pair of return tickets to Vancouver.
“They deserve to take a break,” McCarthy said. “They’re such amazing human beings.”
McCarthy said Via staff made anonymous donations to support the brigade and Via Rail added the trip for two ($4,500 appx value), for which the volunteer members will draw for.
Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com
