The Fire Departments from around the Columbia Valley are inviting valley residents and visitors to join them for the first ever “Trucks and Tools Showcase” later this month.

“We will have representation from all seven of the fire departments in the Valley, equipment on display, recruiting tents and a barbecue,” explains Columbia Valley Fire & Rescue Services (CVFRS) Deputy Chief, Martin Caldwell. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for all of us to showcase our departments, the equipment we have and the training we can provide.”

The Trucks and Tools Showcase will run Saturday, October 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lots of Home Hardware and Canadian Tire in Invermere.

Donations will be collected during the barbecues, and all funds raised will go toward the Radium Fire Medical Program/AED Fund.

“I would encourage anyone who has been thinking of becoming a volunteer firefighter to come down and visit us during the Showcase. It’s a wonderful opportunity to receive specialized training, be part of a great team, and give back to your community,” says Caldwell. “We can always use more volunteers.”

There will be participation in the event from the CVFRS departments in Edgewater, Panorama, Windermere and Fairmont, along with the other departments in the valley — Invermere, Radium and Canal Flats.

“It’s going to be a fantastic day and I’m looking forward to a good turnout. It would not be possible without the generosity and support of Invermere Canadian Tire and Invermere Home Hardware,” adds Caldwell.

For more information, contact the Windermere Fire Department at 250-342-6214 or visit the “Columbia Valley Fire and Rescue” Facebook page.

—Submitted by RDEK