Marystown Fire Department: Where Volunteers Become Heroes

Overview Of The Marystown Fire Department

The Marystown Fire Department consists of 30 dedicated firefighters. The department is lucky to have an amazing fleet, which includes a ladder truck, two pumpers, two rescue vehicles, a command and mobile unit, and even a hovercraft. The variety of equipment enables them to respond to a wide range of emergency situations, assuring the community’s safety and well-being.

The Marystown Fire Department also serves as a first responder for nearby communities. They work with other departments too as needed. This means that when a call is received, the Marystown team is always ready to help.

Aid agreements allow the team to lend a hand whenever resources permit. “If we can, we’re going to help,” says Fire Chief Bolt, highlighting the department’s commitment to their community and surrounding area. “Our department responded to well over one hundred calls last year, and at this moment, we’re trending in the same direction. We do everything except for medical responses in the community,” Bolt shares.

The Marystown Fire Department is a volunteer-driven organization. Despite Bolt’s daytime role during typical working hours, he volunteers his time after hours, just like every other member of the team.

This commitment to service is a defining feature of the department, and Bolt emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging his team’s efforts. “Every firefighter, whether they’ve been with the department for a few months or nearly four decades, contributes something significant. The team’s experience ranges from three months to 37 years, resulting in a well-rounded and highly productive department,” shares Bolt.

This volunteer-driven model makes Marystown Fire Department special. It fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among the team members.

The Evolution Of The Department

Established in 1967, the Marystown Fire Department has grown and evolved over the years. Starting with just about twelve founding members, the department now has thirty dedicated firefighters, a substantial growth that reflects the increasing demands of the community.

The department’s equipment has also seen significant improvements. In the early days, they operated with a single pumper. Today, their fleet includes five modern apparatuses. “Three of our five apparatuses are MetalFab trucks,” says Bolt, noting that the support received has been incredible during the building process and in ongoing maintenance.

The department’s ability to evolve its equipment and capabilities has played a critical role in ensuring that it can meet the needs of Marystown and the surrounding areas.

Junior Firefighter Program

One of the department’s most notable initiatives is its Junior Firefighter Program, which was launched in 2016. Now in its eighth year, the program is designed to give young people an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in firefighting. The hope is that these junior firefighters will eventually return to the department as fully trained professionals or offer their services to neighboring departments.

“We’re starting to see products of that program returning, either to us or to neighbouring departments,” Bolt shares. The junior firefighter program serves as a pipeline for future firefighters, helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of the department while giving local youth a chance to engage in meaningful community service.

One of the most significant challenges facing volunteer fire departments is recruitment and retention. For Chief Bolt, the key to keeping volunteers engaged is simple: it’s about showing appreciation. “To keep people, you have to take care of people,” shares Bolt. He goes on to say, “The biggest thing is appreciation and showing them that, hey, what you do, not everybody can do or will do, so that in itself is a big thing.”

This means making sure every firefighter feels valued and involved in the department’s activities. By creating an environment where every member feels appreciated and recognized for their contributions, the Marystown Fire Department has been able to maintain a strong team.

For new recruitment, Bolt stresses the importance of community involvement and having conversations within the community. “Never hesitate to have that conversation with that one person who’s interested, because that may be the next person to step forward,” he shares.

What’s In Store For The Future

In 2025, the Marystown Fire Department will hit another major milestone as they prepare to host the provincial fire service convention on the Burin Peninsula. Scheduled for September 12, 2025, this convention will bring together firefighters from across the region, providing an opportunity for collaboration, learning, and celebration. The announcement of the convention has already generated excitement within the department, especially due to the fact it has been 48 years since they last hosted the event.

The department’s commitment to constant improvement, both in terms of equipment and staffing, ensures that Marystown is well-protected for the foreseeable future. From their volunteer-driven model to their junior firefighter program and other community initiatives, the Marystown Fire Department exemplifies how a municipal department can change to suit the demands of its community while retaining a strong sense of dedication and service.

Led by Fire Chief Justin Bolt, they continue to expand, innovate, and offer critical services to Marystown and beyond. Recognizing the efforts of local fire departments is critical for building strong and safe communities. These committed professionals labor diligently to protect people, property, and the environment.

Recognizing their accomplishments not only builds the link between the fire department and the community but also encourages ongoing support for the critical equipment and training required to operate efficiently.