Former Deputy Fire Chief Corey Rogers, left, and Inspector Dave Davies, right. (submitted photo/PAFD Facebook page)

By Ronald Quaroni

PAFD Retirees

‘Big boots to fill’: PAFD says goodbye to three members

Jun 27, 2019 | 2:00 PM

Members of the Prince Albert Fire Department (PAFD) are saying goodbye to a combined 91 years of experience.

Captain Kerry Verge began his career in 1981. Deputy Chief Corey Rodgers started at the department in 1992 and Inspector Dave Davies embarked on his career in 1993. All three men have or will retire within the next 30 days.

“All three individuals have spent an entire career with the PAFD and all three in their own way were dedicated to the service,” Interim Fire Chief Kris Olson said. “We’re here to serve the citizens of Prince Albert and they did an upstanding job their entire career.”

“Everybody contributes to the department, but these three went above and beyond. The old saying goes ‘big boots to fill,’ and that’s definitely the case with these three individuals,” Olson said.

Former Deputy Chief Corey Rodgers said he is thankful for his experience as a member of PAFD.

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“It pretty much gave me the life that I have. Everything that I have done and learned, I’ve learned it from somebody at the fire hall,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers looked back on a few of the memorable fires he in his career which included the Harphill Block Fire, and the Harold’s IGA fire, to which he had a personal connection.

“I worked at Harold’s in my high school years. I had a lot of memories of working for Harold and his family. I had a lot of respect for Harold Guy. Just knowing that his building was in trouble, it hit home,” Rodgers said.

That memory highlights one of the most difficult aspects of being a firefighter.

“I think there’s always that chance that you might go to a call where you might have a connection to the people (involved),” he said.

Rodgers encourages prospective firefighters to get some education and become involved with their local or rural halls.

“It’s a great career,” Rodgers said.

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Ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni