Art Peterson (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Craddock

MILESTONE BIRTHDAY

Former firefighter surprised as Chief for A Day on 90th birthday

Nov 14, 2023 | 2:00 PM

It’s a birthday surprise one Prince Albert man won’t forget after being named Fire Chief for The Day.

More than 30 years after retiring from the department, Art Peterson was surprised by local firefighters on the morning of his 90^th birthday on Tuesday.

Dressed in his old uniform, Peterson was escorted to the fire department to share in a day of celebration with members and his family.

As part of the busy day, Peterson was greeted by firefighters before joining other retired personnel at the Prince Albert Smitty’s, a tradition he’s taken part in for years every other Tuesday.

Once back at the fire hall, he decided to suit up and participate in a few training exercises including working some of the water pumps in town.

Court proceedings

'The impact of this trauma will echo for generations': court case surrounding La Ronge woman's death reaches conclusion

7h ago

Going Global

P.A.'s Zablocki named to Team Canada for U18 Women's World Championships

8h ago

Election 2024

Birch Hills staff won't share election decision

8h ago

Speaking to paNOW following the surprise visit from firefighters, Peterson said it was almost like returning to work.

“I had no idea of course and all of a sudden, I’m surrounded by a bunch of firefighters. Just doesn’t get any better than that,” he said. “I’ve been away from the hall for soon-to-be 33 years. I haven’t worked with these young guys here and they treat me like I’m here all the time.”

Tuesday was not the only event that Peterson took part in to celebrate his birthday. On Sunday, members of the D Platoon invited Peterson to join them on their shift.

Fire Chief Kris Olsen was on hand for Tuesday’s festivities and remarked about how much Peterson values relationships in the department.

“What’s unique about Mr. Peterson is that he’s always made the effort to come by the station, meet the members,” he said. “It’s a mutual relationship between the current members and himself and the credit goes to Mr. Peterson for reaching out and coming.”

Peterson retired from the department in the early 1990s as a divisional chief, a position that no longer exists in the ranks.

During his tenure, Peterson oversaw the maintenance of the department including the trucks. He admitted that technology has changed leaps and bounds from when he retired. Nonetheless, he was excited to get the gear on and learn the current systems.

Although he never worked with Peterson, Olsen said that he appreciated meeting him from time to time when he visits the department, adding that dedication to visiting and meeting with firefighters means a lot.

“Every time I ever met him, he had a smile on his face. What stands out to me and the department is that he listens. He will hear how things are going in the department and he will always interject with some wisdom.”

Peterson reminisced about his long career with the fire department and noted that being a part of the team was the greatest memory of all.

“There’s no other job like it. We pretty well live together. We go to calls together and have meals together and spend a lot of time together. We’re actually just a big family.”

—

derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com