Fire Department
GRFD MISSION STATEMENT
We respond to, fires, motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters, Hazmat spills, medical emergencies, public service calls and a dedication to the promotion of fire safety, public education, and prevention by:
• Providing 24-hour, seven-day week emergency response to any fire/medical emergency that may occur within the Garden River First Nation territory.
• Participating and promoting fire safety and prevention awareness by attending community events and performing fire drills for our daycares and schools.
• Maintaining a positive working relationship with other agencies to ensure that the maximum level of protection is assured to the Garden River First Nation and its members / community.
• Being visible to the community through active training and maintaining a high level of readiness for any emergency.
The Garden River Fire Department also holds all employees accountable to the standards and manners of the spirit of our ancestors and our treaty, and to the seven grandfather teachings given to us by the creator. When employees demonstrate mutual respect through these actions, we intend to create a self-sustaining community that fulfills the emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of our members.
The Seven Grandfather Teachings
- Nbwaakaawin – Wisdom
- Gwekwadziwin – Honesty
- Zaadigwin – Love
- Dbaadendizin – Humility
- Mnaadendmowin – Respect
- Debwewin – Truth
- Aakdehewin – Bravery
Bio / History
The Garden River First Nation #14 is located on the North Shore of the St. Mary’s River, east of the city of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario in the district of Algoma. Access to and through the First Nation is provided by Highway 17A and Highway 17B, which traverse our most densely settled area. As well as the waterways coming in from the St Mary’s River and flowing into the Garden River. The Garden River First Nation was established by the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850. The total land base for the Reserve is 36,802 acres. We have a population of 3008+ and climbing, with 1168 members living on reserve and 1840 members living off reserve. Around 500 homes are in the reserve. The Garden River Fire Department also has the duties to protect; several private confectionary stores, several private gas stations, several private lumber mills that range from small to large in operations, two full service campgrounds, an administration office, community center, health center, 2 public works garages, a fire station, 2 police stations, 2 churches, a privately owned truss company, a golf course, a bingo hall, Rec/school facility, railways, powerlines, cable lines, gas lines, telephone lines, bridges, and the tourists and tourism in and around the community. The Garden River First Nation is also fortunate that it has fire hydrants situated throughout the community that help combat the emergencies as they arise.
The Garden River fire department is a challenging and rewarding career where we are expected to be able to fight fires, perform rescue work, fire prevention and public education, administer emergency medical procedures, respond to hazardous material spills and situations, as well as maintain our firefighting equipment apparatus and fire equipment. GRFD is made up of; 6 full time employees (3 crews of 2 fire fighters), and 4 part-time/casual firefighters. We are always looking for volunteers and new recruits. Our fire fighters live and work together in close quarters throughout the shift. Living in the fire station means that all team members are responsible for station duties and housekeeping; cooking, cleaning, and vehicle/equipment maintenance. Teamwork at the firehall is everything, whether it be tasks at the firehall or at an emergency scene, fire fighters rely on each other to help successfully perform duties. Firefighting is not a 9 to 5 job, it is a 24 hour a day seven days a week public service that also involves working weekends and holidays as well.
Thank You,
Garden River Fire Chief
Tim Johns