Eatonia Fire Brigade acquires new Fire Hall
By Joan Janzen
The Eatonia Fire Brigade shared some exciting news. CEN (RM of Chesterfield, Eatonia and RM of Newcombe) Fire Protection Association is purchasing the former Focus building located on the north edge of Eatonia. Fire Chief Matthew Hoffman said it’s exciting for the community.
“The timing was impeccable,” Matthew said since CEN had considered building a new fire hall. “It was such a saving compared to building new and the time it would take to build,” he explained. “We can simply move in and use it.”
PHOTO: Eatonia’s new Fire Hall.
PHOTO: L-R: Alan Busby, chairman of CEN; and Matthew Hoffman, Eatonia’s Fire Chief
They hope to move into the new facility by late summer. The 60x60x18 ft building will house two fire trucks, a water truck, and a rescue truck. “More space is a big benefit,” Matthew said. It will allow their 25 volunteers to be more active in the community and conduct more school tours. “It’s so much fun answering kids’ questions,” Matthew said.
Currently, the Eatonia Fire Brigade occupies half of the Town of Eatonia building. This is also a winning situation for the Town, as they will have use of the whole building to house their equipment. “It’s an all-around good situation,” Matthew surmised.
Because the three entities of CEN share their equipment, they are able to afford high-quality machinery. Excellent equipment is vital since CEN serves a vast area.
CEN chairman Alan Busby said they approached the Eatonia Community Services Cooperative (ECSC) about helping fund the purchase. They made a presentation consisting of the details and cost of the project and how much they are contributing.
As a result, ECSC agreed to be financially responsible for 50% of the project. And the three entities of CEN have made a three-year commitment for the remaining 50% of the total cost.
“A lot of people don’t know about the cooperative,” Matthew said, even though it was formed back in 1976. Matthew, who is vice-president of ECSC, said, “The cooperative is a revolving non-profit support group.” Its mission is to fund community development in Eatonia and the surrounding area, and it has ten members in its executive.
Since its formation, the group has partnered with non-profit organizations, special interest groups, recreation facilities, schools and local organizations to finance projects that will make a difference in their community. Throughout the years, ECSC has helped make 27 projects possible, donating over $1,500,000.00!
The cooperative has a screening project at Five Seeds Seed Cleaning, which has been running for many years. “Farmers donate the screening or a portion of the screening, and the cooperative distributes the funds as they see fit,” Matthew explained. People also make donations throughout the year.
This is the first time he can remember that the cooperative has taken on two projects simultaneously. The other project involves replacing the swimming pool liner in the Eatonia pool.
“It’s quite amazing what the town of Eatonia can accomplish; it’s overwhelming,” Alan noted. “There’s no grants involved; it’s just volunteer groups in Town helping to make things happen. No one’s looking to be paid; they just want to help. Outsiders have noticed.”
“Even during times of inflation, there’s still funds coming in from farmers donating every year,” Matthew said. “It’s just part of what we do.”
Part of what the folks in Eatonia do involves wearing multiple hats or in some cases, multiple shirts. “During last year’s centennial celebration, I was involved in three different things,” Matthew said. “I had to change my shirt three times.”
Although Alan said he only wore one shirt during the celebrations, he’s also involved in multiple community organizations. “When new people come into the community, it doesn’t take long, and they’re helping out too,” Alan said. Volunteerism appears to be contagious in their community, but why?
“It’s because of our parents, the way we were brought up,” Matthew explained.
“And it’s social, too,” Alan added. “There’s someone different on every board you’re on. We’re doing it for a good reason, but it’s fun too!”
“We’re always building. Always looking forward. It’s part of what we do,” Matthew said. Both Matthew and Alan are looking forward to hosting a grand opening of their new fire hall later this year. But in the meantime, you’ll likely see them flipping burgers at the car show this summer.