When it comes to firefighting Bob Haddow has been around the block a time or two during his 50-plus years of service to the community of Okanagan Falls.
Since he joined the OK Falls Volunteer Fire Department it has grown from a single 1936, 50-gallon truck and 15 members to five vehicles and 30 firefighters.
Sunday afternoon more than 100 family members, friends, colleagues and well wishers packed the auditorium of the local Royal Canadian Legion to honour the longtime chief for his dedication to the department and residents.
“I guess it’s just something that gets in your blood,” said Haddow after the formal ceremony. “It seems like it’s gone by terribly fast. I guess it’s partly the camaraderie and I guess the people when they come back and say thanks, it just fills you.”
Among those who spoke of the longtime chief’s impact on his team was deputy chief Rob Oliver, who himself has been on the department for 34 years.
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“Bob was chief when I started and it’s just such a big chore to take on and he’s worked hard for the community and gave us great leadership,” said Oliver. “Bob’s legacy to the fire department is huge and to the community and it’s been an honour to serve Bob and most importantly to learn from him. I thank you for that.”
President Bob Stevens of the Volunteer Firefighters Association of BC said he could find any other fire chief in North American who had served for that long.
“I wish I had that stamina and fortitude. Well done,” said Stevens, a former small town volunteer chief.
But it was the Haddow’s daughter Deb Puder who best described her father’s dedication and commitment to the people he served and served with.
“I remember as a girl seeing my dad break down and weep because somebody got burned in a fire he was overseeing,” said Puder. “He really just cared and was passionate about this all the time. It was his life and it was our life and it was a good life.”
And now in his 70's, Haddow is not planning to hang up the boots just yet.