Fond du Lac dominates National Firefighter Competition
- EFN Staff | August 17, 2018
The Fond du Lac Dene Nation Fire Department veteran team has once again taken first place at the Aboriginal Firefighters Association of Canada’s 2018 National Firefighter Competition. The six-person team advanced to the nationals this past weekend that were hosted by the West Region Tribal Council in Dauphin, MB after winning the provincials held in Prince Albert in June 2017.
This is the sixth time the Fond du Lac Dene Nation team has won the championship over the years, an accomplishment their community is very proud of.
“I would like to congratulate our volunteer firefighters,” said Chief Louis Mercredi of Fond du Lac Dene Nation in a media release. “We try to encourage our firefighters and our Canadian Rangers to be well trained for unexpected things, like the plane crash that took place in December -- they were well trained but are still in need of proper equipment for unexpected emergencies. It makes me proud as a leader of what they have accomplished, and I will encourage them to do their best and continue to pursue dollars to upgrade their equipment.”
The team’s achievement coincides with the loss of another one of the team members for the second time in three years.
“It has been a tough few years dealing with the first death of one of our brothers, late DJ Mercredi, and also another brother, Frank Jr. McDonald, who we lost just before the nationals,” said Councillor Ronnie Augier – Captain of the team. “We will always honour and respect their families, and every call we get, we are hoping they are watching over us from up above as we serve and protect our families and community.”
The Fond du Lac team members include Councillor Ronnie Augier - Captain; Justin Mercredi - Assistant Captain; and firefighters Lonnie Augier, Derek Cook, Garrie Mercredi and Richard McDonald. The competitions included the SCBA Domino, Bucket Target Throw Down / Show Down, Bucket Walk, 65 mm and 38 mm Transition, Breathing Apparatus & Bucket Walk, 2 and ½ inch Hose Drag and Drain, and Bucket Target Relay.
“On behalf of the team and as a leader of the community, I would like to say a special thank you to the current volunteer firefighters and the veterans who represented Fond du Lac,” said Councillor Augier.
The Fond du Lac team earned a total of 390 points with 65 penalties.