CARLYLE — There have been a lot of changes and excitement at the Carlyle Fire Department, and we are not talking about fires. Don Van Meer has decided it is time to step down from the position of fire chief.
Van Meer has been with the department for 36 years, with 10 of those years as the fire chief. Van Meer has had many milestones, including the new fire hall, hosting the Spring Fire School in Carlyle and bringing top-notch training to the town.
He assisted in the purchase of a new wildland firetruck and the new pumper truck this past spring. He has brought a world of knowledge to the department with his leadership.
The new fire chief for the Carlyle department is Ken Hewitt. Hewitt is no stranger to the department, as he has 27 years of experience and was the fire chief from 1997 to 2006. He was also captain for two years. He then moved to Alberta until 2021, where he did not get involved with a fire department. When he returned to Carlyle in 2021, he joined the force once again.
Hewitt brings a great deal of knowledge and provides steady leadership. He has a passion for helping his members grow and for the community.
Hewitt was one of many from Carlyle and area who went up north to help with the devastating fires that took place there.
“It took us nearly eight hours driving to get where we had to go,” said Hewitt.
It was their responsibility to try to keep the fires at bay away from homes.
“It is a beautiful country up there,” he said.
While they were there, Hewitt said they were treated like kings. The people were friendly and very grateful to have them there. Around 100 firefighters were trying to control the massive burns that were happening.
Back at home, on Dec. 1, Hewitt was installed as the new fire chief. There are a lot of responsibilities that go along with being the chief. The number one thing is ensuring the well-being of his crew and the public. There are rules that he has to follow and a lot of paperwork.
“The paperwork has really changed over the years,” he said.
Carlyle has a big area to cover, but this did not stop them when the call came out from the government to volunteers to go up north. Seven of Carlyle's finest made the trip to go north. Many more wanted to go, but due to work commitments, they were unable to attend.
On Dec. 2, Don Van Meer attended the Saskatchewan Legislature to accept a provincial award from Premier Scott Moe on behalf of the Carlyle department.
This award is to recognize the bravery and dedication shown during this summer’s wildfires.
The fire board continued with the recognition here in Carlyle by presenting individual letters and commendation certificates from the premier to seven members who had made the trip north.
Jason Katona, Taylor Hoey, Rob Klassen, Brent Stillwell, Zane Vanderhulst, Ken Hewitt and Wayne Zandee stepped up to the plate to go north. They were honoured for their courage, sacrifice and willingness to go to a community that was far from home to help others.
At present, the Carlyle Fire and Rescue department has 20 members. Hewitt said they can always do with more members. Almost everyone works, and some live out of town. It is always welcome to have members to fall back on.
