10/18/2026
GRASSLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF SERVICE
For 50 years, the Grassland Volunteer Fire Department has answered calls for help across the community. As it celebrates the milestone, the department is looking for more residents willing to step forward and help keep that service going.
The department currently has nine members, including Dennis Schryver, who has volunteered for 45 years.
Highway rescues and vehicle fires account for most of the departmentâs calls. Members also respond to structure fires, medical aid calls and wildfires during the summer months.
Their work extends beyond emergencies. Members train regularly, take part in department meetings and support community activities, including events at Grassland School. Two members are certified through FireSmart Canada to conduct advanced home assessments, helping residents identify ways to better protect their properties from wildfire.
The department has also invested in Paratech rescue equipment using department funds and donations from the community.
Despite its 50 year history, finding new volunteers remains a challenge.
âWe donât have a large population to draw from, and volunteerism in general seems to be on the decline,â the department said.
Responding to emergencies in a rural area takes time. When a call comes in, members must leave work or home, travel to the hall, put on their gear and head to the scene. Distances can be significant, and not everyone is always available.
The department says there are times when too few members can respond, or when no one is available. Its members are volunteers balancing emergency calls with jobs, families and other responsibilities.
The department is encouraging residents to consider joining, even if they are unsure they can attend every call. Previous firefighting experience is not required, and there are different ways to contribute, including emergency response, behind-the-scenes support and community events.
For those already serving, the reason for volunteering comes down to looking after their neighbours.
âAt the end of the day, this community is our family, our friends and our neighbours. If something happened to someone we cared about, weâd want someone to show up and help. So why shouldnât that someone be us?â
Anyone interested in joining or learning more can contact Grassland Fire Chief Shawna McEvoy at 780-520-9225 or email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Department meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.
As the Grassland Volunteer Fire Department celebrates 50 years of service, it is also looking ahead. Its next chapter will depend on finding more people willing to give their time to help their community.