HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen-38Th Reunion, 1999-09-08, Page 23THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1999. PAGE A-3.
Firefighters
on the job
By Bonnie Gropp
Citizen staff
Anytime a large number of people gather
in one place, there is a potential for risk.
As the annual Huron Pioneer Thresher
Reunion and Hobby Show attracts thousands
each year to the fairgrounds at Blyth it is
reassuring to see the highly visible presence
of the Blyth firefighters. As a first response
team, members of the department are
prepared to handle virtually every type of
emergency, from fire to heart attack.
As proof, last year they dealt with both,
ironically at the same time. Chief Paul
Josling said that shortly after a woman came
to tell them there was a car fire another
woman informed them that someone was
having a heart attack.
“With only two of us there at the time it
was hectic for a few minutes but everything
turned out alright.”
A minimum of two firefighters are on site
from the noon hour until 6 p.m. One stays
with the emergency van, which is parked in
an open area near the arena, while the other
walks through the campgrounds.
When they are not at the Reunion the men
are busily preparing breakfast on Saturday
and Sunday morning of the event or
sleeping.
They are, however, only a phone call
away. There is a pay phone in the arena and
the registration desk is also often open so
that the fire department can be contacted in
an emergency.
Also, Josling says, there are nurses among
the Reunion members who are often on-site.
“There is always assistance available to deal
with emergencies.”
One of the most common first aid needs is
bee stings. “There are piles of them every
year,” says Josling.
Another situation the department sees
frequently is lost children. “Because the van
is easy to spot we get little ones coming over
in tears, at least one a year, telling us they're
lost. Even little ones seem to realize the
firefighters can help them.”
Tiffin
CONTINUED FROM A-2
was to allow someone younger to
modernize the process and utilize
computer technology. That job was left to
Tiffin.
The transition went smoothly, he says,
having taken over the responsibilities
early in the year with time to adjust to the
busy schedule of the show.
“I have to be here all day for the week
of the show,” says Tiffin. “I have to hand
out the cash drawers in the morning for
the gate and stay until the money is
collected for the dances.”
Tiffin’s statements must be prepared for
the annual meeting in October then ready
to go to the auditor in November.
“There is then down time until
February,” he says, “but with the show
getting bigger, there is less off time.”
Asked what keeps the younger
generation involved in the Reunion, Tiffin
says it is the camaraderie of the
association.
“They are like an extended family. The
executive is a close-knit group of friends.”
Tiffin also asserts that his rural
upbringing and appreciation for heritage
have kept him interested.
Though he had hoped someone else
would assume the duties of the flea market
when he became treasurer. Tiffin has now
held the dual role for five shows.
“I have things down to a science,” He
says. “It is more like a hobby. This is my
way to contribute.”
THRESHERS' DIRECTORS
Directors for the 38th edition of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Show are, on back, from left: Tom Penhale, Brad
McBride, Judy Sloan, Bill Andrews and Bill Vincent. In front, from left: Annette Vincent, Paul Josling, Edgar Daer and Cathy
Thomson.
Friends • Threshers • Tractor Men • Neighbours & Visitors
The Village of Blyth extends a warm
welcome to all visitors here to celebrate
another Thresher Reunion
THE VILLAGE OF BLYTH
AND
HE BLYTH PUBLIC UTILITIE
t# COMMISSION /
to the Huron Pioneer Thresher
and Hobby Association
on their 38th Annual Reunion
WELCOME TO