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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2007-10-03, Page 16i Crossroads 16 Times -Advocate Wednesday, October 3, 2007 Granton couple reminisces of time spent on fire department By Nina Van Lieshout TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF GRANTON — He was just an 18 -year- old Granton man when a "somewhat" organized volunteer firefighting depart- ment was formed by a fellow friend. George Westman, who spent over 45 years as part of the Granton Fire Department, now the Biddulph Blanshard Fire Department, says he's seen it all. George, while reminiscing when he first got involved with the department, says putting out the fires was always a challenge, due to shortage of water and equipment. "A few years ago we were using milk pails. It's hard to believe," explains George, adding that they used to respond with pails, ropes and ladders. Water was pumped from local wells and then poured by hand onto the flames. Decades ago, George says few proper- ties were saved, and after a serious fire occurred on the Whalen Line, mainly due to miscommunication, the depart- ment made some drastic changes to bet- ter assist with the safety of both the vol- unteers and the public. "A few days later an organized volun- teer department was put together with proper training," says George, adding that shortly after equipment was bought including a trailer unit consisting of two tanks which were filled by hand with pails. After forming the team, George says he was appointed deputy chief, a posi- tion he held for about five or six years. It was decided the fire chief would receive $25 per annum and the assistant chief and captain were paid $2 a fire. George, who was eventually promoted to fire chief, holding that position for about seven or eight years, says he was proud of his work. "A lot of things were involved. It was like a firefighting and a management job all in one," says George. He says the title nowadays is more of an administrative position. Another change, one of many was the new building constructed in 1994. George says something that never changed over the years was the toughest part of volunteering. "There were some really serious car accidents and a couple of fires with fatalities," he explains, adding that "everybody knows every- body." On a less serious note, George says "getting out of bed on a cold winter's night," after being called to a fire, was never easy either. While explaining the fire department, one word came to mind — "brother- hood," says George. "You are responsible for the guys you work with, their safety and their well being," he explains. Another highlight for George over the years is the fact that the fire department is a "social type organization," in which the community can also participate. George spoke of the firemen break- fasts, ball teams, Christmas hay rides and more, which brought people of the Granton area together, and still do. George also worked with his wife Audrey, whom he's been married to for over 50 years. He's also lived in his Granton farmhouse all his life, born in the house in one of the upstairs rooms. He is also the longest living Westman male to live on the property, living there for 74 years and counting. When asked what it was like working with his wife, George chuckled, "Same as living with her. She was one of the 1111111111111 • A team — Granton couple George and Audrey Westman both volunteered for the Biddulph Blanshard Fire Department. George was both fire chief and deputy chief, while Audrey was a radio operator for the department.Above, George holds his golden hat for over 45 years of service and Audrey holds the plaque she received for working as a radio operator for about 15 years. Over the years George also received various medals and ribbons for his services.They are also wearing matching Granton Fire Department jackets. (photo/Nina Van Lieshout) gang." When George was a part of the fire department, jackets were made up for the volunteers. Money was tight for the couple who could only afford one jacket, a jacket for George. But in a surprise that will always be remembered, Audrey was given a matching jacket for Christmas last year from her family. "I stood there crying," says Audrey. And the jacket was in perfect shape and the perfect size. "It means so much to me," she says. Audrey worked as a radio operator for about 15 years, saying that she is also pleased to have been a part of the department, adding she's proud of her husband for "a job well done, he was a good fire chief." George and Audrey's son and Granton resident Alex is also part of the fire department. He has been a part of the team for 25 years and is a Lucan Biddulph councillor. Audrey's training came into effect in a huge way last January when George and Audrey were in Alberta visiting family and George collapsed in the middle of the night in a hotel room. George was having a heart attack, later leading to triple bypass surgery. From her training in the fire depart- ment, Audrey remembered how to con- duct CPR. Also in the room were Audrey's daughter Ruth and her son-in-law Larry who called 911 and kept her calm throughout. Audrey says she new something was wrong before George collapsed because he was complaining of being uncomfort- able, but they had no idea he would end up having a heart attack. When George collapsed, Audrey began resuscitating him on the floor of the hotel room, in crammed quarters. "I hadn't done it for 12 years and it automatically comes back to you," says Audrey, although both her and George recommend regular training, which in some fire departments is now mandato- ry. Audrey says she didn't feel there were any other options at that point. "I did what I had to do," she says. "I didn't know whether I was going to keep him alive but I was going to give him a chance. I wasn't giving up," Audrey says, adding that "he wouldn't have lived if I hadn't kept his blood mov- ing," something she was told by emer- gency response when they attended the scene. "I'm glad I knew how and I'm glad he's still alive," she says. Audrey explains that when emergency response arrived, they asked her to leave. She explained to them that she was a firefighter and "that's my hus- band." George was touch and go initially, with the paramedics having to shock him four times and that's when Audrey says she began to fall apart. But she says her daughter, son-in-law and granddaugh- ter Tracey were supportive. At that point, Audrey says she remem- bers thinking to herself that she did what she could and "if he's to live, it's God's will." George was taken to Misericordia Hospital where he was shocked three more times. He was then transferred to the University of Alberta ICU unit, the number one heart hospital in North America, according to Audrey. After his triple bypass, and after beginning to feel better, Audrey says George was "a barrel of monkeys." "He thought he was in Ontario," says Audrey, "It was so funny, it kept us going," she adds. George says he doesn't remember any of this, explaining he lost a whole week. He says when he woke up he thought, "What am I doing in a place like this?" George and Audrey were finally able to fly home after six weeks, getting the ok from the doctor to fly home Feb. 13. Today, George is healthy although he moves a little slower since his heart attack, says Audrey. When asked how George feels about Audrey saving his life, he says if it was- n't for his wife, he wouldn't be here today because she was the only one who knew CPR. And when asked if he is proud of her, he says with a smile, "Oh yeah." For more information on the Biddulph Blanshard Fire Department, the book "Pioneers to the Present," featuring a chapter on the department, is available to buy at the Lucan Biddulph Township office.