The Rocky Firemans Association went before Mayor and council recently, requesting to erect a proper display shelter for the Town’s 1949 (49er) fire engine.

President of the Rocky Firemans Association, Ken Wedman, said, “The 49er severed Rocky Mountain House until 1976, when it was then placed into storage. In 1983, members of the Rocky volunteer fire department restored it to its original glory, and it was moved into the current firehouse where it remains proudly displayed to this day.”

Unfortunately, growing demands on the fire service mean bringing in even larger fire trucks which hides the 49er in the back of the fire hall.

“We feel the 49er deserves its own display to be proudly shown for the community,” added Wedman.

The Firemans Association went before town council not asking for funding, but merely council’s support in constructing a display for the 49er at the current fire hall located at 4920 52 Street.

Wedman said, “We plan to get local vendors to construct a modest yet fitting home for the 49er, out of the way in an extremely busy fire hall.”

With the purposed design, the 49er would still be available for community events as well as personal events for current fire staff.

Following the delegation’s presentation, Councillor Len Phillips asked, “If we do go down this path and a building is built, who would own or maintain that building after it’s built?”

“That is one of the hurdles to deal with, with council and planning and development. I’ve discussed with other people, it is a complicated situation where we are a not-for-profit organization that is trying to discuss a display case for a Town-owned asset onto a building that is currently leased by the County,” noted Wedman.

Wedman said it’s very common that fire halls do have displays of older fire trucks, sharing he got the idea when he was working in Brandon, Manitoba.

Councillor Tina Hutchinson said, “I think it’s a great idea, and the attraction for tourists would put us on the map for something a little bit different.”

Councillor Shane Boniface was in agreement saying this is a good, rich piece of history that should be showcased and shown to the community to tourists.

Wedman ended his presentation by saying, “I feel strongly that the 49er belongs at the fire hall as part of our fire service. We do not want to see it put back into storage, especially after all the work that the volunteers did to have it restored.”

Town administration recommended they make a report including pros and cons regarding the Rocky Firemans Association ask for the fire truck to be displayed next to the fire hall. The request for a report was unanimously approved.