'Strong brotherhood': fire department travels to Cape Breton to say thanks

Members of the Smith's Cove volunteer fire department in southwest Nova Scotia arrived in Cape Breton Tuesday bearing gifts.

They were in Reserve Mines to personally thank members of that community's volunteer fire departmentfor their kindness this month.

The Reserve Mines Fire Department withdrew from a provincial photo contest for fire departments, allowing Smith's Cove, which hasstruggledfor funding,to win the $5,000 grand prize.

Joshua Snyder, the fire chief in Smith's Cove, met with Reserve Mines Chief Jeff Aucoin. Snyder said they are a small department and winning the contest was very important.

"I don't want it to be just for us, I want it to be for the entire fire service," said Snyder."Most of us are a small department fighting in a big department world and we all need help."

Aucoin said theirs was an important gesture that reflects the bond firefighters have.

"We can be a neighbouring department down the road or another department in another province, we all try to stick together and support each other," said Aucoin.

Aucoin said the department has received very positive comments from around the world on the contest, which was sponsored byAA Munro Insurance, and the outcome.

The Smith's Cove department will spend the winnings on new protective gear. Bradley O'Neil, who recently joined the fire department, saidhe'shappy to get up-to-date equipment.

"The expired gear is a little less safe," said O'Neil. "It's better going in with new gear."

The Reserve MInesdepartment is hosting a reception Tuesday for the Smith's Cove visitors. Snyder said his department brought a thank-you card signed by all the members, fresh Digby scallopsand one very special gift for Aucoin.

"We found an old helmet and one of our members made a mount, and we have a plaque here and we decided to make Reserve Mines Fire Departmenthonorary members of our fire department for life," Snyder said.

"The point is to show that we are really grateful for what they did for us, and to show the strong brotherhood from one end of the province to the other."

Aucoin said his department will enter the contest again next year. Snyder said they will encourage other departments in their area to go for the win.