New fire hall opens in North Branch

By Joanne Neilson
Contributor

The North Branch Community celebrated the opening of their new fire hall on Saturday, June 9, 2007. The new hall, located at North Branch, will augment the Corporation of the Township of Morley Fire Station located in Stratton. The project was over 2 years in the making and boasts a two bay fire hall and a fully equipped fire truck. Visitors were able to view the completed hall before a short opening ceremony where Maury Nielson, councilor for Morley welcomed those present and introduced Fire Chief Ken Haw. Ken Haw gave a brief background of the project and thanked the three volunteer firefighters from North Branch. The fire department is still looking for more volunteers and anyone interested should contact Ken Haw.
Ken introduced the Officer with Fire Marshall, Larry Lundy. Mr. Lundy was full of praise for the accomplishment of the community and was pleased to make a presentation of a commemorative plaque to Gary Gamsby, Reeve of Morley. After accepting the plaque, Mr. Gamsby thanked all those who supported the project especially Ken Haw who is the new fire chief and for Ken’s dedication to the fire department. He also thanked those who assisted in finding the new location of the fire hall and in helping maintain the integrity of the community centre located next door to the fire hall. Councilor George Heyens and Road Supervisor Robin McQuaker were also acknowledged for their part in the project. After presentations, lunch was served in the community centre.