The Archives Committee is tasked to research and document the history of Brandon Fire & Emergency Services. The committee is made up of 7 retired members, the Fire Chief, one Captain from Suppression division and Administration staff. The retired members consist of a former Deputy Chief, Captains, Lieutenants, Fire Prevention Office and senior Firefighter. Combined, they have given over 241 years of service to the City of Brandon and area. Years of service dates back to 1949.
This dedicated group began meeting in 2009 when numerous artifacts were found in a storage area. They would meet twice a week to try and identify and catalogue all of the old pictures, contents of scrapbooks, and pieces of equipment. They were also instrumental in the restoration of the 1929 Bickle fire truck; the focal point of the museum.
The BFES Museum opened in conjunction with the new #1 Fire Hall, 19th Street North on September 2010. It displays artifacts with descriptions and photos that have been identified. Every piece is part of Brandon history – no items were brought in from other areas. Committee members are:
Member |
Position on Retirement |
Start Date |
Retirement Date |
Yrs/mths Service |
Tom Murison | Deputy Chief | May 16, 1949 | Sep. 30, 1985 | 36y / 4m |
Mel McEachon | Captain | Aug. 16, 1955 | Nov. 30, 1993 | 38y / 3m |
Joe Yaworski | Captain | May 1, 1953 | July 20, 1991 | 38y / 2m |
Dick Pow | Lieutenant | Jan. 23, 1961 | Feb. 8, 1995 | 34y |
Gerry Kemp | Acting Lieutenant | Aug. 1, 1965 | June 1, 1995 | 29y / 9m |
Bill Edwards | Fire Prevention Officer | Apr. 28, 1969 | June 13, 2003 | 31y / 2m |
Murray Pierce | Senior Firefighter | Apr. 28, 1975 | Dec. 5, 2008 | 33y / 8m |
Total Yrs of Service: | 241y / 4m |