Glen Korstrom
Northern News Services

INUVIK (Jun 05/98) - David Bernhardt could be in a deep sleep with his seven children running around screaming, but if his fire department emergency beeper sounded, he would be up in a flash.

Such is the life and the commitment shown by Inuvik's approximately 30 volunteer firefighters.

Last year, the fire department responded to 40 fires, 78 false alarms, 131 tests and 890 phone calls.

"When I was growing up I used to chase firetrucks," the 36-year-old said after a training video at the group's regular Wednesday night training meetings.

"I wanted to see where they were going. Then, when I was at an age when I could join, which was 17, I joined up."

Now Inuvik's longest-serving firefighter, Bernhardt is still as committed as when he joined. And he still remembers his father's advice that volunteering is one of the most important things to do in life.

"Volunteer firefighting is all I have time for," he said of organized activities outside his full-time day job as a sales representative at Rocky's plumbing and heating.

Since Bernhardt joined 18 years ago, he has seen firefighters' uniforms transform completely. For example, he called the fire helmets used in 1980 similar to the head-gear used in the First World War.

Now, the department has proper fire-retardant uniforms and much of the necessary latest equipment for cutting, prying, striking and lifting or pulling. It also brings in visiting professional trainers to offer their expertise.

"I've seen a lot of people die in fires," Bernhardt said.

"I don't want to say any names because it still bothers me."

And despite 3 a.m. wake-up calls to motor off to false alarms, the fire department has a waiting list.

"Ah yes, this is a good town," said fire chief Al German who started volunteering in the 1980s with Bernhardt.

"I don't have problems getting volunteers here. We're pretty lucky compared to other communities who can't get anybody period. We're most fortunate that way."