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TETLIT'ZHEH/FORT MCPHERSON - Fort McPherson volunteer firefighter Wayne Greenland was in Yellowknife on Oct. 9 to accept a Fire Service Merit Award on behalf of his volunteer fire department.

The award is given to individuals or organizations to recognize excellence in fire safety and prevention.

This year's award was given to the entire Fort McPherson detachment, distinguished for its low turnover rate and high number of lifelong detachment members.

Fire Service Merit Awards were also granted to the Behchoko volunteer fire department and Christopher Jack-Carson of Fort Providence.

"Fort McPherson has a pretty solid base for the fire department," said Fire Marshal Steven Moss.

He said some of the members have been volunteering for 15 to 20 years, which is an unusually long time in many communities. Turnover is high at other departments.

Moss also chalked up McPherson's success to support from the hamlet.

"Without community council providing support for the department, there's probably not going to be a fire department for long," he said.

Fort McPherson Fire Chief Norman Firth has been one of the longest serving members of the department. This is his 26th year of service, and his 10th as chief.

"I guess as a kid I always wanted to do it, so after I finished school I joined the fire department and I never looked back," said Firth.

Last year he received an individual Fire Service Merit Award.

This year he is sharing the honour with everyone else in the department.

Firth said members of the department always try to help out wherever needed. Beyond fighting fires, they help prepare for community events and assist in search-and-rescue operations.

He said fundraising is another important aspect of being a volunteer fire fighter. Equipment isn't cheap, and it often falls on members of the community to help pay for gear.

Firefighters in McPherson moved into a brand new building earlier this year. Instead of a one-room garage for their trucks, they now have a proper office, storage space, and a training room.

"There's a lot more room now," said Firth.

While they have a new building and a strong volunteer base, Firth said they are still looking for some new members.

"We lost a few because a lot of our young guys went back to school in the fall," he said.

Anyone looking to join an award-winning fire department can drop by the Fort McPherson Hamlet office.