"Esse Quam Vederi Emeritus": To Be, Rather Than To Seem With Merit. This is not just a random phrase to HPFD members - it is held close to the heart of our Firefighters.
Formed in 1945 as a Fire Brigade, the High Prairie Fire Department has grown from it's original membership of 10 volunteers from the community to an allotted 36 positions. Since it's conception, the High Prairie Fire Department has grown from the infant it once was, into a department that excels in professional certification training, community involvement, leadership and, public relations.
Serving the Town of High Prairie and the M.D. of Big Lakes, our Firefighters respond to an average of 150 (plus) emergency calls annually. The members of the High Prairie Fire Department bring a variety of talent and experience to the table, so-to-speak: from Journeyman Welders to professional Bankers. School Teachers to EMS and Policing Professionals. Carpenters to Librarians. Foresters to Public Utility Specialists. Our diverse membership today are very proud to be called, "Firefighter".
Calls responded to by the High Prairie Fire Department range from fire alarms to grass and structure fires to incidents involving motor vehicles. The most typical type of call by the HPFD, today of course, are incidents involving motorists where extrication and rescue efforts are what present the day or night's challenge. In almost every call attended to by the HPFD, firefighters will find themselves working closely along-side of members from Peace Country Health Emergency Medical Services, as well as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
