Pointe-à-Callière celebrates 75 years of support from the Montréal auxiliary firefighters

Montréal, September 27, 2019 – While firefighters risk their lives fighting flames, another group is hard at work: the auxiliary firefighters. To promote the history and importance of the role of the Montréal auxiliary firefighters to keep the city safe, Pointe-à-Callière is exhibiting a commemorative display dedicated to them until March 2020.

The Montréal auxiliary firefighters lend their assistance to the fire department on the ground during emergencies, offering support and comfort to firefighters and victims of fire by distributing blankets, hot beverages, refreshments, and dry clothes. They also provide first aid to people or firefighters who are injured or affected by smoke.

“The public may also not be aware that, in addition to playing a vital role during fires, the Montréal auxiliary firefighters have also collected, preserved and restored documents, photographs and objects relating to the city’s fire department over the years. We are very pleased to give Montrealers the chance to learn more about everything that Montréal’s auxiliary firefighters and fire department have done over the past century,” explained Francine Lelièvre, Executive Director of Pointe-à-Callière.

Part of the auxiliary firefighters’ collection is being shown to Pointe-à-Callière visitors to raise awareness about the history of fire management in Montréal. The items on display include helmets from various eras, extinguishers, hoses, and other pieces of equipment that allow Montréal’s firefighters and auxiliary firefighters to help save lives.

“We are very pleased that part of the collection of the Montréal Firefighters Museum will be presented to Pointe-à-Callière visitors. This incredible collaboration will raise the profile of our organization, our members and its history,” added Steve Garnett, President of the Montréal auxiliary firefighters.

Special activities for the Journées de la culture
On September 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., as part of the Journées de la culture, the Montréal auxiliary firefighters will greet the public outside the Museum with two trucks to display more objects from their collection and give out beverages. Other free activities organized by the Museum for the Journées de la culture include a talk by Louise Décarie on French confectionery along with architectural tours of the Montréal Archaeology and History Complex.

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Source:
Eveline Trudel-Fugère
Project Manager, Communications
Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex
Phone: 514-872-2687 / Cell: 514-704-2225 / [email protected]