The Munson Volunteer Fire Department was established on July 29, 1912. Currently, there are 18 volunteers in the Fire Department.

The Munson Fire Department responded to 20 calls in 2007, they were as follows: 8 MVC, 7 Fires, 3 Medical Assists, 2 False Alarms. We continue to have monthly meetings and try to have numerous practices in the summer to keep up our skills and familiarization with the equipment. Members try to participate in any training courses that come available in the area to enhance our skills. The Munson Firefighters Association (MFFA) was formed back in 2002 to have the ability to access Casino funds by working at the Cash Casino in Red Deer to help fund the replacement of our apparatus and equipment. We continue to host our annual Fire Prevention Week Pancake Breakfast at the Munson Community Hall which acts as a fundraiser as well as education for the children and adults. We have lots of door prizes and raffle tickets, we also try to provide some educational info for the children & adults to take home to become more aware of potential hazards in the home and to also plan an escape route incase of fire.

The MFFA continues to take on numerous projects to raise funds; we have participated in THE FIRE WITHIN Calendar, provide bartending service / drive home service for numerous occasions. In 2007 the members donated approximately 700 hours to the Fire Dept. 

Our most recent purchase was a 2007 F550 crew cab Rapid Attack Unit, this unit was purchased for quick response, it was mainly designed for grass/stubble/brush fires as we have had many occasions when our other unit was found to be to heavy to access soft fields and get their quick enough to stop the fire before it gets to large. This truck has already proven it’s worth in these situations.

This truck was made possible with the support and funding of Starland County, The Village of Munson, Alberta Lotteries (Casino), Wildrose Foundation, Munson Firefighters Association. 

We took possession of our new 2007 Rosenbauer Freightliner 840 Igpm Midship Pumper in August, as our other truck was placed in the Hamlet of Craigmyle. This truck was cost shared between Starland County & The Village of Munson. 

Munson Rescue Unit, a 1985 E350 Ambulance body was purchased used in 2000, this unit houses all of our SCBA’s as well as all traffic control/scene safety equipment as well as numerous other pieces of equipment. It to was cost shared with Starland County & The Village of Munson. 

Munson Fire Department has been very fortunate over the past number of years, as Councils from Starland & Munson have realized the importance of providing good equipment to its volunteer members enabling us to do a professional job with safe equipment, to provide a valuable service.  

“It takes a special person to fill the boots of a volunteer firefighter, someone with a desire to do something important for the community, someone with courage and dedication, who isn’t afraid of hard work, and is willing to accept the challenge of a difficult job.  It takes a person who considers respect and appreciation reward enough.” 

To be a volunteer firefighter, you’ll need more than just a desire to help people.  You’ll also need enthusiasm, and willingness to learn new skills and face new challenges.

 

Munson Firefighters Association

 

 

 

Village of Munson minutes, July 29th, 1912:

 

  "Councillor Robinson, chief of the Munson Volunteer Fire Brigade, reported that a village fire brigade had been organized and that they suggested that the village council build a Bell tower on S.W. corner of Centre Avenue, First Street West, and also suggested placing eight barrels filled with water in different places in town."