Vision Credit Union’s Pincher Creek branch donated 10 cases of water to Pincher Creek Emergency Services during Fire Prevention Week, which ran Oct. 6 to 12.

The donation is part of a provincewide initiative by VCU branches to support local emergency service crews.

“Vision wants to do our part to support our local emergency crews, and we know that having quick access to drinking water helps them do what they do best,” says Wendy Desjarlais, agricultural and commercial business account manager with the local VCU branch.

Becky Maier, branch manager trainee at VCU, says while the donation mandate was followed across Alberta, the Pincher Creek team was eager to carry it out locally. 

“It’s the first time we’ve actually done something like this for Fire Prevention Week itself, but Vision Credit Union is very big on supporting our local businesses without hesitation, including Pincher Creek Emergency Services, so this isn’t the first time that we’ve supported them,” she says.

In 2023, through VCU’s Helping Hands grant, the local branch provided $10,000 in funding to the Beaver Mines Fire Department for the purchase of a Zoll AutoPulse device.

That same year, VCU also provided $10,000 in funding through Helping Hands to the Southwest Alberta Regional Search and Rescue Society for 20 new radios.

“It’s actually one of our main focuses within our branch. We want to be involved within our community,” says Maier. 

Chief Pat Neumann says the water bottles are practical for his crew while on the job.

“For us, it’s fantastic, because that’s one thing that we carry in all our vehicles. It’s super handy,” he says. “In a lot of cases, we don’t have access to fresh drinking water in the conditions that we’re working in.” 

Hydration is critical for emergency crews, especially during wildfire or structure fire responses that can span hours.

“Making sure that we’ve got enough to keep our staff hydrated and able to continue their job is critically important for everything that we do,” Neumann says.

Community gestures like this have a lasting impact on crew morale and Neumann says PCES has relied on community support through donations and supplies like water and blankets since the department’s founding in 1906. 

“This isn’t the first time that [VCU] has donated to our organization, and we’re very thankful for community-minded organizations such as the credit union and other organizations in town that support us like this,” he says.

Those interested in making a donation to Pincher Creek Emergency Services can call 403-627-5333 or email info@pincherfire.com.