Belmont Fire Department has a new flagpole
Dennis Pryke has been a key part of the Belmont Fire Department for nearly 60 years, sharing his experience and creative ideas with the team.
Recognizing the need for a flagpole at the Belmont Fire Hall, Dennis proposed the idea at a meeting several months ago, where fellow members quickly expressed their support. The question then arose: could they find a suitable flagpole, or would they have to have one fabricated?
After some consideration, Dennis remembered that the Belmont School, which has been vacant for some time, had a flagpole in its yard. “That flagpole was installed before the school even opened,” Dennis noted, “so it had endured years of exposure to the elements.” With this in mind, he visited the RM of Prairie Lakes, the property’s owners, seeking permission to remove the flagpole and relocate it to the Fire Hall.
The Council was enthusiastic about the proposal and fully supported the idea.
At the next Fire Hall meeting, plans were set in motion to retrieve the pole and transport it to its new home for refurbishment. Meanwhile, Dennis visited the flagpole several times, applying WD-40 to the rusted bolts to make them easier to remove.
Soon, volunteers and equipment were assembled at the Belmont School grounds, and the plan was put into action. Although removing the flagpole was more challenging than expected, the volunteers’ efforts paid off, and soon the 30-foot pole was safely loaded onto a trailer bound for the Belmont Fire Hall.
Restoration work began immediately, as the flagpole needed significant attention to restore it to its former glory. Using hand grinders, Department volunteers removed peeling paint and rust that had accumulated over the years, and polished the brass ball at the top of the pole to its original lustre. The final touch was three new coats of paint, ensuring it will be many years before any touch-ups are needed.
To provide a solid foundation, the Department had a cement pad poured to support the newly refurbished flagpole.
With the makeover complete and the cement pad in place, the flagpole was finally bolted in place.
Now, it stands tall and proud, awaiting the arrival of spring and the much-anticipated flag-raising.
Congratulations to the Belmont Fire Department on this fantastic new addition! Your dedication to the community is truly commendable.
PHOTO CAPTION: Dennis Pryke stands with the new flag the Fire Department will raise in Belmont in the spring. PHOTO BY SUZANNE PADDOCK
