Our History
The Cherry Creek Fire Department has a long and proud tradition of service, beginning with a vision in the late 1950s after several house fires occurred in the area. While the community had recently completed a new water system, there was still no fire protection in place.
Founding the Hall
Local resident Charlie Haggard (First Fire Chief) saw the need and stepped into action. He identified the central location where the fire hall still stands today and researched how much insurance savings each homeowner could receive if fire protection was established. With that information and secured government funding, Charlie brought the idea to the community. The land was later purchased from the Victor Andreef family.
Training for the original members began in 1961, led by instructors from the Port Alberni Volunteer Fire Department. On June 26, 1962, the Cherry Creek Fire Department held its first official meeting. The first fire call came a month later on July 27, and the second call, a grass fire occurred on August 25.
That same year, the department had two fire trucks: a used 1941 Ford Pumper from the City of Port Alberni, and a brand new 1962 American LaFrance, the first new fire truck in the Alberni Valley. Two members travelled to the manufacturer to pick it up and proudly drove it home.
1962 Dodge La France
Early Years
In November 1962, 18 members received certification from the BC Fire Marshal for their firefighting training. Early in 1963, members completed their first aid course.
In those days, dispatch was handled by the City of Port Alberni Fire Department. When a call came in, they would activate the siren on top of the Cherry Creek hall (still in use today) and start phoning members. Once the first truck was full, the next member to arrive would continue calling the rest—this was before pagers or radios. The hall only had four sets of turnout gear, so latecomers had no protective equipment to wear.
Modern Day Operations
Cherry Creek Fire Department now serves a large and diverse area stretching from the brake check at the top of the Hump to the historic McLean Mill sawmill. Services include structure fire suppression, first responder (medical), motor vehicle accidents, wildfire suppression, mutual aid, public education, and community outreach.
The department operates under the governance of the Water Board, which authorizes a maximum of 30 members.
Today, dispatching for Cherry Creek Fire Department is managed by North Island 911 (N911), located in Campbell River. While technology has evolved, some traditions remain—the siren atop the fire hall still sounds during calls, a nod to the department’s roots. In addition to the siren, members are alerted through pagers and the IamResponding app, ensuring rapid, reliable notifications.
Mutual Aid Partnerships
Cherry Creek Fire Department is proud to participate in Automatic Mutual Aid Agreements with:
- Beaver Creek Volunteer Fire Department
- Port Alberni Fire Department
- Sproat Lake Volunteer Fire Department
These agreements ensure that a 4-person engine from each neighbouring department can be dispatched immediately to any structure fire in the Alberni Valley, providing 16 firefighters early in an incident. This collaboration greatly enhances response strength, safety, and efficiency during emergencies.
Leadership Over the Years
Fire Chiefs of Cherry Creek Fire Department
- Charlie Haggard (1962–1965)
The department’s first Fire Chief and founding visionary. - John Patterson (1965–1977)
Served 12 years before retiring. - Tony Maten (1977–1983)
Served until May 1983. - John Gaetz (1983–1988)
Instrumental in acquiring a new pumper truck after a successful community referendum in 1982. The truck served until its retirement in 2010. His brother Francis Gaetz was also a member for 28 years. - Gordon Porter (1988–1999)
Ordered the 1997 Freightliner front-line pumper, one of the first in the area to feature a PTO Compressed Air Foam System. (Recently retired E33) - Gene Jeffery (1999–2004)
Continued to lead the department with commitment and professionalism. - Mike Sparrow (2004–2016)
Oversaw the department’s adoption of the First Responder Program in late 2005 and was responsible for apparatus acquisition of Engine 31, Tender 34. - Lucas Banton (April 2016 – Current – Present Fire Chief)
Led the department through some of B.C.’s worst wildfire seasons in 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2023 with members deployed by both the Province of B.C. and the Office of the Fire Commissioner. Under Chief Banton, the department added the replacement Engine 33, Truck 32 and Duty Officer Truck 30 to its fleet. Implemented Paid-On-Call wages to help reimburse members for time and wages lost during emergency responses
Current Apparatus
- Duty Truck 30 – 2019 Ram 3500 Duty Officer Pickup
Purchased by Chief Lucas Banton in 2019. - Engine 31 – 2010 Pierce Contender
Purchased by Chief Mike Sparrow. - Support Truck 32 – 2018 Ram 5500 Custom First Responder & SPU Vehicle
Purchased by Chief Lucas Banton. - Engine 33 – 2024 Freightliner M2 106 Fort Gary Crusader Type 3 Wildland
Purchased by Chief Lucas Banton in 2023. - Tender 34 – 2005 Freightliner Tender M2 106
Purchased by Chief Mike Sparrow. - Retired/Spare Engine 33 – 1997 Freightliner Pumper Truck
Ordered by Chief Gordon Porter. Replaced in 2024 by Engine 33.
*See Apparatus Section for more pictures and information*