MVFD - Auto X 2001

The municipality of Metchosin is a growing community with a population of approximately 5,000 set in a rural farming area with most people travelling to the city of Victoria for work. Within the district are three elementary schools, an international college, DND ammo dump, medium security federal prison and two marinas all surrounded by a vast wild land and ocean. The Metchosin Volunteer Fire Department consists of 37 members who operate out of one hall with six pieces of apparatus, two pumpers, one bush vehicle, one rescue vehicle, a tanker and a troop transport. The department attends approximately 150 calls each year - First Responder calls rating #1 and Auto Extrication calls rating #2.
	Of those 37 members, six have been competing together for six years now with a new member joining for the 2001 event. The team consists of Deputy Chief Steen Skou, Captain Greg McClelland, Lt. Volkmar Konway, Firefighter Jim Nygaard, Firefighter Thomas Gestwa, Firefighter Nick Pedersen and Firefighter Karl Parker.
Although Deputy Chief Steen Skou could not attend the event, his expertise in the planning and training helped newcomer Karl Parker take on the vacant position and with good results! Tuesday, October 9th, Deputy Chief drove the team to the Victoria International Airport giving out lots of encouragement, last minutes pointers and advice. He was surely going to be missed. After a six and a half hour plane ride and 3 hour drive from Winnipeg, the team had arrived at their accommodations, the Lakeview Inn (they never did find the lake!), and sought out some of the local fare. After receiving their competing times they retired for the evening, as they needed to be at the fire school for 8:00 am to look over the competition tools. The team wasn't to compete until 4:00 pm that afternoon and coupled with jetlag, they spent a lot of time keeping some team members awake. Wednesday afternoon, the first scenario for the team was the limited pit - a two car MVA with one car rolled over. The scenario went well, except for a small medic slip. The I.C. asked the medic what he was looking at. Was the medic looking at the patient's rear end and the medic, quickly pulling his reassuring hand off that area of the live patient, replied "well, yes it is". The patient and medic are now close friends. Thursday morning was again the limited pit - a two car MVA with a bicycle pinned to one of the cars by a no post and a hydrant on the other side of the car. Today another member stood out (literally). His blue Metchosin coveralls were a little on the tight side (or is he just a big boy?). And although the team felt good about their performance, the judges pointed out a few glitches. The next day the team was to leave home for Victoria but not before disputing a parking ticket at City Hall, courtesy of the City of Brandon. A visit to the world famous Hooters in Winnipeg was a must stop as well before hopping the plane. And remember the guy with the tight coveralls? Well, he got the best seat on the plane so he could stretch his legs!
	The team found out late Saturday night that they had placed second in the limited pit and second overall in points! Whoo Hoo! Time for a celebratory beer at the hall.
The team would like to thank the Brandon Fire School for hosting the Western Canadian Auto Extrication Competitions and to all of the teams for competing. A good time was had by all that attended.