Potton First Responders to celebrate 30 years of service
On Saturday, June 1, the Potton First Responders will celebrate its 30th Anniversary of service! The day will begin at 2 p.m. with a parade through the town of Mansonville followed by activities at 3 p.m. at the Parc Andre Gagnon, including children’s games, a bar and kiosks. At 5 p.m. there will be a pork and beef mechoui supper with homemade desserts followed by a half and half draw, silent auction and the evening will wrap up with Leadville Union band performing starting at 8 p.m. with an on-site bar. Dinner tickets are on sale now at $30 per person and children 6 and under eat for free.
Potton offers a First Responder Service trained for urgent medical situations where its role is of paramount importance. Tasks include getting to the victim as quickly as possible, giving first aid to stabilize the victim, preparing the victim for the arrival of the ambulance and providing support to the ambulance crew.
While the presence of First Responders in a community has become a common initiative, 30 years ago, the idea was new. Organizers of the June 1 event proudly note that the six first responders in Potton were: Wayne Korman, Michel Lamothe, Francis Marcoux, Marcel Marcoux, Roger Marcoux and Christian Rodrigue, and that Potton was the first Fire Department to offer a First Responder service in Quebec. These six men paved the way for a service that has been saving the lives of Potton residents for over 30 years now. An essential service that has evolved, grown in numbers and assures that responders are trained in updated techniques, becoming a group rich in reputation and a pride to the community it serves.
“Some of our Potton First Responders are also Firefighters,” explained James Bouthillier, Director of Prevention (SSIC) for the Municipality of Potton. “Our First Responder/firefighters and Firefighters work as a team and this event will display the comradery, devotion and pride of all of our members as we celebrate the history that brings us to the cohesive group we are today and celebrates the service we provide in keeping residents safe,” he said.
The Potton First Responders and Firefighters number fluctuates around 25 persons. Anyone interested in having more information about First Responding or about the Fire Department should contact James Bouthillier by calling 450292-3313 extension 240 or by emailing: serviceincendie@potton.ca
Organizers hope to see the community out in big numbers on June 1 as 30 years of First Responder Service in Potton is celebrated. Tickets for the mechoui supper are on sale at a variety of local businesses.