What started as little smoke soon turned into a massive fire that tore through a Bridge Street industrial complex in Bradford West Gwillimbury, causing $3 million in damage.
It was the first ever call firefighter Ken Sikkema got — within 24 hours of becoming a volunteer BWG firefighter in April 1988.
“It was a little wisp of smoke. (It spread to the roof and) it went fast after that,” he told BradfordToday this week.
At the time, Sikkema was so new he did not yet have his own gear, so he borrowed some from a firefighter who was off that day.
He smiles when asked about what it felt like to go to that first call.
“Adrenaline scared. Listening to the old guys scared. You were hooked.”
Sikkema received a long service medal Thursday at the BWG fire station for his 30 years as a firefighter — nine as a volunteer and 21 full time.
“You’re out there in the community at their time of need. Thank you very much on behalf of the town,” said BWG Mayor Rob Keffer, who presented Sikkema with a medal and certificate.
“Ken’s been a very valuable member here and hopefully for many more (years) to come,” said BWG Fire Chief Kevin Gallant.
Sikkema had wanted to be a firefighter since he was a kid, inspired by his dad, who was a volunteer firefighter.
“Getting to come to the Christmas parties and play on the fire trucks kind of ignites the fire, if you will, of curiosity,” he said. “I’m still enjoying it.”
In his spare time, Sikkema has volunteered as a photographer for the Town of BWG at Christmastime for the last 10 years, taking photos of local families with Santa Claus.
He said he would like to see the fire department continue to expand to meet the needs of a growing population, and he urges anyone interested in becoming a firefighter to get a good education.
“The feeling when you’re all done (your shift) — you’ve made someone’s day better. You’ve solved a problem. It’s definitely a profession I would recommend to anybody.”
