Penhold Volunteer Fire Department

Penhold Volunteer Fire Department The Penhold Fire Department is proud to be part of Alberta’s emergency services team. Now we all work together.

Our department does not only protect the town, but we also work in conjunction with other departments in our vicinity, Penhold's agreement is with Red Deer County. A lot has changed since the early 1900’s when Fire Companies literally fought to see who was going to put out the fire. That’s why you may see County trucks and firefighters in our town. We exist under the authority of the Town of Penho

ld and operate using a rank structure. The Fire Chief manages the department and delegates tasks to his captains and front line firefighters.

08/21/2026

🐾 NAME OUR DOG CONTEST — LAST CALL! 🐾

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has participated in our “Name Our Dog” Contest! We’ve loved seeing all the creative, funny, and downright awesome name suggestions come in. 😂🐶

Just a reminder — the contest ends TODAY! ⏰

If you haven’t submitted your name suggestion yet, this is your last chance! Get those final entries in and help us choose the perfect name for our newest four-legged member. 🚒🐾

Stay tuned… we’ll be announcing the winning name soon! 👀

Thank you again to everyone who took the time to participate and support our department! ❤️

🚒🔥Join us for our Fire Cadet open House to apply for the 2026 Cadet Class
08/08/2026

🚒🔥Join us for our Fire Cadet open House to apply for the 2026 Cadet Class

This past week, members of the Penhold Fire Department spent time completing our annual hose testing.Every length of hos...
08/07/2026

This past week, members of the Penhold Fire Department spent time completing our annual hose testing.

Every length of hose is inspected and pressure tested to ensure it meets the standards we rely on when responding to emergencies. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes jobs the public doesn’t often see, but it’s a critical part of making sure our equipment is ready when our community needs us.

A big thank you to all of our members who volunteered their time to get the job done. Your dedication helps keep both our firefighters and the residents of Penhold safe.

🚒 Always training. Always preparing. Always ready

🚨 NEW RECRUIT REPORTING FOR DUTY! 🐾🚒The Penhold Fire Department has welcomed its newest recruit... but there's one probl...
07/30/2026

🚨 NEW RECRUIT REPORTING FOR DUTY! 🐾🚒
The Penhold Fire Department has welcomed its newest recruit... but there's one problem.
This new recruit needs a name!

That's where YOU come in.
Help us find the perfect name for our newest four-legged mascot by entering our Name the Dog Contest! Whether you choose something brave, clever, fire-inspired, or just plain adorable, we can't wait to see your ideas.

🐶 How to Enter:
🔥 Comment your name suggestion below. (comments must be on the original post)
🔥 One entry per comment (enter as many different names as you'd like!).
🔥 The winning name will be chosen by the Penhold Fire Department.
🏆 The winner will receive a Penhold Fire Department prize pack plus 2 Ride All Day passes to the Penhold Fall Festival!

The contest opens now... let's see those ideas! 👇

07/30/2026

During training last night, our members stopped for a quick ice cream to cool off. To our surprise, we found out that an anonymous, kind-hearted individual had already paid for the entire department.

To whoever you are—thank you!

Your generosity was a wonderful surprise and is truly appreciated by everyone at the Penhold Fire Department. It’s gestures like yours that remind us how fortunate we are to be part of such a supportive community.

We may not know your name, but we hope you know how much your kindness meant to our members. Thank you for thinking of us and for making out week a little sweeter.

From all of us at the Penhold Fire Department, thank you! 🚒🍦❤️

The Biggest Sprinkler in Penhold is Back! The forecast is calling for some serious heat this weekend... so we're bringin...
07/21/2026

The Biggest Sprinkler in Penhold is Back!

The forecast is calling for some serious heat this weekend... so we're bringing out the BIGGEST sprinkler in town!

Join the Penhold Fire Department for our first Spray Day of the summer!

📍 Hawkridge Park
📅 Saturday July 25
🕑 2:00–3:00 p.m.

Bring your swimsuit, a towel, and get ready to cool off under the biggest sprinkler Penhold has to offer!

We'll bring the water... you bring the smiles!

🚒 Firefighter Friday: Meet Lieutenant Nicole Thomson!This week’s Firefighter Friday introduces Lieutenant Nicole Thomson...
07/17/2026

🚒 Firefighter Friday: Meet Lieutenant Nicole Thomson!

This week’s Firefighter Friday introduces Lieutenant Nicole Thomson, who has proudly served with the Penhold Fire Department for 10 years.

Nicole’s firefighting journey began in Grade 12 when two friends encouraged her to join the Fire Cadet program. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a passion, and when she turned 18, she stayed on as a volunteer because of how rewarding it was to serve her community.

Outside of the department, Nicole works as a Facility Operator for the Town of Penhold. When she’s not at work or responding to calls, you can usually find her mountain biking, playing slo-pitch or hockey, or diving into the history of Penhold.

When asked what her favourite part of being a firefighter is, Nicole didn’t hesitate:

“Driving the firetruck and honking the horn for kids.”

She also shared that one of the hardest parts of the job is:

“Being a part of the worst days of people’s lives.”

Nicole’s best safety advice is simple but incredibly important:
Always wear your seatbelt. It takes only seconds to buckle up, but it can make all the difference in protecting you and your loved ones.

Thank you, Lieutenant Thomson, for your decade of dedication, leadership, and commitment to the Penhold community! 👨‍🚒❤️

🚒 MEET YOUR FIRE DEPARTMENT 🚒This week we’re introducing Firefighter Fourth Class Cordell Ducharme 👨‍🚒Although Cordell h...
07/03/2026

🚒 MEET YOUR FIRE DEPARTMENT 🚒

This week we’re introducing Firefighter Fourth Class Cordell Ducharme 👨‍🚒

Although Cordell has been with Penhold Fire for a year and a half, firefighting has been part of his life for much longer. A third-generation first responder, he first joined the fire service at just 18 years old with the Pembina-Manitou Fire Department in Manitoba. When he moved to Penhold, continuing to serve the community was an easy decision.

🔥 How it started:
Growing up in a family of first responders inspired Cordell to follow the same path. Helping others and giving back to the community has always been important to him, and joining Penhold Fire allowed him to continue that tradition in his new hometown.

💬 Favourite part of the job:
“The camaraderie between all the members.”

Whether it’s training together, responding to calls, or sharing stories around the hall, it’s the people that make the department feel like family.

🔧 Off-duty life:
When he’s not answering calls, Cordell works as a Heavy Duty Mechanic, keeping big equipment running and solving problems long before they become breakdowns.

🎉 A Few Things About Cordell:
• Originally from Steinbach, Manitoba 🇨🇦
• Enjoys building LEGO, relaxing around a bonfire, and collecting challenge coins 🧱🔥🪙
• Favourite meal? Maple bacon party ribs 🍖
• Favourite movie? Step Brothers 🎬 (“Did we just become best friends?” felt appropriate.)
• Winnipeg Jets fan ✈️🏒
• Runs on a healthy mix of coffee and energy drinks ☕⚡
• Self-proclaimed night owl 🌙
• Go-to snack: Sour cream and onion chips 🥔

🧠 Biggest challenge:
For Cordell, it’s the early morning calls. Being a night owl and hearing the pager go off before sunrise isn’t always ideal—but when the community needs help, he’s ready to answer.

👊 From Cordell:
“A day spent in the mountains is the best.”

Simple, honest, and a reminder that spending time outdoors is one of the best ways to recharge after a busy schedule.

🧯 Safety Tip:
“Clean your dryer vents regularly to reduce the risk of fire.”

It’s one of the most overlooked household chores, but cleaning your lint trap after every load and your dryer vent regularly can significantly reduce the risk of a fire.

We’re proud to have Cordell as part of the Penhold Fire family. His experience, strong work ethic, and passion for helping others make him a valuable member of our team, and we’re glad he chose to continue his firefighting journey here in Penhold.

🚒🔥

🚒 MEET YOUR FIRE DEPARTMENT 🚒This week we’re proud to introduce Fire Chief Sean Pendergast 👨‍🚒With 16 years of service t...
06/26/2026

🚒 MEET YOUR FIRE DEPARTMENT 🚒

This week we’re proud to introduce Fire Chief Sean Pendergast 👨‍🚒

With 16 years of service to Penhold Fire, Chief Pendergast has helped shape the department into what it is today. Whether it’s responding to emergencies, mentoring firefighters, or guiding the department behind the scenes, Sean leads with experience, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving the community.

🔥 Why he joined:
Sean puts it simply: “Action and adventure.” What started with the excitement of the fire service quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment to protecting the people of Penhold and supporting those around him when they need it most.

💬 Favourite part of the job:
“Serving the community.”

At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about—being there for your neighbours during both everyday events and life’s unexpected emergencies.

🏛️ Off-duty life:
Outside the fire hall, Sean works in Public Administration, bringing strong leadership and organizational skills to both careers.

🎉 A Few Things About Chief Pendergast:
• Born in Edmonton, Alberta 📍
• Enjoys baseball, hockey, skiing, and hiking ⚾🏒⛷️🥾
• Favourite food: Nachos 🌮
• Favourite movie: Wind River 🎬
• Lifelong Edmonton Oilers fan 🏒🧡💙
• Black coffee, no fuss ☕
• Early bird who probably finished half his to-do list before most alarms go off 🌅
• Go-to snack: 79-cent bananas 🍌 (proof you don’t need expensive taste to stay fueled)
• Hidden talent: Instinctive cooking and staying calm under pressure—both in the kitchen and on the fireground.

🧠 Biggest challenge:
Sean says the hardest part of firefighting isn’t the fires themselves—it’s the emotional side of the job. Supporting families on the worst days of their lives, especially when children are involved, leaves a lasting impact. Maintaining mental resilience and supporting one another is an important part of the profession.

👊 From Sean:
“I am just a regular person. I make mistakes. I trip walking up stairs… and pretend it didn’t happen, even though at least three people definitely saw it.”

It’s a reminder that firefighters are people too—neighbours, parents, friends, and community members who simply step forward when others need help.

🧯 Safety Tip:
“Make sure you have working smoke alarms. Most fatal fires happen at night.”

Working smoke alarms save lives. Test them monthly, replace batteries as needed, and make sure everyone in your home knows what to do if they sound.

Thank you, Chief Pendergast, for your leadership, dedication, and 16 years of service to the Penhold Fire Department and our community. We’re proud to have you leading our team.

🚒🔥

🔥 Another school year is coming to a close, and that means another successful Fire Cadet season is in the books! 🔥As we ...
06/18/2026

🔥 Another school year is coming to a close, and that means another successful Fire Cadet season is in the books! 🔥

As we wrap up another year of the Fire Cadet Program, we would like to recognize and congratulate all of our cadets for their hard work, dedication, and commitment throughout the season.

Over the past year, our cadets have devoted countless hours to training, learning new skills, and challenging themselves both individually and as a team. From fire service fundamentals and emergency response training to leadership development and community involvement, they have continued to demonstrate the qualities that make this program such a success. Their willingness to learn, positive attitudes, and commitment to personal growth have made all of us at Penhold Fire proud.

A program like this does not happen without strong community support. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to ATCO, whose continued sponsorship makes our Fire Cadet Program possible. Their investment in local youth helps provide opportunities for learning, mentorship, and personal development that will benefit these young men and women for years to come. We are extremely grateful for their ongoing partnership and support.

We would also like to offer a special congratulations to Cael Loney, who was selected as this year’s recipient of the Futures on Fire Scholarship. Cael was awarded $1,000 last night in recognition of his dedication, hard work, and contributions to the program throughout the year. This achievement is a reflection of the effort and commitment he has consistently demonstrated, and we are proud to see him recognized for it.

To our cadets who are graduating this year, we wish you nothing but success in the future. Whether your path leads you into the fire service, a trade, post-secondary education, or another career entirely, we hope the lessons, friendships, and experiences gained through this program stay with you for years to come. Thank you for being a part of our program, and we look forward to seeing what you accomplish in the years ahead.

To all of our cadets, thank you for another outstanding season. Congratulations on everything you’ve achieved this year.

Interested in becoming a Fire Cadet? If you, or someone you know, is entering Grades 10–12 and would like to learn more about the Penhold Fire Cadet Program, send us a message through our page. We’d be happy to answer any questions and help you get started.

Congratulations on a great season, and thank you again to Atco Gas for helping make it all possible.

🚒👏 Well done, Cadets!

Address

101 Waskasoo Avenue
Penhold, AB
T0M1R0

Telephone

+14038864553

Website

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