Smithers Fire Rescue raises $14K for automated external defibrillators
Published 5:37 pm Wednesday, September 10, 2025
The Smithers Fire Rescue held a pair of charity barbecues last weekend, raising $14,000 that will go toward purchasing automatic external defibrillators (AEDs).
The event was held at the Smithers Fire Hall on Sept. 6 and at Chandler Park on Sept 7 during a soccer tournament. Volunteers sold hot dogs, burgers, and more to raise money for the life-saving AED units.
"We are hoping to use it to purchase AEDs for the chiefs' trucks, and with one going to the BV Soccer Association as well," explained Fire Chief Alle Jan de Vries.
"AED's are an important resource for public safety as the sooner we can start effective CPR and utilize an AED, the better long-term prognosis for the individuals involved.
"Sometimes the chief's truck arrive on scene just before the fire apparatus, which will allow us to have this equipment on scene no matter which unit arrives first.
"I also want to thanks Tanya, Sara and Alana, who have done the bulk of the behind-the-scenes work, as well as spending both days working the fundraiser, as well. Without them this would not have been possible.
"I also would like to thanks all the businesses and individuals who supported this fundraiser, Smithers has many exceptionally generous people."
AEDs analyze the heart's electrical activity during a cardiac arrest and, if necessary, deliver a controlled shock to stop the heart from its erratic rhythm, allowing it to return to a normal beat.
