Alumni of HFD

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Members of the 1953 HFD Brigade

The Original Fire Brigade:

1st. Reel
Bert Scott (1908)
John Trainor (1908)
John Naismith (1908)
Ross Bell (1908)
Frank McGauvran (1908)
Beckman (1908)
2nd . Reel
Oscar Arenson (1908)
Robert Telfer (1908)
L. Schmidt (1908)
A. Everest (1908)
J. Brandon (1908)
G. Hartung (1908)
Hook and Ladder Brigade
W. E. Adams (1908)
R. Watson (1908)
T. Woell (1908)
W. Telfer (1908)
F. C. Wright (Fire Chief) (1908)
F. M. Howson (Assistant Chief) (1908)
J. H. Thiemann (Engineer) (1908)
Ed Bogan (Engine Hose man) (1908)

Membership that followed:

A list of members that served on the Fire Department is a difficult list to complete. We would appreciate family members and friends with more information, to let us know so we can make this list as complete as possible. We must keep in mind the membership was volunteer so record keeping was not a priority. I am trying my best to get everyone’s efforts recognised and I wish that I would have started this project forty years earlier. As you will see the information in the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s is very limited, please help if you can.

Meet the men and women that served as Fire Fighters in Humboldt

Ed Kost (1909) (suffered the loss of an eye at a fire practise)
W. H. Down (1909)
J.H. Buschey (1909)
C. Kent (1909)
Nick Schemenauer (1910)
Chas McInnis (1910)
Fred Kidd (1910)
Dr. Wilson (1910)
Wm. Driver (1910)
Leo Woell (1910)
O. C. Aronson (1910)
B. Bendill (1910)
Leo Parker (November 1915 to November 1950) (35 years)

E. C. Daly (1915)
H.J. Stockert (1915)
W.B. Brandon (1915)
A.B. McIntyre (1915)
O.W. Ruety (1915)
C.F. Hillard (1915)
W.N. Duff (1915)
J.E. Cameron (1915)
R. McNamee (1915)
A. Taylor (1915)
W.F. Kidd (1915)
John S. Skinner (1915)
J.C. Babcock (1915)
J. McIntyre (1915)
Art Perry (1926-1960)
Paul Thiemann (1947)
Harry Downing (1947) (Broke his pelvis and ribs in a fall off of fire truck)
Earl Eastman (1947)
Len Bauer (1950)
Ron Cameron (1950)
Ray Bernhard (1951)
Bob Bohdan (1950)
Ralph Mueller (1951)
Jim Simpson (1951)
Ken Dust (1952)

Clarence Gorsalitz (1953)
Herb Stoll (?)
Archie Eastman ( ? )
Mel Dagenais ( ? )
George Lux (1957)
George Faul (1957)
Otto Faul (1957)
Irvin Berger (1965)?
Ray Bernhard (1959)
Mel Messmer(1959)
Basil McAneely (1951)
John Stepper Jr. (1950)
Mike Rusnyck (Big Mike) (1951)
Basil Cannell (1950-1960)
Leon Neumeyer (1961)
Dennis Gangl (1961)
Robert Schreiner (1961)
George Lowe (?)
Arnold Dust (BOOTS) ( )?
Urban Lukan ( )?
Mervin Chamney ( ) ?
George Hueser ( ) ?
Frank Loroff ( ) ?
Charles Gorsalitz (1960)
Cliff Ebert ( ) ?
Sid Fortowsky (1961)
Donald Sawatsky (1961)
Paul Brecht (1961)
Clayton Cameron (1961)
Fred Earis (1961)
Marvin Bloski (1961)
Leo Lopinski (1961)
Walter Buchacher (1962)
Paul Loroff (1962-1982)
Ken Curle (1962)
Ernie Gasmo (1962)
Dick Lemmerick (1962)
Karl Ecker (1962)
Louie Friestadt (1962)
Ed Thiemann (October 1964 to November 1978)
Doug Kemp (1964)
Willie Meyers (1964)
Hugo Muench (1964)
Al Doll (1965)
Rod Koemsteadt (1966)
Gerald Kopperud (1967)
Bob Crooks (1967)
Mel Stroeder (1968)
Dale Inkster (1969)
George Pratchler (1971)
Lou Pascal (1972)?
Gordon Rohrke (1972)
Jim McKay (1973)
Gary Jenkins (1973)
Jim Schenn (March 1974)
Daryl Hushagen (November 1974)
Jim Pray (February 1974)
Lyle Smith (1974)?
Roger Nordick (December 1975)
Joseph Dutchak (June1976 to January 2017) (41 years)
Gary Fredericks (1977)
Donald McWillie (1977)
Al Porter (1977)
Len Bartsch (1977)
John Britz (1977)
Carl Niekamp (July 1978)
Gilbert Thiemann (December 1978)
Greg Marquis (1979)
S. Hiene Poulsen (1979)
Russell Besenski (December (1979)
Ted Bay (April 1980)
Shane Buck (October 1980)
Don Klitch (October 1980)
Philip Lopinski (1979)
James Fischl (1981)
Russ Verreault (1981)
Darcy Leonew (February 1981)
Gerald Buchacher (September 1981)
Daryl Sill (1981)
Brent Bohnen (January 1982)
Keith Le Jan (May 1982)
Dale Becker (July1982)
Norbert LeBlanc (February 1983 to February 2016) (33 years)
Gary Bauer (March 1983- 2004) (21 years)
Brian Georgson (October 1983)
Keith Doyscher (January 1983)
Les Hill (March 1983)
Tom Woods (January 1984)
Ross Millar (1984 to 2004) (30 years)
Jerry Ehalt (1984)
Kevin Hordal (1985)
Gary McLeod (1985)
Glenn Skarra (1985)
Shawn Lang (1985)
Trevor Lowey (1985)
Nap Boutin Jr. (1985)
Paul Loewen (1985)
Francis Kunz (January 1986 to 2018) (31 years)
Blair Lang (1987)
Oliver Laviolette (1987)
Kenny Cadrain (1987)
David Gullacher (1988)
Daryl Knackstedt (1988)
Ron Beaurivage (1988)
Noel Stumborg (1988)
David Fisher (1988)
Maurice LeBlanc (1988)
Rick Cadrain (April 1989)
Ray Littlechilds (1989)
Daryl Minter (1990)
Barry Schlosser (1991)
Terry Schlitz (1991)
Dale Swirsky (1991)
James Hueber (March 1991)
Michael Tether (1991)
Sean Murray (1991)
Lyle Sawicki (1991)
Ray Kienlen (1992)
Dale Hemm (1992)
Dwain Doering (1992)
Matt Schidlowsky (August 1993)
Neil Buchacher (1993)
Mike Kosokowsky (1994)
Dennis Duerr (1994)
Lawrence Dunn (1995)
Karl Brecker (1996)
Amy Irwin (1996) (Our first female firefighter)
Steven Thevenot (1998)
Eric Benz (1998)
Tim Thibault (1998)
Joe Fisher (1998)
Jamie Kunz (Doyk) (August (1999)
Randy Korte (1999)
Dean Szautner (2000)
Craig Stomp (May2000)
Darrell Wickenhauser (September 2000)
Todd Gessner (2000)
Mike Kwasnica (May2001)
Gord Kiefer (2001)
Brad Pauli (2001 to 2011)
Bernard Crockett (2001)
Robert Dufault (March 2005)
Dave Holaday (March 2005)
Kevin Pollries (2005)
Daryl Classen (2005)
Blair Hoppe (2007)
Tim Kiefer (February 2008)
Marcel LeBlanc (April 2008)
Patrick LaClare (2008)
Jason Staniec (February 2009)
Jarid McInnis (2009)
Darcy Skarra (2009 to 2011)
Joel Spence (2010)
Sean Moore (2011)
Jordan Dalsin (August 2011)
Graham Hall (October 2011)
Mark Parlato (2011) (trainee)
Steve Bodnarchuk (2011)(Bruno)
Paul Cockell (2011) ( LeRoy)
Paul Catacutan (June 2012)
Phil Eggerman (November 2012)
Braedon Campbell (November 2012)
Krista Grimson (Prunkl) (May 2013)
Owen Wickenhauer (May 2014)
Ian Irwin (April 2015)
Jesse Hauesler(June 2015)
Nicole Myker (September 2015)
Colby Dufort (November 2015)
Blake Thiemann (June 2016)
Matthew Nelson (January 2017)
Tyler Kwasnica (February 2017)
Jason Holtvolt (December 2017)
Graham Dyck(2018)
Tanner Willoughby(2018)
Ryder Eastman(2018)
Mitch Lins(2019)
Kethia Gies(2019)
George Koumoutsidis(2019)
Anthony Sepke(2019)
Mark Schmidt(2019)
Justin Tarrant(2020)
Joel Spence(2021)
Shaun Futoransky(2021)
Noah Wieler(2021)
Cody Kennedy(2021)
Jarrod Sigstad(2022)
Mike Pulice(2022)
Liam Duffley(2022)

Humboldt Fire Chiefs:

J. Wright (1907-1908)
F.C. Wright (1908-1909)
W.A. Westwood (1909-1911)
W. H. Down (1911-1918)
W. Greig (1918-1924)
Leo Parker (1924-1950)
Earl Eastman (1950-1953)
Art Perry (1953-1955)
Ron Carmeron (1955-1962)
Ray Bernhard (1962-1964)
Herb Stoll (1964-1971)
Len Bauer (1971-1973)
Herb Stoll (1973-1973)
Frank Loroff (1973-1974)
Walter Buchacher (1974-1977)
Leo Lopinski (1977-1981)
Jim Schenn (1981-1983)
Rodger Nordick (1983-1990)
Norbert LeBlanc (1990-2012)
Mike Kwasnica (2012- Present)

HFD Fire Fighter of the Year

HFD Fire Fighter of the Year Trophy

Humboldt Fire Department has a yearly award, which is a honor bestowed upon a deserving member of the the fire department. It is used to signify and show respect to a member that has in some way gone above and beyond for the good of the membership. This can be in a multitude of different ways, such as extra training, showing leadership, volunteering, a helpful attitude or anything else that makes a fire fighter stand out. Up until 2013, the Fire Fighter of the year was picked by secret ballot by the membership. Since 2013, the winner has been picked by secret ballot by the 6 officers of the department. This is a list of the past winners.

  • 1979 – Gilbert Thiemann
  • 1980 – Roger Nordick
  • 1981 – Joe Dutchak
  • 1982 – Ted Bay
  • 1983 – Jim Schenn
  • 1984 – Norbert LeBlanc
  • 1985 – Gary Bauer
  • 1986 – Darcy Leonew
  • 1987 – Jim Schenn
  • 1988 – Joe Dutchak
  • 1989 – Francis Kunz
  • 1990 – Dale Becker
  • 1991 – Ron Beaurivage/Rick Cadrain
  • 1992 – Noel Stumberg
  • 1993 – James Huber
  • 1994 – Matthew Schidlowsky
  • 2003 – Craig Stomp
  • 2004 – Mike Kwasnica
  • 2004 – Bernard Crockett
  • 2005 – Matt Schidlowsky
  • 2006 – Dale Becker
  • 2007 – Kevin Pollries
  • 2008 – Darcy Leonew
  • 2009 – Marcel LeBlanc
  • 2010 – Jason Staniec
  • 2011 – Bernard Crockett
  • 2012 – Darrell Wickenhauser
  • 2013 – Graham Hall
  • 2014 – Braeden Campbell
  • 2015 – Jason Staniec
  • 2016 – Jordan Dalsin
  • 2017 – Mathew Nelson
  • 2017 – Jordan Dalsin
  • 2018 – Owen Wickenhauser
  • 2019 – Tyler Kwasnica
  • 2020 – COVID
  • 2021 – COVID
  • 2022 – Anthony Sepke

Alumni Bios

Norbert LeBlanc

  • D.O.B. June 6, 1951. Born in Shediac, New Brunswick. Moved to Fitchburg Massachusetts in 1970 for work, installing siding. Moved back to NB in 1971 and worked on construction as a framer and drywaller. Came out west to Saskatoon in 1976 for work dry-walling and all types of construction. Moved back to New Brunswick in 1980 and built a new house, but then moved back to Saskatchewan in 1982 to take over Mary’s parent’s shoe repair and shoe sales store.
  • Spouse; Mary LeBlanc
  • Children; Maurice (1970) Ricky (1972) Marcel (1980) Giselle (1984)
  • Current Position; Building and fire inspector. Also WETT (Wood stove and wood fireplace) inspector
  • Joined Humboldt Fire Dept.; February 1983 – Retired February 2015. Fire Chief from 1990 to 2012. I was the first full-time fire chief in Humboldt.
  • At the same time being the fire chief for HFD, I was the fire chief for Muenster Fire Department from 2006-2010 also the fire chief for Lake Lenore from 2006-2012.
  • Provincial Call Number #78
  • Positions held in HFD: Now Retired, Served as Firefighter, Training Officer, Deputy Chief, Captain, and 22 years as Fire Chief.
  • Employers while on the Fire Department; School Bus driver from (1984-1995), operated my shoe repair and shoe sales store from 1982-1993. Coroner from 1997 to present. Also did renovations for people in the surrounding area.
  • Attributions to the Humboldt Fire Department include; Was Chairperson for Safe Community for 10 years, worked with Humboldt Ambulance when needed, was appointed by the Department of Justice as coroner from 1997 to present, having much contact with the R.C.M.P as coroner. I taught fire safety and First aid for many Baby Sitting courses for the Jay-cettes Programs. I helped out with Party Programs as a Firefighter, and Causality Simulations Artist.
  • I was awarded the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor of Canada for 20 and 30 years of Fire Fighting Service. In 2009, I received the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal for 25 years in Protective Services in the province. I received the Jubilee service metal in 2012
  • I attended many Firefighters Rodeos sponsored by P.C.S. Lanigan and also as a judge at the competition.
  • I still serve the province as a coroner
  • My Hobbies include; Gardening, Carpentry Projects, Grandfather, and still building and fire inspection

Joseph Dutchak
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  • D.O.B. April 1953
  •  Spouse; Carrie Dutchak
  • Children; Joshua (1988-2006), Lindsay (Jeremy Wiebe) and their girls Kennedy (2015) and Ellodie (2018)
  • Current Position; Historian
  • Joined Humboldt Fire Dept.; June 1976 – Retired January 2017
  • Provincial Call Number# 302
  • Now Retired, Served as Firefighter, Secretary-Treasurer, Training Officer, Deputy-Chief, EMT, and Captain.
  • Employers while on the Fire Department; Parts Manager at Coyle Chevrolet-Oldsmobile Ltd. (1973-1983), E.M.T. Part time Humboldt Ambulance (1979-2009), Self- Employed at Humboldt Auto Body Ltd. (1983-2013), Sales Consultant at Colony Motor Products (2013-2018).
  • Attributions to the Humboldt Fire Department include; While working for the Humboldt Ambulance Service as an E.M.T. and having much contact with the R.C.M.P. as a Justice of the Peace, I feel this really helped to bond our Emergency Services together.
  • I was one of the first C.P.R. Instructors in the Province with the Saskatchewan Heart Foundation. I was an instructor for the E.M.T. Program when the program was started by the Wascana Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences. I taught fire safety and First aid for many Baby Sitting courses for the Jaycettes Programs. I helped out with many MADD Programs and Party Programs as a Firefighter, Tow Truck Operator, E.M.T. and Causality Simulations Artist.
  •  I was awarded the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor of Canada for 20, 30 and 40 years of Fire Fighting Service. In 2003, I received the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal for 25 years in Protective Services in the province.
  • I attended one of the first Firefighters Rodeos sponsored by P.C.S. Lanigan.
  • I still serve the province as a Justice of the Peace and a Marriage Commissioner.
  • My Hobbies include; Fishing, Gardening, Carpentry Projects, Grandfather, and now, firefighter’s historian.

Daryl Hushagen

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  • D.O.B. July 1954
  • Spouse; Carol Hushagen
  • Current Position; Retired Firefighter
  • Provincial Call Number #305
  • Joined the Humboldt Fire Department; November, 1974.
  • Employer while on the Fire Department
  • I worked at The Trading Post (1972- 1974) all general duties, Hergott & Siedl Accounting (1974-1976), Accountant for Hergott Farm Equipment (1974-Present).
  • Attributions to the Humboldt Fire Department; I have always believed in good training and keeping skill levels at their peak. One of my greatest pleasures was mentoring the new members that joined the department and showing them the ropes. Self Contained Breathing Apparatus was one of my favorites, as it is similar to my Scuba diving equipment in a lot of ways. I felt comfortable in this equipment and was able to teach the safe usage of it to these rookie members. I always stayed certified in C.P.R., First Aid, and our Fire Fighting Training over the forty-three years on the department. Being one of the youngest members to join and amongst the oldest to retire gave me the honour of being the longest serving firefighter on the department.
  • I was awarded the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor of Canada for 20, 30 and 40 years of Fire Fighting Service. In 2003, I received the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal for 25 years in Protective Services in the province. 
  • My Hobbies include Team Roping, Hunting, Bow hunting, Wildlife photography, Scuba Diving and Diving Vacations. I played Bronco Hockey (1971-1974) so Hockey still remains one of my keen interests. 

Francis Kunz A.K.A. Elvis

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  • D.O.B. April 1951
  • Spouse; Rita Kunz
  • Children; Annalea Sookeroff, Jamie Dyok
  • Current Position; Safety Officer, Retired
  • Provincial Call # 307
  • Joined the Humboldt Fire Department January, 1986
  • Employers while on the Fire Department; I was Self-Employed as a STC Bus Agent, Sarcan Employee, Accountant at Humboldt Auto Body, and now part-time at Sobeys.
  • Attributions to the Humboldt Fire Dept; Over the last 32 years on the Fire Department I have served as a Fire Fighter, Secretary-Treasurer, Deputy Chief and now as Safety Officer.
  • I have been awarded the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor of Canada for 20, and 30 years of Fire Fighting Service. In 2011, I received the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal for 25 years in Protective Services in the province. In 1989, I was awarded with our Fire fighter of the Year award.
  • One day back in 1989, on a return trip from Saskatoon I came upon a Motor Vehicle Accident, I was able to use my training in Airway Management to assist a patient who was left unconscious and kept him breathing till I got more help from Ambulance Personal when they arrived. I did visit him once in the hospital but still always wonder how he is today? 
  • However, my proudest achievement was to have served the Fire Department with my own Daughter Jamie for nearly 20 Years. This comes with Bragging Privileges that not many can Share and pleased me to no end. My Hobbies include Music “Elvis”, Camping, My Family Tree and visiting those roots into the United States, and of course Our Grand Children.

Jesse Hauesler

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  • D.O.B. February 1995
  • Marital Status; Single
  • Provincial Call Number #326
  • Position: Firefighter
  • I joined the Humboldt Fire Department in June 2015.
  • Employers; CATS Construction (2005 to present) , South 20 Dodge Chrysler (2013-2018).
  • Attributions to the Humboldt Fire Dept; I helped with demonstrations at the SADD Program for 2 years, competed in the P.C.S. Lanigan Firefighter’s Rodeo for 2 years. I was awarded a banner hanging at the SVFFA Fire School that we hosted in Humboldt. I took training in First Aid and CPR and trained in Ice Water Rescue.  I had a lot of fun at the Soccer Game against the Special Olympics Team. I also participated in the Fire Fighter for a Day kids program. I still regard myself as being a Rookie when I go to practise nights, and see how much more there is to learn. The sharing of knowledge at our practises is always great and there is always a tip or two to learn.
  • My Hobbies include; Baseball, Hockey, Hunting, Fishing and travelling.

Colby Dufort

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  • D.O.B. December 1994
  • Marital Status is Single
  • Provincial Call Number #327
  • Position; Firefighter
  • I joined the Humboldt Fire Department in November, 2015.
  • Employers while on the Fire Department;
  • I was employed as a Mechanic at Hergott Farm Equipment (2013-2018)
  • I am currently employed at One Oak Farms
  • Attributions to the Humboldt Fire Department; I have trained for and competed at the P.C.S. Lanigan Firefighter’s Rodeos for the last 2 years which helped me with my skills and certainly with my confidence. In addition to our regular training, I have taken First Aid and C.P.R. training. My Scuba Diving experience certainly made the training on Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus much easier, as both require a lot of same safety concerns and threats. I think this should help me be prepared for water and or Ice water Rescue work when the need arises.
  • I always try to help out with Fire Hall Activities such as Open Houses, Parade, Demolition Derbies, and I am serving on our Social Committee.
  •  I am pleased where the position on the Fire Dept. has taken me and I enjoy being here.
  • Hobbies include; Scuba Diving, Hiking and Travel anywhere and everywhere, Europe, Asia, South and Central America.

Blake Thiemann

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  • D.O.B. March 1991
  • Marital Status is Single
  • Provincial Call Number #329
  • Position; Firefighter
  • I joined the Humboldt Fire Department in June, 2016.
  • Employer;  Michels’ Industries- Product Developer.
  • Attributions to the Humboldt Fire Dept; I have always tried to be Community Minded and enjoy giving back to my Community, following in the footsteps of my Grandfather Ed Thiemann, Uncle Ken Thiemann, and Uncle Gilbert Thiemann who all have enjoyed serving as firefighters as well. I have joined the HERO Board of Directors in 2017, participated in the PARTY Program doing Vehicle Extrication demonstrations and was a team member in the P.C.S. Lanigan Firefighter’s Rodeo in 2016. I am looking forward to being a team player on this department for many years to come.
  • Hobbies include; Fishing, Snowmobiling, Beer Brewing, 3D Printing.

Don Klitch

  • Date of Birth (Month, Year): January 1953
  • Family (Spouse, Children): Anne-wife Amy and Amanda- daughters, Corey and Russell sons
  • Position held in HFD: Fire fighter
  • Date joined HFD: ?
  • Employers while on HFD: PCS Lanigan mine
  • Attribution to HFD: n/a
  • Hobbies, Interests: Woodwork and welding

Roger Nordick

  • Date of Birth: Dec 1949
  • Family (Spouse, Children): Sheila, Dion, Erin
  • Position held in HFD: Fire Chief
  • Date joined HFD: 1976
  • Employers while on HFD: Humboldt Coop Food Store
  • Attribution to HFD: Initial startup of SVFFA, 1st. ever Pump n Roll fire truck design, implemented vhf radio system
  • Hobbies, Interests: Hobbies: Drones, RC boat building, photography, wood carving
  • Interests: Volunteerism, Communities in Bloom, Municipal politics, Seniors Strategy

Graham Hall

  • Date of Birth: Aug 1982
  • Family: Heather Hall – wife
  • Position held in HFD: Firefighter
  • Date joined HFD: October 2011
  • Employers while on HFD: Hergott electric, Potashcorp Lanigan, Mosaic potash Colonsay, Concept electric, Tremblay Electric
  • Attribution to HFD: HFD is a professional and dedicated department that encourages members to take on responsibility and provides training significantly over and above the minimum requirements.
  • During my 6 years of service I was able to grow as a firefighter and as a person which finally led me down the path of becoming a career firefighter in Edmonton AB.
  • Hobbies, Interests: n/a

Gary Bauer

  • Date of Birth: October 19, 1964
  • Family: Wife and two children
  • Position(s) held in HFD: Fire Fighter, Training Offficer
  • Date joined HFD: March 1983, Served 20 years
  • Employers while on HFD: Saskatchewan Wheat Pool – Viterra as we know it today. I Managed Emergency Response for the company in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, for 17 years.
  • Attribution to HFD: I conducted training for 15 years out of the 20 years served. My main focus was to spearhead all training within the organization in all aspects of the fire service training program.
  • Fire fighter of the year in 1985.
  • Hobbies, Interests: Carpentry, Camping, fishing, hunting. Oh! almost forgot looking after the grandchild.

Walter Buchacher

  • D.O.B. July, 1936. Deceased June 2,2010.
  • Spouse; Darlene Buchacher
  • Children: Gerald, Ronald, Lyle, Murray, Merle, Karen, Neil.
  • Position; Firefighter (1961-1974) and Fire Chief (1974-1977).
  • Occupation: Walter worked his entire career in the construction trade, started at Teash & Perry Construction,  then to Graham Construction,  and finally to Humboldt Lumber Mart (Rona).
  • Hobbies; Walter enjoyed his hockey career with the Burr Tigers and later with the Humboldt Old Timers team. He was also a member of the Legion Curling Team.
  • Attributions to the Humboldt Fire Department include; Walter was very devoted to the Humboldt Fire Department. He always enjoyed the fellowship of the crew. He talked often about the big fires that he had fought which included the Arlington Hotel Fire, the Coop Creamery Fire, and the Gulf Bulk Station Fire. Walter was proud to see his sons follow in his footsteps in firefighting interests.  Gerald and Neil both were on the Fire Department in Humboldt and Murray joined a volunteer position as EMT/ firefighter in Fort Saskatchewan, AB.
  • Walter knew that behind ever great man there was a great woman and for him it was Darlene, who also served on the Humboldt Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary. Helping ran in their family.
  • Walter retired from the Humboldt Fire Department when his job took him to Nipawin for work.

Gerry Buchacher

  • Date of Birth: January 1962
  • Son of Fire Chief Walter Buchacher, Brother of Fire Fighter Neil Buchacher
  • Joined HFD: Around the time of the Sonic service station fire? 1981?
  • Position held on HFD: Fire fighter
  • Employment while on HFD: Gulf service station, Turbo service station, Humboldt Autobody shop
  • Hobbies and Interests: Hanging out with friends
  • I joined the HFD for the comradery between everybody, because dad was on the department, and just to see what it was all about. I attended lots of accidents and lots of fire during my time on the department. Some experiences were better than others, no doubt, but there was always something to learn. I was one of the guys that was instrumental helping Norbert and others in starting the HERO fund. I was on the HERO board very early on in the fundraiser’s life. I helped quite a bit when the Humboldt Ambulance was first starting in town, as I would help wherever I could.
  • I was a guard for the RCMP for 20 years. I was also an Auxillary RCMP Member but not in Humboldt, it was in Wallaston Lake. I even recieved a recognition plaque for helping out with the their winter festival.
  • I remember a lot of the big fires in town, such as the Legion Fire. I remember before I was on the department, as a kid, when St. Augustine School had a fire. It was my job on the call to deliver “pop” and sandwiches to the fire fighters.
  • I was on the Bronco’s board on and off from around 1989 to 2003, when they won their first Royal Bank Cup. I spent alot of years helping out, early on in the time’s keeper box. After that I helped out on the board.
  • I really enjoyed working with all the fire fighters, Ambulance and RCMP. I always made a point of getting all the fire fighters, ambulance workers and RCMP together after hours. I always used to say “If we work together, we need to play together”.


Leo Lopinski

February 2020
  • D.O.B. April 1934
  • Spouse; Cecilia Lopinski
  • Children; Philip, Maryann, Laureen, Rita and Jim.
  • Position; Firefighter (1962-1977), Fire Chief (1977-1981)
  • Occupation; Leo spent almost his whole life working as a self employed farmer. When they moved to Humboldt in 1962 to work as a Heavy Duty Mechanic for the John Deere dealership that’s when he joined the Humboldt Fire Department.
  • Hobbies; Leo had little time for hobbies in his work career, so we might call his hobby his “Hobby Farm” where he learned to be a “jack of all trades”. Those were very valuable skills to be a firefighter as often we had to improvise the limited equipment we had to get the job done. When Leo retired he spent countless hours in his back yard shop building many different projects, his favorite being his Purple Martin houses.
  • Attributions to the Humboldt Fire Department include; Leo was certified in C.P.R. and First Aid and took several courses in search and rescue.
  • Leo spent 18 years on the fire department and always took the role as the go to guy when it came to repairing equipment. We always had something that needed repairs. The 1936 GMC fire truck that is now at the Vintage club still pumps water due to his efforts, it was a very challenging project as repairs were obsolete and many parts had to be handmade.
  • Back then, we used our personal vehicles to haul our men to rural fire calls, in 1979 Leo lobbied the town to fund up nearly $500, to purchase a retired Sask. Power truck to be used as our first Rescue unit, to haul our men and equipment to the scenes.
  • Leo is proud of the fact that he was able to organize the first Saskatchewan’s Fire Chiefs Convention to be held in Humboldt in 1981.
  • One fire that Leo will never forget was in February 1981 when a 20 lb. Propane bottle was brought into a house to do some plumbing repairs. Overnight the hose popped off an in cased an explosion when the gases met the pilot light on the furnace. The explosion blew out every window and door out of the home and set the whole building about 8 inches off of its foundation. Two group home residents were rescued through the basement window and Mrs. Berting was severely burnt. Leo made sure that the Saskatchewan’s Fire Chiefs Association recognized Ernie and Bernice Berting for their bravery in saving these two girls lives.
  • Leo still says today that he is forever grateful that he never had to tell any of the firefighter’s wives that one of his men had been seriously injured in a fire call.

Paul Loroff 

  • D.O.B. August 1930 
  • Spouse: Louise Loroff (deceased 1999) 
  • Children; Dianna, (Gerald Zimmerman) (1951-1988), and Joann (Leander Britz) 
  • Position; Firefighter (1961-1981) and served as Caretaker for many years. 
  • Occupation; I worked as an equipment operator for Brockman Enterprises ltd. from 1947 to1981 when health conditions would not let me continue. 
  • Hobbies; I always enjoyed keeping our yard like a park! Spent most of the summer doing that and the winters would bring lots of family gatherings and card playing evenings with family and friends. 
  • Attributions to the Humboldt Fire Department included; Paul’s employment with Brockman’s Enterprises came with a full range of heavy equipment whenever the needed some heavy lifting. Paul’s favorite piece of equipment was without doubt was the backhoe; he would be teased that he could scrape of butter from a slice of bread with the hoe. 
  • Paul served 20 years on the Fire department. He enjoyed the practise nights with the rookies and always shared his knowledge and skills with a smile and a little prank to keep everything interesting. He enjoyed the companionship of the other firemen and wouldn’t know what he would have done without that in his life. 
  • His role as caretaker made him responsible to make sure that all equipment was ready to go at all times, so he knew where everything was and how to operate it. Because of his knowledge he filled the position as Training Officer before there was such a title.” Showing the rookies the ropes”. 
  • One of the most memorial events of being on the fire department was when he and Fire Chief Frank Loroff went to Quebec to pick up the brand new 1973 Thibault Fire Truck. There is nothing more up lifting then a new piece of equipment for the boys to play with he would say. At, 89 years of age, when we got our new Rescue Unit he was there checking it out! 

Dean Szautner

  • Date of birth: April 1967
  • Family: Wife Marilyn and 3 children Chantel, Dylan and Christina (twins)
  • Position(s) held in HFD: Firefighter.
  • Date joined HFD: July 1998
  • Employers while on HFD: Investors Group Financial Services Inc
  • Attribution to HFD: Firefighter, team member
  • Hobbies, Interests: Traveling, Hunting, Camping and fishing

Darcy Leonew

  • D.O.B. October 1959
  • Spouse; Shirley Leonew
  • Children; Jen Doratti (Nathan Doratti) and Their children Ava and Auston, Carla Stevenson (Trevor Stevenson) and Their children Madden and Everitt, Chelsea Weber (Peter Weber)
  • Positions Held in HFD:  Captain, Emergency First Responder.  Provincial Call #303
  • Joined the Humboldt Fire Department in February, 1981 and have worked at C.I.M. all those years.
  • I am very proud to have worked under my Fire Chiefs, starting with Leo Lopinski, Rodger Nordick, Jim Schenn, Norbert LeBlanc and Mike Kwasnica, they all played a role in forming who I am, as a Fire Fighter and an important link in our chain.
  • Attributions to the Humboldt Fire Department;
  • I have served in our Fire Service for 35 Years. I was awarded the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor of Canada for 20 years of Fire Fighting Service and the 30 year matching Bar. I received the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal for 25 years in Protective Services in the province. I was awarded Humboldt Fire fighter of the Year in 1986 and 1998.  I spent a week fighting the EGG Fire in LaRonge in July 2015.
  • I have been on the HERO board for 12 years.
  • I participated in the P.C.S. Lanigan Fire Fighter’s Rodeo for the past 15 years and I still am involved with coaching a team every year, it is fun and a worthwhile Practise and good for a strong fellowship for the whole department.
  • In the last couple of years, I took training to complete my First Responders Course and also the “Neman Petaway Man Tracker” course. These courses gave me a better feeling about being a solid Fire Fighter.
  • Hobbies; My hobbies include Hunting, Fishing, Gun Collecting and collecting Fire Fighting memorabilia. In the last few years, I have been putting more time in being a Grandfather and I am having a lot of fun doing that, too.

Hi Everyone.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year and hope 2021 treats us all well.
I just thought I would inform everyone that after 40 years I have officially hung up my helmet for the last time. When I joined the team in 1981, I had little idea of what it meant to be a first responder. There is great sacrifice and commitment that goes with the job but I don’t regret one second of it. It’s more than just saving homes…..we save hearts, memories and dreams. The heart of a Volunteer is not measured in size but by the depth of their commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. Hard times don’t create heroes, it is during the hard times when the “HERO” within us is revealed. I can say with confidence now, that I’ve worked along side some of the best people in this line of duty. Together we have supported and trusted each other. We have witnessed the unimaginable but have also been a part of some of the most proud and honorable moments one can experience. After you are a part of a Fire Department, Police Service or EMT, it never leaves you. It’s like a lifetime commitment. I may not be on the front lines anymore, but I can guarantee though, every time I hear a siren or see the lights, a part of me will be there.
I want to Thank my family, my wife Shirley, my kids Jenn (Nathan), Carla (Trevor) and Chelsea (Peter) because behind every strong Firefighter, there is an even stronger family who stands by us and supports us and my Family have stood beside me and supported me along this journey.
To my fellow Firefighters (past & present), many Thanks for standing by me and sticking together thru good times and bad times. To the ones that are still on the department, you will never know what you will encounter on each call but proceed with the same level of commitment and service. Train as if your life depends on it, because it does. Don’t practice until you get it right, practice until you can’t get it wrong and lastly, when you are at a call and things get out of control and everyone around you is screaming and losing their minds…….look for the quiet one and stick with him or her, he or she is going to kick in doors and sort some shit out. And always remember: Respect is earned, Honesty is appreciated, Trust is gained, Loyalty is returned.
Although I’m retiring from being Captain of the Humboldt Fire Department and I am going to miss it, I am very excited to have some extra time to spend with our grandkids, Ava, Madden, Auston & Everett and we are very excited and look forward to meeting our 5th grandchild in May. Baby Weber, we cannot wait to meet you. Thanks again to my family, friends, colleagues and community for standing beside me through it all.

Darcy
P.S. Prince Albert dispatch….. Humboldt Fire badge # 303 signing off one last time

Darcy Leonew and his wife Shirley are presented the custom made quilt.

In August of 2022, The Rolling Barrage brought their motorcycles through Humboldt. Darcy was presented a custom made quilt on behalf of Quilts of Valor, in recognition of his 40 years of service to the people of Humboldt.

When retired Humboldt firefighter Darcy Leonew and his wife Shirley received an invitation to a Saskatoon event hosted by the Rolling Barrage, they gratefully accepted, thinking only that they would be contributing to  a fundraiser. Little did Leonew know that he was a guest of honour. 

The retired fire captain with 40 years service is renowned for his contributions both in his community, but in wider circles. Leonew has worked for years with first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He continues to engage in this work. The Rolling Barrage is a non-profit organization of first responders whose members travel across Canada each year on motorcycles to raise funds and awareness for PTSD. The group makes various stops along their cross-country journey, offering support and acknowledging first responders (both active and retired) for their service and work.

This year, during their stop in Saskatoon, Darcy and his wife Shirley were invited to an evening of supper and presentations to support the cause. The invite was willingly accepted, and both Darcy and Shirley were unaware that Darcy would be honoured.

During the last presentation of the evening, retired RCMP officer, Mark Doratti called up unsuspecting Darcy Leonew to the front while highlighting Darcy’s commitment and involvement with the Humboldt Fire Department over the last 40 years, along with thanking his wife, Shirley, for her strength and support during her husband’s years of service. Following this, Darcy was gifted a commissioned quilt made by Swift Current resident, Marcie Erick, who designs and makes quilts for first responders who are receiving recognition at these events.

“I never knew that was coming. You get awards and trophies all your life, but when you get something like the quilt I was presented, and knowing the time and effort that went into that, you can’t describe what the feeling is like.”

Although retired from the department, Darcy continues to be an active member of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), offering support and debriefing opportunities to first responders across the province. He’s becoming more supportive of the Rolling Barrage and their work.

“I like supporting the Rolling Barrage. It’s an unbelievable organization for what those veterans of army, police, EMS and fire do. I’m just dabbling in it, but the more I get into it the better I find it. “

To find out more about the Rolling Barrage, information is posted on their Facebook page, “The Rolling Barrage” or visit http://www.therollingbarrage.com

Click here to see story. Taken from discoverhumboldt.com written by Maury Wrubleski

Kethia Gies

  • Date of birth: November, 1997
  • Spouce: Single
  • Position(s) held: Fire Fighter
  • Date joined HFD: February, 2019
  • Employers while on HFD: I am currently a student finishing up my Paramedics program.
  • Attribution to HFD: I have always had a passion for the Emergency services. I have my CPR/AED training, First Responders Course, and will finish my paramedics at the end of March 2020.
  • I enjoy the feeling of being able to help people in a time of need. Being able to call myself a volunteer firefighter I am very proud of that. The opportunity to learn and grow myself in this field is so beneficial. The amount of training that I received from HFD is very profitable.
  • Hobbies, Interests: My hobbies and interests include hunting, fishing, camping, photography, and by trade I am a journeyman hairdresser.

David Holaday AKA Doc

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  • D.O.B. April 1975
  • Spouse; Karen Holaday
  • Children; Holden, Zachary & Kierstyn
  • Provincial Call Number #312
  • Position; Firefighter
  • I joined the Humboldt Fire Department March 2005.
  • Employers while on the Humboldt Fire Department include; Potash Corp. Lanigan, Cameco McArthur River, BHP Jansen Project, owner-operator of Humboldt Fire Extinguisher Service.
  • Attributions to the Humboldt Fire Department include; I was the first member of the Humboldt Fire Department to join the department and not be employed in Humboldt. I am pleased that my work schedule had definite enough hours for me to do both, since then we were able to help several other members in similar situations to join, too. 
  • I am certified as a Mine Rescue Instructor, St. John’s Ambulance First Aid Instructor. I am also certified in Fire Extinguisher Maintenance, hold a certificate in Health Safety and Environmental Process and am a Journeyman Electrician by trade.
  • I have attended 13 Firefighter Rodeo Competitions as a competitor on both the Lanigan Mine Team and the Humboldt Fire Department Team and have provided assistance in team training, to prepare for the competitions.
  • It has always been my pleasure to assist in Community involvement .Our Open House at the Fire Hall, is   one way that we are able to teach Fire Prevention Awareness. I believe this to be the easiest and least painful way to save lives. 
  • I had the opportunity to serve the Humboldt Emergency Measures Organization (EMO), as Deputy EMO Coordinator for over 2 years. I think being with them, helped tie the two groups together more closely, as the Fire Department does play such an important role in this service.
  • My Hobbies include; fishing with my kids, hunting, camping, and Family trips in the summer. I also enjoy my Skate Sharpening Hobby and just keeping busy with projects of my own, and or if friends or neighbors need a helping hand.

Matt Nelson

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  • D.O.B. July 1977
  • Spouse; Andrea Still
  • Children; we have one son, Logan.
  • Provincial Call Number #330
  • I joined the Humboldt Fire Department in January 2017.
  • Employer is SaskTel; Trunking and Switching Technician. (2005-present)
  • Attributions to the Humboldt Fire Department include; I helped organize an extra night of fitness-based Training for the department each week. I have a Bronze Medallion in Water Rescue from the Life Saving Society. I was proudly awarded the Fire Fighter of the year Award for 2017. I look forward to a rewarding career with the Humboldt Fire Department.
  • Hobbies include; Canoeing, Fishing and Hunting.

Graham Dyck

  • D.O.B. November 1986 (no photo)
  • Spouse; Jill
  • Provincial Call Number #
  • Position; Fire Fighter/ Paramedic
  • Joioned Humboldt Fire Department in 2018
  • Employers; Fire (Forest) Dorintosh Fire Base (2012), Paramedic at LaRonge EMS (2013-2014), and Paramedic at Postash Corp./ Nutrien (2014-present)
  • Attributions; I served on the Delisle Fire Department (2003-2005) then moved and served on the Caronport Fire Department (2005-2007), I Graduated from the Arkansas Fire Academy in 2010 and Graduated from the Brandon, Manitoba Emergency Services College 2012/2013, Public Firefighter/ Paramedic Program.
  • I look forward to sharing and enhancing my skills with the Humboldt Fire Department as already I am starting to feel at home with the members.
  • Hobbies include; Musician/ Recording Artist, Music/ Song Writer.

Tanner Willoughby

  • Date of Birth: May, 1983
  • Family: Kim Massier, Tristan Willoughby, Logan Willoughby, Colton Willoughby, Cohen Massier
  • Position held in HFD: Firefighter
  • Date joined HFD: June, 2018
  • Employers while on HFD: Schulte Industries, CIM
  • Attribution to HFD: I have spent most of my life in the Welding trade as a Journeyman Red Seal B-Pressure Welder.
  • I have a Diploma in Policing from the Edmonton Police Service. I served as a member of the Edmonton Police Service from 2015 through 2017.
  • I was a firefighter and first responder out of the Nisku Fire Department serving Leduc County in Alberta from 2010 through 2013
  • Hobbies, Interests: A few of my hobbies are playing guitar, hockey, golf and hunting.