Judy Evans and her husband moved to Belcarra 44 years ago and, about a decade after that, she followed him into the Sasamat volunteer fire service after worrying what kind of trouble he could be in during his night shifts.
Then, Keith was a School District 43 teacher and she worked in the customer service department for BC Tel.
When their three kids were old enough, she joined him on active duty in the village as well as in Anmore — and other water and forested places in between — to handle medical emergencies, car crashes and structure fires.
“I had an interest,” Evans remembered. “I wanted to be with him and help out other people in my community.”
It wasn’t easy at times. She had to pull the same weight as the guys and put in her training hours while also juggling work and family life. It was a balancing act, Evans said, and so she didn’t get to every call out.
But when she was on scene, Evans was there 100%.
She recalls every house fire. Her first battle was on Robson Road. She also helped to douse an all-nighter on Spence Way. And her most dramatic house burner was on Bedwell Bay Road, across from the Belcarra firehall, when multiple propane tanks exploded that night.
She showed up for work the next day, still covered in soot. Her boss gave her no days off, she grumbled.
Over the 33 years, Evans believes she has attended some 1,000 calls — a feat that, four years ago, earned her the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal for her dedication (former chief Larry Scott was also recognized).
But, at the end of this year, Evans said she plans to hand over her first responders uniform and bid adieu.
Like her husband, a founding member of the Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department in 1978, Evans will become an associate member — a social role that will allow her organize and fundraise while still being involved.
She doesn’t have one regret. “It’s time,” the 71-year-old said. “I’ve enjoyed it. Now I want others to carry on.”
As a female firefighter, Evans has blazed the trail for two dozen women who have been with Sasamat.
Currently, there are five female smoke-eaters (three in their 20s) on the 42-member roster. Evans likes that “the girls” have taken an interest though she wishes more village residents would sign up, too.
She’s plainspoken when it comes to the younger generation and the homeowners moving into the two growing communities. “They do their own thing,” she said, “but we need to have more people to carry on the job.”
Jol Drake, Belcarra’s district chief, said Sasamat has a relatively young crew (the average age is 45). And he said while new blood is always appreciated, there’s a wait list to get on board right now; this fall, the department accepted four more recruits out of 15 applicants.
Evans’ advice to them? There may be an adrenaline rush but you have to stay calm and collected. “Judy has been a real role model for the recruits and our members alike,” Drake said last month at the Belcarra hall.
SVFD Fire Chief Jay Sharpe said though Evans is petite, she’s “never shied away from the tough work.”
“Last summer, at a house fire, she was wearing full turnout gear including a [Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus] and was on the end of a nozzle attacking the fire,” Sharpe said, adding Evans and her husband “are a true class act and very well respected in Belcarra and Anmore.”
• Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department continues to raise money to replace 20 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) packs. To make a donation, call 604-839-5315 or go to svfd.ca. Tax receipts are available.
