By Sheila Phibbs
The Haldimand Press
HAGERSVILLE — Doug Fess joined the Hagersville Fire Department (HFD) in 1980 as an 18-year-old following in the footsteps of two important role models – his father and grandfather. He learned from them and all the volunteers, gaining experience through training and on calls. Eventually he became a role model himself, as District Chief of Hagersville Station 2. Now, he is preparing to hang up the bunker gear, turn off the pager, and retire from his role as a volunteer firefighter.
HAGERSVILLE/SELKIRK—From The Haldimand Press Archives (August 14, 1980) new recruit Doug Fess rides in the HFD LaFrance Pumper being driven by Bill McClarty in the Selkirk Sports Day Parade that month. Also riding on the truck are Ken Fess (Doug’s dad) and Bob Shoup. They have all been Chief of the Hagersville Fire Department.
—Courtesy of the Haldimand County Museum & Archives.
Looking back over four decades, Doug has seen many changes in the fire department, including training, equipment, and trucks. He explains that, unlike today’s new recruits, who attend training courses over several months, all of his training was conducted ‘in house’. As he describes it, “You learned from the experience of the older guys.”
Doug says he started in the days before bunker gear. Hagersville had four vehicles – two trucks, a rescue unit, and tanker. The later addition of an off-road vehicle has been an asset to the department. One of the biggest changes came when the HFD moved into its new building in 2015.
Along with advancements, Doug has experienced all ranges of calls from medical assists to car accidents to structure fires such as the Hagersville IGA (now Foodland) in September 2001. He says, “I don’t think there’s much I haven’t seen.”
The most memorable event was the Hagersville Tire Fire in February of 1990. Doug’s wife, Terry, says that Doug is one of the last volunteers with the HFD who fought the tire fire.
Doug also worked as a medic with the West Haldimand Ambulance Service. He is familiar to many at West Haldimand General Hospital as part of the Maintenance Department and he quickly adds, “I’m not retiring from that yet.”
Doug Fess
As a third generation volunteer fire fighter, Doug understands the significance of the position. He says, “It’s being out in the public and helping people. You’re meeting them at the worst times of their lives. You’re a part of the community.”
That means serving the community not only during emergencies but at special events such as the annual HFD Wing Ding, Muscular Dystrophy Road Toll fundraiser, and the Summer’s End Festival.
When considering those who impacted his work as a volunteer Doug says, “I took over (as Chief) from Bob Shoup – he’s been an influence on me. I’ve met so many people over the years. My dad also taught me a lot.”
He appreciates the perspective of younger firefighters whose experience with social media allows people to see what the volunteers are doing; the community is seeing the faces behind the firefighters’ masks.
Looking to the future of the HFD, Doug encourages anyone interested in becoming a volunteer to talk to someone about getting involved. The qualifying standards are the same for volunteers as professionals and he stresses, “Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get selected your first time. Try again.”
When it comes to their own future, Doug and Terry are looking forward to spending more time with their grandchildren and more days at the trailer. Terry says, “I won’t miss the beeper! You wonder how he’s doing when he’s not home. I liked when Doug came home from a call. He always has something good to say about the crew.”
Doug admits that he would feel guilty if he didn’t go to calls, especially as Chief, and he always checked on the crew after bad ones. He says, “Most people don’t know how they are going to react until they see it.”
Referring to the volunteers at Station 2 he says, “I never had any problems with anybody. I’m happy with where the crew is at and comfortable with leaving. It’s going to carry on well.”
Before Doug officially retires at the end of this year, an Open House will be held in his honour on Sunday, December 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hagersville Legion. This is an opportunity for the community to show their appreciation and, while he doesn’t like being the centre of attention, Doug looks forward to seeing everyone.
Reflecting on his 42 years of service with the HFD, Doug Fess says, “The department is a family – I went from being a member of the brother/sisterhood to now I feel like the dad. I’ve enjoyed it the whole time…. It just seemed like a natural thing to do.”
