Nicholson was once an independent town or village but is now a neighborhood of Golden, BC and is a small community stretching along the highway, hugging the east bank of the Columbia River.
We have precious little information on the department, but it must be a good one as, in 2016 it was named the Columbia Shuswap Regional District’s fire department of the year. The department is headed by Parker Vaile, the youngest fire chief in the district.
The Golden Star published an article on the department's accomplishment, excerpts from which can be read below.
A peek at the building's façade suggests that at sometime in the recent past it has been doubled in size, from 2 to 4 bays.
Following is the department's apparatus list, both active and retired.
Active Equipment
Engine 1 - 2006 Freightliner M2 / Hub (1050/1000/30F)
Tender 1 - 1998 Peterbilt (-/2500)
CAF 1 - 2010 Ford F550XL SD 4x4 / Plastisol/Kronenburg (250/300/10A/CAFS)
Retired Equipment
1984 GMC / King pumper (625/1200) (SN#840026)
1981? ? / Superior front-mount pumper (625/?) (SN#SE 398)
1978 International Loadstar / Anderson front-mount pumper (840/1000) (SN#MSF-840-9) (ex-Whistler Fire Rescue Service)
1956 International / King pumper (SN#5608) (ex-Red Deer Emergency Services)
Nicholson Fire Department earns
CSRD honour for service
by Joel Tansey - Golden Star
posted Mar 18, 2016 at 12:11 PM
The Nicholson Fire Department is celebrating a win this week after being named the Columbia Shuswap Regional District’s fire department of the year.
The department was given the nod by Kenn Mount, the regional fire chief, after it was determined that Nicholson had earned high marks in a variety of criteria.
“We use quite a bit of criteria,” Mount said.
“We are always looking at which departments are leading the way with a good fire officer core that shows and promotes good leadership, that shares our corporate visions and values and understands the fire service’s responsibilities.”
Nicholson’s strong showing at regional training, its community service and public education initiatives were also strong factors in the decision.
Nicholson Fire Chief Parker Vaile, who has been the department’s chief since 2013 and remains the youngest in the district, was presented with the honour at a CSRD Area A Advisory Meeting on Mar. 9.
“It’s pretty nice to be recognized for the volunteer time for the whole group…it’s a team award. It’s pretty nice, especially for us being out here in Nicholson, we’re kind of all alone from the rest of the CSRD as far as fire departments are concerned,” Vaile said.
Mount says that, although the award is for the entire department, the honour is a testament to the hard work from its chief over the years.
From the Golden Star