Carleton Place Fire Department marks 150 Years of service with community celebration

The proud legacy of service, bravery, and innovation will be on full display later this month as the Carleton Place Fire Department celebrates a monumental milestone—150 years of dedicated service to the community.

To mark the occasion, the department is inviting residents, families, and dignitaries alike to a free community celebration and barbeque on Saturday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Carleton Place Fire Hall, located at 15 Coleman Street.

According to a press release from the town of Carleton Place, the event promises to be a festive and family-friendly affair, complete with classic BBQ spread, interactive games, and live demonstrations from the firefighters themselves. Visitors will have a chance to get up close and personal with some of the department’s more firefighting tools—alongside unique glimpses into the past.

“The Department has served the Town proudly since 1875,” explained the the Town of Carleton Place. “Around 1868-1869, the Department purchased a hand-pumper that required 40 men to work it.”

One of the most exciting highlights of the day will be a fully restored 1923 Reo Speedwagon fire truck, a cherished artifact of the department’s history. This vintage fire truck, which served the community during the early 20th century, is a visual representation to how far fire services have come in the last century.

With a mix of nostalgia, education, and celebration, event offers a rare chance for residents to connect with their local fire department in a meaningful way while honouring 150 years of a vital community service.