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Former captain Eric Blundon retired from Whitchurch- Stouflvifle Fire and Emergency Services earlier since 1983, he became the town’s first full-timer “Firefighters' families put forth a huge commitment; there’s a lot of missed events, birthday parties," Whitchurch-Stouifilille fire Captain Tom Brillinger said. “He’s neally going tobe When Mr. Blundon joined the Wlfitchurch-Stouffvflle fire depart- ment as a volunteer in 1983, he worked out of the newiy created Bal- lantrae station, which was housed “I had a goal to retire at a certain age and I’m that age now,” the 55â€" year-old said. “I'm sad to leave the department, but I’m looking forward to being with my family and being retired." last fire. After 26 years in the department, Captain Eric Blundon has retired. DEER PARK INN BLAZE STANDS OUT FOR RETIREE eight years later. Responding to emergency calls where family or friends may be involved was dif- ficult, he said. First full- timer has fought his last fire BY SANDRA BOLAN Staff Writer WhitchurCh-Stoufi‘ville’s first-ever l-time firefighter has doused his SUN_TRIBUNE _ PE in Ted’s Towing at Ninth Line and Aurora Road. The building had no heat or indoor toilet. “There were many-a-time we'd jump off the back of the" tanker and your gloves were still attached to the tanker,” Mr. Blundon said of how cold the building would get in the winter. “You’d feel the top of your head get warm or if your crotch area got too warm you knew you needed to leave (the fine)," Mr. Blundon said. “In the intense heat (the gloves) would melt on your hands." Today, the equipment is much more sophisticated and the Ballanâ€" trae fire hall has its own building, complete with indoor plumbing. After eight years as a volunteer, or part-timer. the Whitchurch- Not only was the newest brigade in MitChUI‘Ch-SIOUMC a rather low-tech operation, so too was the gear worn by all firefighters back in the day. “Isn't that nice," Mr. Bluhdon said. Stouffville fire department hired its first full-time firefighter - Mr. Blundon, who had to give up his job at Northern Telecom to take the position. “I had a good job, but nothing compared to the fine service," he said. noting being a full-time firefighter was never his intention when he joined. “You’re always looking for the colour of the car - is it my wife's or my “The community needed to help and you were there to help," he said. While fighting fires, attending to motor vehicle accidents and medi- cal calls remained at the core of Mr. Blundon’s full-time duties, he also had to delve into the world of admin- istration. “It was a little bit of a challenge in those days because you're breaking the ground for all the guys today." Mr. Blundon said. Until recently, Mr. Blundon and his family lived in Stouffville, which meant every call he answered poten- tially involved someone he knew. The building, just north of the Stouffville Country Market. was rebuilt and is now home to Choko Authentic Apparel and Deer Park Childcare. Now that Mr. Blundon is no lon- ger battling blazes, he is hoping to make new memories in his Bobcay- gen retirement home. “(I plan to) spend a whole lot of time in my boat fishing." he said. “I've (also) got a big honey-do list for the home that is going to keep me busy for a while." daughter’s car?" he said. Mr. Blundon luckily never answered a call that involved his family. “The fire was so intense and such a big building a stubborn fire to put out," Mr. Blundon said, noting that despite the fires magnitude, there were no injuries. Throughout his 26 yeals as a fire- fighter, Mr. Blundon has battled a lot of blazes. but the one that stands out most in his mind all these years later is the Deer Park Inn file. which took place in the eafly 19903 STAFF PHOTOIMIKE BARRETT Have something to say about these or other stories? E-mail us at jmason@yrmg.com The Whitchurchâ€"Stouffville Public Library will be hosting Wli Games for Seniors tomorrow The Stouffville Bowling Centre may be closed, but that doesn’t mean people can’t bowl in town. The Wli, which is a video game, approximates the motion of the games seniors once enjoyed because it requires playâ€" ers to swing a motion-detecting controller like a golf club, bowl- ing ball, tennis racquet, or other piece of athletic equipment. from 10 am. to noon and the game of the day is bowling. “The emphasis is on fun," said Catherine Sword, co-ordinator of public services for the library. “People should not feel worried if they’ve not tried it out. This is their opportunity to try it out." The video game also offers a reprieve from a sedentary lifestyle and boosts handâ€"eye co-ordination among the over- 60 set in a way that bingo and Suduko can't. The oneâ€"time event, which is for seniors only, will take place on Friday, March 20 from 10 am. to noon in the'large room across from the pool. For more information, call 905-642â€"READ. The Sunâ€"Tribune regrets the error. Chili contest March 28 The charity chili cookâ€"off at EastRidge church takes place March 28. An incorrect date was printed in Saturday's paper. CORRECTION SOUND OFF