The Bridgewater Fire Department is celebrating a major milestone today, marking 150 years of service to the community.
Founded on May 29, 1876, the department has grown into a volunteer organization that responds to hundreds of calls each year while also supporting neighbouring communities through mutual aid and wildfire deployments.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, banners have been installed along King Street recognizing every fire chief who has led the department over the past century and a half.
The banners feature the names of former chiefs and their years of service, highlighting the leadership that has helped shape the department’s history.
The banners were recently unveiled by current Fire Chief Michael Nauss alongside honorary chiefs Reid Whynot and Wayne Thorburne and Bridgewater Mayor David Mitchell.
The department says it plans to highlight each chief individually in the coming weeks, sharing photographs and information about their contributions to the service.
The celebrations continue Saturday with a community open house at the fire hall on Dominion Street from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The event will feature fire trucks and equipment displays, a free barbecue with hot dogs and cake, bouncy houses and activities for children. Residents will also have an opportunity to meet local firefighters and learn more about the department’s work.
The anniversary comes after another busy year for the department. Members responded to 309 calls in 2025, including fires, motor vehicle collisions, medical assists and mutual aid responses throughout Lunenburg County.
The department currently has 44 members, along with 11 junior firefighters participating in its youth training program.
