On Saturday, August 26, a dozen Saint-Télesphore firefighters invited young and old alike to join them for Triple B Day. On the program: BBQ, basketball and hoses. 

"Last year, we held an exercise in which we played basketball with the public while wearing our combat uniforms. What was this practice for us? It was a way for my brigade to recognize the signs of heatstroke and be able to identify the first symptoms if necessary. This year, we met up with citizens again on the basketball court, but without our combat gear," sums up Marc-André Dubé, Director of the Saint-Télesphore Fire Department. 

This year, the municipal administration decided to combine the fire station's open house activity with this friendly basketball match.

"The weather was a bit temperamental on Saturday, but people had planned ahead and brought umbrellas. In addition to the basketball game, people were able to enjoy a meal prepared on the BBQ, but also see our fire engines, be made aware of different topics and have their questions answered by our brigade," he adds. 

In all, nearly 10 firefighters from the 18-strong local brigade were present at the family event. "For us, it's another way of reaching out to citizens and showing them how the fire service works. After all, part of their taxes goes to fund our department. So it's only natural to welcome them to the fire station so they can learn more about us," he continues. 

How did the friendly game end? "We didn't officially keep score, but I can say that the citizens were in pretty good shape (laughs)!"

Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., nearly thirty citizens headed to Parc Léon-Prieur on Rue Principale to meet the sappers and have some fun with them. "Children were also able to have fun in the park modules set up for them. We also had an axe-throwing station, an activity that was quite popular. It's a great event that's always much appreciated, by citizens and firefighters alike."