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Firefighters received warm welcome in Toronto

We were all welcomed in Toronto unexpectedly on the eve of the Dragons’ Den taping.

Dear Editor:

We were all welcomed in Toronto unexpectedly on the eve of the Dragons’ Den taping by the deputy fire chief and his members for a surprise tour of the city harbour on the Toronto Fire Department fire boat.

The view of the city from the water and the CN Tower, lit up with glorious blue lights to commemorate the many fallen police officers from across the country, touched us all and reminded us of the small community of emergency personnel we were so privileged to be a part of.

The very next day, we arrived early for our turn in front of the Dragons, and as luck would have it, we’re able to share a few moments in the seats of Don Cherry and Ron MacLean on the set of Hockey Night in Canada, a highlight for each of us and a memory we’ll hold dear forever.

We were then escorted through the studio for the Dragons’ Den just prior to the taping of our RIT Cart presentation.  Chairs sat empty on the stage before us, where the Dragons’ would eventually sit to judge us and our invention.

Unfortunately, we can’t discuss the details of our presentation and the events that transpired; however, we can say we represented our town and fire department tremendously well, as we were so well received by the CBC and the members of the Toronto Fire Department.

Our journey started in its early beginnings several years ago with a idea and a desire to succeed.

We, however, did not get to the Dragons’ Den on our own.

We want to especially thank our families and loved ones who encouraged and supported us when some felt we were chasing a dream.

Thanks so much to Bob Webb, the Ohmenzetter family, Corporation of the District of Summerland, Summerland Firefighters Association, B & L Machine and Sandra Ried of Kangabags, along with the countless residents of Summerland who stopped us on the streets, the garden center, and fire department and wished us much success and pride in sharing in our achievement.

The journey is far from over.

John Gove

Billy Boerboom

Duncan Dubé

Chad Gartrell

Summerland