Brad Fossett is the manager of South Valley Sales in Oliver – but recently he put on a different hat to lead a band of brothers and sisters in providing a sense of security to the Willowbrook area. Fossett was chosen to head the Willowbrook Volunteer Fire Department.

The department had been led by Carl Gustason who retired and Victor Sidorczuk who moved from the area. Chief Fossett says the department receives an average of 3 calls a month and trains with a number of departments to keep active.

Fossett served 12 years as an Oliver firemen rising to the position of Captain (1982-1994) while he lived in the Rockcliffe area. He left the department when he built a house up McKinney Rd.

More recently he moved to Willowbrook area.

Chief Fossett says running a small department of less than 20 has its challenges as a number of members leave during the winter and head south. The department is always looking for new volunteers and will train anyone interested.

Recent news is that the Willowbrook firefighters will get a newer truck purchased from the District of Mission (a 1990 Simon Pumper Truck) replacing the aging 1970’s unit.

Two recent thefts of fuel from a fenced tank storage unit have baffled the department. Both incidents within a 5 month period. Thieves cut the chain the first time. Once a stronger chain was installed, thieves cut the lock off the gate. Each time 400 litres of diesel fuel stolen with a total cost of about $800. Thankfully a Penticton Towing Company has picked up the tab so they are not out of pocket on a tight budget. Willowbrook Fire Department is funded by Area C RDOS with funds from a specified area.