On October 3rd, 1974, Don MacFarlane was working the graveyard shift for CN, meaning he would start at midnight and finish at 8 a.m. As he would often do, Don went for a drive on his break to get some fresh air.
As he drove through the neighbourhood, he noticed billows of smoke that poured out of a house. Being a volunteer firefighter, he felt inclined to inspect the situation, so he entered the garage and shouted to alert the residents “FIRE, FIRE, FIRE.”
With no immediate response, Don entered the basement and found a young girl who informed him that four others were in the house. He sent the girl next door to call the fire department.
Don made multiple attempts to enter the house; however, the smoke was too thick, “FIRE, FIRE, FIRE,” he continued to yell, “ OPEN YOUR WINDOWS AND CLIMB OUT.”
While attempting to go inside, Don heard a man coughing and moaning, and after several attempts to communicate, there was no response. MacFarlane swept his arms along the floor before feeling the man and carrying him outside.
The fire department arrived on the scene, and Don explained that there may be people inside, unaware that his efforts had alerted the residents, and everybody had escaped safely.
Don then proceeded to get back in his car and make his way back to work as if nothing had ever happened.
This was the story recounted by Lieutenant Robert Cormier, President of the Moncton Fire department historical society, in a ceremony to honour Don MacFarlane’s actions.
Don was not informed that the event for him as some had feared he would not attend if he was aware. After all, Don had seldomly told the story to avoid being interviewed or asked a bunch of questions.
The third-generation firefighter was honoured by Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Ginette Petitpas Taylor, who acknowledged the characteristics it takes to fight fires.
“Firefighting is one of those jobs that is more a calling than a profession,” she said.
Taylor was brought to tears as she pondered the idea of what would have occurred if the situation had only been slightly different. “It’s chilling to think of the lives that would have been lost if you had decided to take your lunch break at your desk.”
Taylor, a Member of Parliament, had originally planned to honour over 100 volunteer firefighters before the pandemic began.
MacFarlane also received a letter signed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that detailed how he exemplified what it means to be Canadian.
The requirements of the job were on full display during the ceremony as loud sirens cued several firefighters to stand up and prepare to do their jobs. It was noted that volunteer firefighters must have a certain motivation to perform their duties.
“These men and women are driving forward by nothing more than to help others,” said Taylor
MacFarlane was a member of the Number 4 Hook and Ladder Company.
