A former Cobourg Fire Chief celebrated his 90th birthday with family and friends at the Cobourg Firehall on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Harry Greer who lives in Belleville turned 90-years-old on December 31, and along with his wife Joan of 67-years, their five children, Marilyn Barnes, Lynn Greer Varga, Karen Greer, Norm Greer, Barry Greer, nine (of 11) grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren along with many other relatives and friends celebrated the milestone at the firehall on Saturday afternoon.
Greer was with the Cobourg Fire Department for 37 years and was Chief from 1971 to 1990.
“It was awesome to have it at the firehall,” said Lynn Greer Varga.
“They were so amazing and accommodating for all of us to honour dad.”
On Greer’s actual birthday the family gave him a card which was an invitation for the party held at the firehall.
A special surprise was when Greer’s daughter Karen and her daughter Iantha, traveled from Whitehorse to be in attendance for the party.
Former firefighters from Cobourg and surrounding areas were in attendance to reminisce about past stories of firefighting.
“There are people coming in that we hadn’t seen for a very long time and mom and dad are thrilled to see them.”
“Dad’s seeing people and remembering stories and he’s having a great time,” said Greer Varga.
Seated in the passenger seat of the department’s oldest firetruck, a 1932 Seagrave, Greer was driven around to the front of the firehall for pictures with people in attendance.
“It’s been great for me,” said the former Chief.
“It was a shock when I opened the card. I had no idea about it.”
Greer was with former colleagues just prior to Christmas for their annual luncheon and nobody mentioned a word about the party.
“I’m glad to be here and seeing the crowd that’s come. I really appreciate it.”
Deputy Fire Chief Gene Thompson said the Cobourg firefighting community is family and always will be.
“Harry is a big part of the family and it was a honour having his celebration at the firehall.”
Cobourg Mayor John Henderson made a special presentation to Greer.
A certificate of honour and letter from Henderson which partially read, “Harry your dedicated service to the Town of Cobourg for 38 years is not forgotten, as we continue to build upon the legacy of the good work you did.”
The people are what made the job, and Greer said he still misses both.
“My fondest memories are working with the crews, both volunteer and full-time. Particularly the new breed of firefighters that are here in the firehall that was opened in 1975.”
Posing for photos with the old pumper in front of the firehall, Greer asked that veteran firefighter Al Mann sit with him for the first photo.
“Will you come up and sit in the driver’s seat?” said Greer to Mann.
Like it was yesterday, Greer remembers the last emergency call he was on was with Mann.
A vehicle fire on the westbound lanes of Highway 401 east of Cobourg.
“I pointed it (the location of the fire) out to my wife when we were coming up from Belleville today.”
“There was just Al and I on the pumper.”
When photos were completed outside, Greer walked through the bays where the current fleet of firetrucks are housed. Much different and larger then the trucks from his era, but like the brotherhood of the men and women who fight the flames, still there to do the same job.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
