Middleton Fire Department

Tomorrow’s the big day! We are back!! Please come and support Middleton Fire Dept!!

There were 48 members from the Middleton, Nictaux, and Margaretsville fire departments who participated in a rural water-supply exercise. Crews practiced establishing a water shuttle operation, using portable pumps to draft and transfer water into tankers, and transporting water to the fire scene.

The exercise also included evaluations of hose-line deployment and advancement, SCBA air management, and the effective use of thermal imaging cameras. These activities provided crews with an opportunity to practice key rural firefighting skills, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen coordination between departments during a multi-agency response.

Middleton Fire Department Welcomes Inaugural Junior Firefighter Program

The Middleton Fire Department is proud to welcome nine students from Middleton Regional High School (MRHS) as the inaugural participants in its Junior Firefighter Program—an exciting partnership designed to introduce local youth to the skills, teamwork, responsibility, and traditions of the fire service.

Eight of the nine students are pictured at the Middleton Fire Department in front of a display honouring the department’s Fire Chiefs, representing a history of leadership and service dating from 1890 to the present day. It is a fitting backdrop as a new generation begins its own journey in the fire service.

Over the next 38 weeks, students will take part in a structured, skills-based program combining classroom instruction with extensive hands-on practical experience. Training will be delivered by the Middleton Fire Department’s team of certified instructors and experienced assistant instructors, who will share both technical knowledge and lessons gained through years of service.

Students will be introduced to many of the foundational skills of firefighting, including personal protective equipment, hose handling, ladders, ropes and knots, fireground safety, communications, teamwork, emergency first aid, and other practical firefighter skills. Safety, accountability, discipline, and effective teamwork will remain at the centre of the program.

The program is about more than learning how to use firefighting equipment. It provides students with an opportunity to build confidence, leadership, problem-solving and communication skills, while developing an understanding of the importance of community service.

For the Middleton Fire Department, the program also represents an investment in the future of the volunteer fire service.

“Behind these students are the photographs of the Fire Chiefs who helped lead the Middleton Fire Department from 1890 to today. In front of those photographs stands the next generation. Over the next 38 weeks, our training team has the opportunity to pass along the skills, knowledge, traditions, and importance of service that have been built over more than a century.”

The Middleton Fire Department extends its appreciation to Middleton Regional High School, its staff, the participating students and their families, and the members of the department who are committing their time and experience to the program.

We look forward to following these nine students throughout the next 38 weeks as they learn, challenge themselves, work together, and discover what it means to be part of the fire service.

Middleton Fire Department
Serving our community since 1890

Photo caption: Nine Middleton Regional High School students participating in the Middleton Fire Department Junior Firefighter Program stand in front of the department’s historic display of Fire Chiefs, representing leadership and service from 1890 to the present day.

The Middleton Fire Department’s biggest fundraiser, the 135 Club, is back for its 18th year!

Opening night will take place on Thursday, October 8, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Capitol Pub in Middleton. To kick off another exciting year, Broke With Money will provide live entertainment for the evening!

Tickets are $20 each, or you can purchase all six monthly tickets in advance for $120 and have your name entered into a special draw in March.

Each month, we will draw for:

💰 4 prizes of $25
💰 3 prizes of $50
💰 3 prizes of $100
💰 2 prizes of $150
💰 1 grand prize of $500

A big thank-you to the Capitol Pub for allowing us to hold our event at their location, as well as our generous sponsors: Allen’s Home Building Centre, RBC Royal Bank Middleton, Bruce Collision Centre Middleton, Coors Light/Molson and Pharmasave Middleton.

Come out for a great evening of live entertainment and help support the Middleton Fire Department!

If you are interested in purchasing a ticket, please reach out to any member of the Middleton Fire Department.

The 2026 Canadian Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony is being held today, September 13, at the Canadian Firefighters Memorial in Ottawa. This solemn ceremony honors firefighters from across Canada who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Today, the Middleton Fire Department honors one of its own—Firefighter Harold E. Ray, who made the ultimate sacrifice. In 2025, Firefighter Ray’s name was officially added to the Canadian Firefighters Memorial, ensuring that his service and sacrifice will be forever remembered alongside those of other fallen firefighters from across Canada.

In the early morning hours of Saturday, April 5, 1930, at approximately 3:00 a.m., members of the Middleton Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the local theatre in the Town of Middleton.

During firefighting operations, a brick wall suddenly collapsed. Firefighter Ray was struck by the falling debris and sustained catastrophic injuries, including a broken arm, a broken leg and severe trauma to his spine.

Firefighter Ray endured months of hospitalization as he courageously battled the lasting effects of his injuries. Tragically, on February 6, 1931, he succumbed to those injuries while hospitalized in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

His remains were returned home to Middleton by train, and he was laid to rest at Pine Grove Cemetery in Lower Middleton.

As members of Canada’s fire service gather in Ottawa today to honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty, we pause to remember Firefighter Harold E. Ray and recognize his courage, dedication and sacrifice.

Although more than 95 years have passed since that tragic fire, Firefighter Ray’s service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Rest easy, Firefighter Ray. We will remember you.

Firefighters 50/50 Draw Day is Here!
The members of the Middleton Fire Department would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who continues to support our Firefighters 50/50 fundraiser. Your generosity helps us enhance the equipment and resources we need to better serve our community.
Get your tickets today:
https://firefighters5050.com/105
Draw every Thursday at 9:00 PM
Best of luck to everyone who plays, and thank you for supporting firefighters across Nova Scotia!