New Box 43
HAMILTON, ON – August 3, 2016 – The Hamilton Fire Department and Box 43 Association are pleased to announce that a new rehab unit will be placed into service this week. The new Box 43, which will replace the current 24-year-old vehicle, is a used 2012 truck which has been refurbished to properly provided rehab services at emergency scenes for all emergency responders.
The Box 43 Association is a non-profit, volunteer association, which responds to major emergencies throughout the City (e.g. multiple alarm fires, electrical blackouts, tornados, etc.) to provide essential rehab services to all first responders at a scene (Police, Paramedics and Firefighters). Founded in 1950 to serve refreshments to Firefighters at multiple alarm fires, Box 43 takes its name from the alarm box that sat at the old Central Fire Hall on Hughson Street. It was patterned after the Montreal Auxiliary Firefighters. Initially, these volunteers served coffee and drinks out of the trunks of their cars. As time progressed a homemade trailer was built, which was later replaced with various vehicles throughout the years.
Box 43 responded to 54 events in 2015 and 41 to date in 2016. In addition to incidents here in Hamilton, Box 43 have been requested and have responded to emergency scenes in Burlington, Haldimand County and Niagara Region this year.
The Hamilton Fire Department truly appreciates Box 43 and its members for the exceptional service they provide all emergency responders.