\u00a0By K. Darbyson Local Journalism Initiative \u00a030\/07\/2024\u00a0 For the first time in over two decades, members of the Garden River Fire Department claimed the top spot at the Ontario Native Fire Fighters Society (ONFFS) competition. This contest was held during the final day of ONFFS’s annual conference, which took place July 25-27 in the Oneida Nation of the Thames (just outside of London, Ont.). Five Garden River members went head-to-head with other Indigenous firefighters in a series of challenges that tested their speed, technique, knowledge and overall teamwork. Talking to The Sault Star on Monday, Garden River fire chief Tim Johns said he and his fellow firefighters were very “excited” with the result, especially since the department hasn’t achieved a first-place finish in this competition since 1998. “It’s been 26… <\/p>\n
\u00a0By K. Darbyson Local Journalism Initiative \u00a030\/07\/2024\u00a0 For the first time in over two decades, members of the Garden River Fire Department claimed the top spot at the Ontario Native Fire Fighters Society (ONFFS) competition. This contest was held during the final day of ONFFS’s annual conference, which took place July 25-27 in the Oneida Nation of the Thames (just outside of London, Ont.). Five Garden River members went head-to-head with other Indigenous firefighters in a series of challenges that tested their speed, technique, knowledge and overall teamwork. Talking to The Sault Star on Monday, Garden River fire chief Tim Johns said he and his fellow firefighters were very “excited” with the result, especially since the department hasn’t achieved a first-place finish in this competition since 1998. “It’s been 26... <\/p>\n