“We still put the wet stuff on the red stuff’: Calgary fire chief marks milestone

Calgary Fire Chief Steve Dongworth is set to retire after a half-century of service, marking a career filled with memories and one tragic loss. In a July 1992 interview, Dongworth recalled stepping into the charred remains of the 17th Avenue Inn where firefighter Morley James met his untimely demise while rescuing victims from the blaze.

James, who had been trained by Dongworth, entered the burning building without hesitation, determined to save any survivors. He fought the flames, managed to find another hose line, and continued to spray water until his air supply ran out. Overwhelmed by heat and smoke, James collapsed, succumbing to the dangerous conditions. Dongworth emphasized that the loss of James was deeply impactful, noting that his colleague's bravery in taking action despite the dangers will never be forgotten.

Now 69, Dongworth has led the Calgary Fire Department for the past 11 years, witnessing significant changes in the culture of the fire service over his extensive tenure. While acknowledging the progress made towards inclusivity, he recognized that there is still work to be done. Dongworth highlighted the transformative influence of technology, such as cellphones, computers, and artificial intelligence, on the fire service.

However, he stressed that the core mission remains unchanged: to extinguish fires using the resources available. As he prepares to hand over leadership at the end of next year, Dongworth reflected on the importance of camaraderie and the lifelong lessons learned from his time as a firefighter, echoing the sentiment that "we still put the wet stuff on the red stuff."