Eastview’s first chief of police, H.C. Prior, was recruited in 1913 but retired shortly after in 1915. He was followed by Richard Mannion, who was named chief in 1920 and remained in post until 1961. During his entire career, which spanned 41 years, he always refused to carry a firearm.
In 1923, Sergeant Émile Martel was recruited to help chief Mannion. In order to help the two officers perform their patrols, the municipal council purchased a bicycle. In 1936, the municipality acquired a motorcycle for its police force and, in 1938, a patrol car. By 1943, the city had four policemen. In the 1980s the Vanier police force gave way to the Ottawa Police that now serves the municipality.
The first Eastview Fire Department, established in 1909, consisted of a voluntary fire brigade. The chief, F. Nichol, was aided by four district marshals. When a fire broke out, the first step was to sound the bells of the church to gather the volunteer firefighters. The firefighters used manual pumps that were drawn by horses.
In 1913, they received their first modern chemical pump. That same year, Émile Dupuis became the first paid firefighter. He earned $75 per month and lived in the fire station with his family! In 1918, Adélard Lanoue became the Fire Chief and remained in post for 41 years.
Muséoparc Vanier Museopark, Paul-Pagé collection
|
Courtesy of Simone Labelle
|
City of Ottawa Archives, Andrews-Newton collection.
|
