Redcliff Fire Department: Growing while serving the community  

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

It’s been a busy year for the Redcliff Fire Department.

Fire Chief Wade Gleisner shares, “We have been very fortunate to have had only one major and one minor structure fire this year. However, this has been a busy year for Medical First Response. Additionally, the department took delivery of a new engine in January.”

Assisting in emergencies is just part of what the brave team does. They are also very active in the community, ensuring residents have the education and resources to stay as safe and protected as possible.

“During the year we assisted with the SEATS bicycle rodeo,” Chief Gleisner says. “We also participate in both the spring and fall festivals in Redcliff. We participate in the Christmas tree lighting in the winter by delivering Santa and Mrs. Claus to the event, and we assist with the fireworks presentation held in conjunction with Redcliff Days.”

This is on top of an open house run at the fire hall twice each year.

The department grew by several members in 2025, welcoming Michael Adams, Creston Kaupp, Jory Schaufert, and Eagle Butte Fire Academy graduates Rachel Sylvester and Jack McAlpine.

New recruit Michael Adams shares how he joined the department to give back to the community, and to follow a lifelong passion.

“I competed in boxing until I was 29 years old,” says Adams. “I fought around Canada and the Northwest USA. I was a part of Team Alberta, and we traveled to Montreal for back-to-back fights. Then I had a family and like most Albertans, I got into the oil and gas. However, since COVID, I was able to find a job that allowed me to have time to be home in the evenings and weekends. With my kids’ hockey journey coming to an end, I had some time to join the fire department and give back to the community that I call home. I’m going to be in courses from November to March to take the steps to completing my fire training course and hazmat. I will be looking to complete my advanced first aid training in the spring.”

For those interested in joining, Chief Gleisner says, “We are recruiting for paid-on-call firefighters. Interested candidates may send a resume to the Town of Redcliff, to the attention of Human Resources. Applicants can also reach out on the town’s social media platform.”

This year’s fire safety week focus is the proper storage and charging of lithium ion batteries. As these batteries continue to increase in prevalence in our daily lives, learning more about them is a great idea for the safety of homes and workplaces. Be sure to tune in to this year’s fire safety week events.