Last Friday, I was offered a unique opportunity -- a lift back to the office in MP Gary Schellenberger’s lovely 1962 convertible from the museum. Between the increasingly warm day and a long-time affection for old vehicles, I eagerly hopped in.
Instinctively, I reached back for my seatbelt -- but found none, for the vehicle predates the province’s mandatory seatbelt legislation. While it wasn’t much of an issue for the few blocks to JA headquarters (or for the parades Mr. Schellenberger often participates in), I wouldn’t want to be on the 401 (or even on Hwy. 7) without being buckled in.
There’s an interesting comparison to be drawn between this little ride and the concerns raised by the fire chief, and by extension, council, over the so-called “victory rides” for all-Ontario champion sports teams. If anyone knows how important safety precautions are, it’s our local fire department -- even on a seemingly routine call, something can go terribly wrong in a heartbeat. It’s why protective gear and helmets are worn; it’s why oxygen is always carried on a truck; it’s why firefighters train weekly to be prepared for the unprepared.
To wait for something bad to happen for council to make a decision would be horrifying on many fronts. Not just for the family dealing with a loved one’s injury; for the firefighters who volunteer their time (and oftentimes, have come up through the minor sports system, or have children of their own in sports).
The town and its citizens have been fortunate that nothing has happened in the over 30 years that the rides have been offered. But it only takes one incident -- and one shocked family lacking that small-town spirit that St. Marysites possess in spades -- to stop the victory rides on a sour, sad note.
No one wants to see these memorable traditions change; families have enjoyed these rides for years -- and, thanks to two community-minded firms, hopefully St. Marys athletes can continue to enjoy a victory ride. Both Robica Forman’s calliope and Orr Insurance’s fire truck have a few more safety measures in place than our still-on-active-duty truck does, and, considering how slowly the victory ride travels, a gate or railing is hopefully all it takes for council to reverse its decision when the matter (hopefully) comes forward at its next meeting. If an insurance company admits that people still need to have fun, surely council will concur.
While this town tradition may have lost a little something by not using its own fire truck, it has certainly gained more by the show of community spirit -- and hopefully, a stricter adherence to the rules of the ride now that we’ve all been made aware of how quickly it could disappear forever.
After all, much like a shiny vintage convertible cruises for show in slow-speed parades, the trucks aren’t hurdling down the highway, they’re being used for fun -- and to make memories. But a seatbelt or railing certainly doesn’t hurt to ensure that fun doesn’t turn to danger. -- A.M.