The Calgary Fire Department became responsible for answering all emergency calls in 1970 after The City officially adopted the universal 9-1-1 emergency number.
The decade would prove to be the most deadly in history for Calgary firefighters. A major fire at the Alberta Stockyards on Sept. 6, 1970 claimed the life of veteran Calgary firefighter Lieut. Lloyd Dutnall. On May 27, 1971, Lieut. Harold E. Smith, 50, perished while fighting the McTavish Block fire at Ninth Ave. and Second St. E.
Following Lieut. Harold E. Smith's funeral in 1971, the Calgary Fire Department Honour Guard was formed to represent the department at public and City functions, as well as at funerals for departed members.
On April 9, 1972, 24-year-old firefighter Jerald (Jerry) Walter was trapped and succumbed to the smoke and flames in the Beachcomber Restaurant blaze at Seventh Ave. and Fifth St. S.W. The fire also injured seven other firefighters. Walters was the sixth Calgary firefighter to die in the line of duty.
The amalgamation of the ambulance service, the development of the Joint Arson Squad, and growth of the department were significant events during this period.
The Calgary Fire Department in the 1970's
1970's ambulance service
1970's fire department growth
1970's joint arson squad
