AMHERST – Trevor Gaillard is in for a cold few hours.
The veteran Amherst firefighter climbed into the aerial platform on one of the fire department’s ladder trucks and was hoisted into the air at noon Thursday to begin the latest edition of the John Michels Sr. Ladder Sit.
“It’s a little cool and wet right now, but weather is supposed to be much nicer tomorrow and Saturday,” Gaillard said as final preparations were being made to what will be his home for 50 hours until 2 p.m. on Saturday.
With the conditions Thursday, the ladder was only extended approximately 20 feet into the air, but once conditions improve it will go up to 70 feet.
This is the 23rd year for the ladder sit that began as a challenge between fire departments in Amherst and Cole Harbour-Westphal. In 2000, it was renamed in memory of Michels Sr.
The fundraiser usually raises between $13,000 and $18,000 each year, although there have been some years where the total is much higher.
There are voluntary toll stations at the entrances to the Walmart parking lot as well as at the Atlantic Superstore. People can also sponsor a rung on the truck’s ladder for $50 each.
“The money that’s raised by the ladder sit means a lot. It allows our team to provide services to our families who are affected by this order,” Shelley McWilliams of MD Canada said. “Support includes financial support with equipment. A power chair costs anywhere between $25,000 and $50,000. Who has that amount of money in their pockets?”
She said there are four ladder sits in Atlantic Canada with three taking place this weekend.
“They always endure some type of weather,” she said. “It could be heat, wind, rain or thunder. I give them credit. He’s going to up there for 50 hours and we can’t thank him enough and the Amherst Fire Department for all they do.”
Others to have spent time in the bucket were Dwight Wheaton in 2017, Kurt Fawthrop in 2016, Adam White in 2015, Raymond MacDonald in 2013, Chief Greg Jones in 2010, Roger Gouchie in 2006, Steve Colborne in 2003, former chief Bill Crossman in 1999 and Paul Black (the first sitter) in 1996.
