Former Prince George Fire Chief Harold Dornbierer had died. Dornbierer died on June 8 at the age of 92. He was described as a true pioneer of Prince George.
He spent 35 years in the Fire Service and 20 years as Fire Chief of Prince George, succeeding his father, August. His brother Mike also spent a term as Fire Chief in Prince George.
The “Chief” was a prominent figure throughout this career in the community and was deepty committed to service the Citizens of Prince George.
In 2015, Dornbierer was on the scene to cut the ribbon for an all local all-local display depicting the 100 years of service by the Prince George Fire-Rescue Department at the Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre.
The exhibit featured an 1927 REO Speed Wagon fire truck and Dornbierer said the first fire he ever responded to was in that exact same REO Speedwagon.
"He has been retired 30 years, and he was a member more than 20 years before that, so that was the truck that was in service,” said firefighter Trent Blair, at the opening of the exhibit.
"Our department is unofficially called the Dornbierer Dynasty," Blair added with a chuckle.
"It started with August Dornbierer who was chief from 1950-1964 (the department's third chief in history) and his start date was 1931 as a firefighter. After that his son took over from his dad in '64 to '85 and he started as a firefighter in 1948. Then Harold's brother Mike was chief from 1992 to 1999, and his start date was 1964."
Dornbierer and his wife Betty loved camping at Fraser Lake and traveling to Yuma for several winters before retiring in their community of Desert Cove in Vernon.
They returned to Prince George 12 years ago to be closer to their daughter Lynn and family, who provided for them with loving care.
Dornbierer maintained his independence living in his home until his passing and will now join his beloved Betty.
- with files from Frank Peebles
