When I think of a fire department, I think of red fire trucks with ladders reaching towards the sky and fire fighters who are willing to sacrifice themselves to save the lives of others. 

All that is true with the Saskatoon Fire Department, but there is another side to this department that is making a difference in our community through empathy, dignity and respect. 

This episode looks at the work of the Saskatoon Fire Department's Community Risk Reduction Team. This group is lead by Assistant Chief Yvonne Raymer and supported by Chief Morgan Hackl. They are the featured guests in this episode and do an outstanding job of articulating how important this team's work is in Saskatoon.

The Community Risk Reduction Team focuses on issues such as homelessness, addictions and mental health challenges. It engages our most vulnerable population through meaningful conversations and then works with other community groups such as CUMFI to ensure people who need help finding safe housing or mental health supports do not fall through the cracks.

I learned so much from Yvonne and Morgan during our conversation and have a greater appreciation for the work being done by the Saskatoon Fire Department in our community. I hope you feel the same after listening to this episode. 

Follow and listen to YXE Underground wherever you find your podcasts including Apple Podcasts, Spotify or the website. Don't forget to leave a five-star review if you like what you hear!

Thank you so much to Yvonne and Morgan for taking the time to speak with me on the podcast and for the work they are doing in our community.

Thank you again for listening and supporting a local, independent podcast. I hope you have a safe and wonderful holiday season and we'll talk with you again in 2022!

Cheers...Eric 

• Host, Producer, Editor: Eric Anderson
• Theme Music: Andrew Dickson
• Website: https://www.yxeunderground.com
• Recorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis