The end of the Music of the Firefighters of the Meuse

After half a century of existence, the Departmental Music of the firefighters of Meuse has decided to end its activities. Created in 1975, it has long accompanied official ceremonies and commemorations. Composed of about twenty musicians, the group participated in events organized throughout Meuse, perpetuating tradition and team spirit.

“The Sdis 55 has let us down since Covid-19,” explains Joël Thouvenot, music director since 1994. While in 2019 he had led fifteen outings, he saw them gradually decrease. “The agreement established with the Sdis 55 should have been signed again this year,” he continues, “but our follow-ups were left unanswered. However, we had managed to obtain a small compensation for each musician’s performance, accompanied by a meal in the evening before hitting the road again.” He recalls with humor, “At the time of Jean-Louis Canova, it was okay, we sometimes had to remind him, but we never had to push too hard.” He also emphasized the involvement of the town hall of Cousances-les-Forges, which granted an annual subsidy.

Before definitively turning the page, the musicians wanted to make a final gesture of solidarity, reflecting the values that have always driven them. They handed over a check for 3,400 euros to Arnaud Massin, solidarity officer of the Meuse Firefighters’ Departmental Union, in the presence of David Erard, representing the Departmental Union, Jean-Luc Robin, president of the Departmental Music, and Freddy Huardel, treasurer and secretary of the association. This sum will be donated to the Orphans of Firefighters of France (OSPF).

A fitting way for the Departmental Music to conclude its story.