The department was formed in 1952 with Bud's father, Russell White as a founding member, and though records from those early days are scarce, Bud joined the department shortly after, in 1954.  Later, it was decided that the department needed to take on a standardized structure, and Bud was elected as the first chief, a role that he remained in until 2009.  Bud has stayed on as an active member of the fire department and still attends training meetings and responds to calls.  In addition, Bud was a member of the New Brunswick Association of Fire Chiefs, The Maritime Association of Fire Chiefs, The Royal Firefighters Association and a founding member of Zone 2,  the local group of 11 fire departments that work together to provide mutual aid in the event of a large incident.

During Saturday's celebration, Fire Marshall Micheal Lewis Presented Bud with the New Brunswick Long Service Medal, as well as a special award from the province recognizing his achievement.