By Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
Members of the Lakeshore Fire Department were honoured recently during an appreciation dinner and reception at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre.
The yearly event celebrated the firefighter’s commitment to the health and safety of the municipality and its residents.
Long serving members were presented with the Canadian Volunteer Firefighter Service Association’s Municipal Long Service Award, which recognizes firefighters with 30 or more years of service.
Firefighters receive the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal, which is a federal recognition that honors firefighters across Canadian who have completed 20 years of service. At 25 years firefighters receive the Fire Services Long Service Medal presented by the province. Those who reach the milestone of serving 30 years have been recognized with the Canadian Volunteer Fire Fighters medal which is a municipal acknowledgement across Canada to recognize volunteer and paid-on-call volunteer firefighters who provided 30 or more years of dedicated service to their communities.
Lakeshore Fire chief Jason Suchiu says a good firefighter has dedication and a commitment to learning.
“Today’s firefighters are faced with many situations and various different hazards. Our firefighters are great firefighters because they are committed to their training and always being ready to help the community whenever they are called upon,” he said.
He believes that its important to recognize the commitment of Lakeshore firefighters due to the significant sacrifices volunteer firefighters make in serving the community. Volunteer firefighters have full time jobs in addition to being firefighters and put the needs of those in the community first when emergencies arise, often at the expense of giving up time with family and friends.
“The role of a firefighter is not just a job, it’s a calling, and many people will never know the extent of the commitment made by these individuals,” said Suchiu. “I’d also like to recognize the families of our firefighters, who sacrifice much to support them in their work.”
Suchiu added that the 85 firefighters who currently serve the Municipality of Lakeshore have a combined 1,456 years of service.
With a long list of members with 30 years plus, Suchiu believes it’s a direct reflection of their commitment to each other and the community they live in.
“As volunteer firefighters we rely on each other. Our long serving staff are mentors for those new to the service and demonstrate the dedication that is needed in these roles. I’m extremely proud of the dedication and service of all our staff,” he explained.
Suchiu adds that it’s also a night for the members to come together to share stories and provide opportunity for firefighters to socialize and bond with those that don’t often get to work together because of the large geographical area covered.
The Lakeshore Fire Department operates five fire stations in communities throughout the municipality.
“Firefighters are there for us during our community’s most challenging moments, and we are forever grateful,” said Lakeshore mayor Tracey Bailey. “Each of them demonstrates an incredible spirit of community service above self. They show up day and night, ready to face whatever comes their way.”
Lakeshore Fire invites residents to the upcoming Fire Prevention Week Open Houses, coming up on Wednesday, October 9, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
30 or more years of service
Robert Friest
Mike Aubin
Doug Gagnier
Brent Cranston
Denis Comartin
Jason Demers
Justin Mullins
Joe Derikx
Mike Truskey
Cindy Wickens
Gerald Mailloux
Steve Little
35 or more years of service
Dan Sauve
Robert Luno
Brian Beausoleil
Patrick Robak
Wayne Morris
Michael Deneweth
Be the first to comment