By: Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
“Firefighting is far more than an occupation, it is a passion and a way of life,” Essex Fire Chief Jason Pillon said on the evening of Tuesday, December 9, during the annual Fire Recognition Awards and Appreciation night. The event was hosted inside the Shaheen Community Room at the Essex Centre Sports Complex.
It is an evening where Firefighters from all three of Essex’s stations gather together to recognize those amongst them reaching significant years-of-service milestones. In addition, two new Firefighters were officially presented their badges and welcomed to the crew after an extensive training program.
“You are the ones who step forward when others step back, meeting every challenge with resilience and a level of professionalism that sets the highest standard. The sacrifices you make, long hours, time away from loved ones, and the physical and emotional demands of the job are not taken for granted,” Pillon said to the local Firefighters.
“It is your strength, skill, and perseverance that makes Essex Fire not only outstanding, but also essential to the safety and well-being of our entire community.”
Quite simply, “we are incredibly proud of the work you do every single day.”
The sacrifices of the profession, however, extend beyond the firefighter. They are shared by spouses, children, parents, and loved ones who endure the challenges and realities that come with a life of service.
Pillon called those supporters the “unseen foundation of our service, the quiet strength that allows our Firefighters to serve with dedication and heart.
“When duty calls, it often means missed milestones, celebrations, and moments with family. Yet through it all, the strength and resilience of those at home make this work possible,” Pillon explained.
Assistant Deputy Chief Jim Meloche extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Firefighters recognized that evening for their exemplary service.
“Tonight, we celebrate Essex Fire & Rescue and recognize a truly remarkable milestone. Our honored Firefighters have collectively dedicated an incredible 80-years of service. This achievement speaks volumes about their loyalty, courage, and dedicated commitment to the community,” he said.
Firefighter Jason Blais of Station 1 (Essex Centre) was awarded the Federal Exemplary Service Medal for 20-years of Service.
Firefighter Trevor Menard (Station 1) and Firefighter Tom Abbott (Station 3) were awarded with the Federal Fire Services Exemplary Service Ribbon for 30-years of service.
Deputy Fire Chief Jacey Brockman was proud to welcome two new recruits to the fire service, Firefighter Owen Gagnon, who is serving out of Station 2 (McGregor) and Firefighter Tyler Burniston, who is serving out of Station 3 (Harrow).
“Their selection followed a highly competitive and thorough process, and after six-months of intensive training, they have proven themselves to be outstanding candidates,” Brockman said. “We are confident in their abilities and excited to have them join our ranks, serving alongside us on the front lines with dedication and purpose.”
He added that the badges pinned “on these courageous individuals carry the weight of generations past; those who ran toward danger when others turned away.”
The badges symbolize more than a profession. They are a commitment to the community that help will always arrive when needed, to fellow firefighters that they will stand united through every challenge, and to themselves to uphold the values and traditions that have defined the noble calling for decades.
Chief Pillon also recognized Cole Freeman of Station 2, who had to officially sign-off from active duty with Essex Fire & Rescue, after relocating to another municipality. He served for four-years.
“We hope to see him continue serving with a neighboring department in the future,” Pillon said.
Chief Pillon also thanked Mayor Sherry Bondy and the members of Town Council for their continued support for Essex Fire & Rescue.
“Your commitment to public safety and to the well-being of our Firefighters does not go unnoticed, and it plays a vital role in enabling us to serve our community effectively. Thank you all for standing behind us and for helping ensure that Essex Fire & Rescue remains strong, responsive, and ready to serve.”
Mayor Bondy – who was accompanied by Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley and Councillors Kim Verbeek and Rodney Hammond – was happy to attend to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the local Firefighters and recognize them collectively for what they do for the community.
“I am always impressed by those who dedicate themselves to the Fire Service,” Bondy said. “The crews have been so active and are doing a great job.”
The community is “safer because of you and all of your sacrifices,” she added.
Pillon also extended appreciation to Town of Essex’s CAO Kate Giurissevich and the Corporate Leadership Team for their leadership, collaboration, and support.
Giurissevich was happy to recognize the local Firefighters, as they are the ones who “respond to danger when others run away.”
She called them “Shining examples of what it means to be outstanding citizens and role models for future generations.”
Pillon added a special thanks to Jake Morassut, Director of Community Services, for his steady guidance and support over the past year. “Your openness to our ideas, willingness to listen, and commitment to our shared vision have been instrumental in helping us move forward. Your leadership has truly made a positive impact, and we’re grateful for your continued encouragement and collaboration.”
The Town of Essex is currently accepting applications for those in the community looking to join Essex Fire & Rescue Services as Volunteer Firefighters. Applications will be accepted until January 23, 2026. Learn more at essex.ca.
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