Long time firefighters honoured Exemplary and Long Service Medals and Bars presented
By Ron Giofu
The Amherstburg Echo
Thursday May 08, 2008
Long time firefighters were honoured with long service and exemplary service medals and bars at the Knights of Columbus Hall last Saturday night.
(Photo: Ron Giofu/The Amherstburg Echo)
AMHERSTBURG -- The years of service and the commitment members of the Amherstburg Fire Department have for the community was recognized Saturday night.
The annual firefighters' awards banquet was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall where numerous members of the department were honoured. Firefighters Brad Brush, Mike Dikan, Bart DiPasquale and Rick Dufour were awarded 20 Year Exemplary Service Medals as was Capt. Dan Laramie.
Firefighter Jerry Ferguson was awarded a 25 year Long Service Medal as was Firefighter Mike Sinasac and Firefighter Ken Tytgat. District Chief Noel Meloche received a 30 Year Long Service Bar while Firefighter Roger Deslippe and Capt. Paul Bastien each received their 35 Year Long Service Bars.
The member of the fire department honoured with a 40 Year Exemplary Service Medal and Long Service Bar was Fire Chief Richard Murray.
The service that firefighters give the community wasn't lost by the special guests in attendance. Councillor Bob Pillon officially represented town council and thanked the fire department for their efforts and the spouses of the firefighters for their support as well.
"You put a lot of time into it," Pillon told the firefighters. "It takes a special kind of person to be a firefighter. We've got a good department."
Nelly Green, a representative from the Ontario Fire Marshal's office, said she was pleased to be in attendance.
"You are doing an excellent job. Keep up the good work," she said.
Essex MP Jeff Watson pointed out the sacrifices firefighters put forward when serving the community including the dangers that they face when battling a blaze.
"Congratulations to all award winners. You are all very deserving," said Watson. "Thank you for your service to the community."
Essex MPP Bruce Crozier offered similar remarks and recalled days of when he was notified of fire calls during his tenure as mayor in Leamington. Through that, he stated that he knew of the time and sacrifice firefighters put in and added that he has great respect for that.
"Thank you very much for your service," said Crozier.
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