Several Bluewater firefighters were recognized by Council on Monday, March 6th for their long service to the Bluewater community in the field of fire services.
The Provincial Fire Services long service medal and subsequent service bars are presented to Ontario firefighters who have served a minimum of 25 years in suppression, training, public education, inspections, and communications. Firefighters with 20 years of service in Canadian fire services and who have served at least 10 of those years in the performance of duties involving potential risk received the Governor General’s Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal.
Those recognized include: 2020 Station Chief Brian Brandon – 30 years
Deputy Station Chief Wade Berard – 20 years
Past Chief and Firefighter Ian Siertsema – 25 years
Past Station Chief Jack Bender (Retired) – 25 years
Captain Dan Turkheim – 40 years
Firefighter Dale Miller – 25 years
Firefighter Marty Merner – 25 years
Firefighter Gerard Boon – 40 years
2021 Captain Doug Hulley – 25 years
Captain Pete Bedard – 20 years
Firefighter Doug Finlay – 25 years
Firefighter/Radio Operator Bob Merner – 50 years
Firefighter Randy Geoffrey – 40 years
Firefighter Steve Consitt – 20 years
Firefighter Tim Hoover (Retired) – 20 years
Firefighter Brad Maidment – 20 years
2022 Station Chief Paul Clendenning – 25 years
Captain Jason Clarke (Retired) – 25 years
Deputy Station Chief Darrell DeJong – 25 years
Captain Jeff Allan – 35 years Station Chief Dave Erb – 30 years
“Being a volunteer firefighter is a large commitment for both the individual, their families, and employers. Getting out of bed to respond to a call and then going to work the next day, missing that birthday party or Christmas dinner, to explain to your boss that it was not a routine call and sorry for not making your shift on time, to give your children that extra hug while fighting back tears are some of the sacrifices we make. But as a firefighter we know the family at the fire station is as important” said Bluewater Fire Chief Dave Renner.
Written By: J. Brenner
