On Sunday April 23, the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department and their families gathered at the Active Living Centre for their inaugural recognition event, in order to recognize and honour the work firefighters do every day for the community and the achievements that make them so extraordinary.
The event began with a brief introduction by Master of Ceremonies, James Bowler, during which Bowler expressed the importance of the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department and the immense appreciation the community has and should have for what they do.
“I think we should all be thankful for the service you provide,” Bowler said.
The introduction was followed by the national anthem and then a video montage, which displayed photos from various calls the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department has responded to, as well as events and community initiatives they have attended.
Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock commenced the speech segment of the event by expressing her gratitude on behalf of the Huntsville community.
“It goes without saying how much we, as a community, appreciate all that you do for us,” Alcock said. “You protect us, you keep us safe, and you put your lives on the line… You lead by example and you teach us what being a good man or woman of our community is all about. You make us better for it. And for that, I am truly grateful and thankful for all you do. It is way more than putting out fires. It’s incredible.”
Lake of Bays mayor Terry Glover also made a short speech and took the time to recognize not only the Huntsville/Lake of Bays firefighters but their families as well.
“If you work in the fire services, you are a participant, you are in the front lines of a full contact event. Your families are participating, your neighbours are participating…we are all participants,” Glover said. “Today is a day to celebrate our firefighters and recognize them, but much more important, let’s salute their families. Their families worry about them at every call.”
Chaplain Ted Leck was also present at the event and spoke on the work the firefighters do, with emphasis on the way in which they do it with grace, care, and compassion.
“I am reminded today of an old truth that says give honour when honour is due. I don’t know if there is a medal or a plaque for everyone here but you all deserve to be honoured. What you do as firefighters, showing the level of compassion that most people will never experience, and maybe have never experienced in their life, but you show that compassion to them in the moment that they deeply need it.”
Fire Chief Gary Monahan said a few words and expressed his gratitude for the support Mayor Alcock, Mayor Glover, and all of the municipal councils provide to the fire department.
Once the speeches concluded, Bowler acknowledged the years of service of members of the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department, which included five, ten, and 15 years. Then, years of service medals were awarded to various firefighters in the department for 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years. And finally, Bowler recognized the retirees of the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department, for their service and recent retirement.
Deputy Chief Paul Calleja expressed how being a member of the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department encourages individual growth and provides a character-building experience. He stated that it not only allows the firefighters to help their community, but to help themselves as well.
“Every year, we bring recruits on and the last few years when we’ve interviewed them, one of the questions we ask is ‘why do you want to be in our department?’” Calleja said. “I had hands down the best answer to that question this year with one of our new recruits. They said ‘Because I know people that are in that department and I see the way that it’s changed them and I want to be like them.’ That’s huge. Usually, we get ‘I want to serve my community’ and ‘I want to give back’ and all that, but you have to actually want to make a change and make a difference in your life.”
When the ceremony concluded, the firefighters and their families engaged in a social hour with snacks and refreshments wherein they chatted with colleagues and other family members and proudly posed for photos with their respective groups.
Before everyone parted ways for the day, Bowler had a few remaining words of respect and recognition for the exceptional group of firefighters.
“It feels strange to have someone say how amazing and great you are in the community, but it’s the truth,” Bowler said. “I know it’s the truth because I’m a storyteller, I’m a reporter and I tell the stories of people that don’t have the opportunity to do that themselves. I can no longer keep count of the amount of stories that I have been told about people like yourselves who have bravely gone into a burning building and saved a life. So with that, I want to say congratulations and thank you for your service.”
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Bill Beatty says
Thank You for Your Service !
Phil Beacock says
Great day it was for all involved! Thanks for your service! Carry on!