OLDS — During town council’s Oct. 26 regular meeting, six firefighters were lauded for a combined 100 years of service.
They are: Deputy Fire Chief Brian Powell, 25 years of service; firefighter David Mitchell and Lt. Chad Harper 20 years each; Captain Scott Chant and Captain Kelly Andrew 15 years of service each; and Qualified Officer Noel D’arcy, five years.
Chief Justin Andrew said a couple have been nominated for federal exemplary service medals as well.
If they’re approved for that honour, those medals will be presented at a later date.
The Oct. 26 council meeting marked the second time this year the firefighters have been lauded for their service.
It was first recognized during a ceremony in the fire hall on Oct. 7, attended by all members of council as well as firefighters and their families. Physical distancing measures were put in place.
“But with COVID, that had to be a small ceremony and again with COVID, we could not bring everybody to the (council) chamber for this very important celebration for years of service,” chief administrative officer Michael Merritt said during the council meeting.
Andrew said firefighters were grateful to see the entire council come out to the fire hall for the initial ceremony.
Mayor Michael Muzychka said council was happy to do that.
“Of course, council and I appreciate beyond belief the service that all your volunteers do for our town,” Muzychka said.
“And to see some of these numbers, 20, 25, 15 years, is just a testament to how well the department runs and the dedication of these particular individuals. Pass our thanks along to them again.”
“I too appreciate it being there,” Coun. Mary Anne Overwater said. "I sort of went around from the newbie firemen to the sort of middle-aged ones and then I got to the veteran people. And it was interesting talking to all of them and I really appreciate their service."
"I think the fire chief and the deputy fire chief would like to thank council because all of council showed up for the ceremony, even though it was in a subdued setting, so to speak,” CAO Merritt said.
"That was great to have everybody honoured. I know a number of firefighters did tell me they appreciated that all of council did show up for this ceremony, so I think congratulations and kudos to council for doing that.”
