Members of the Kindersley Fire department were honored for their years of service just yesterday at the last Town Council meeting.
Fire Chief Ron Hope, Deputy Fire Chief Rod Stevens, and Senior Captain David Burke have a collective 109 years of experience, and the Town Council gave special recognition by presenting Municipal Long Service Awards to each of these firefighters.
Deputy Mayor Shaun Henry presented the awards on behalf of the Canadian Volunteer Fire Service and commended each firefighter for his years of dedicated service, tireless hours rendered, and sacrifices made. “This is not a job for the faint of heart,” said Deputy Mayor Henry during the presentation. The Deputy Mayor also noted that the Kindersley Fire Department is highly recognized in Saskatchewan, and he attributed the success of the department to the strong leadership skills provided by each of the men.
The Deputy Mayor then presented Municipal Long Service Awards to each, Fire Chief Ron Hope for 37 years of service; Deputy Fire Chief Rod Stevens for 32 years of service; and Senior Captain David Burke for 40 years of service.
Despite the well-earned recognition, each of the men said that the service award was unexpected and they only wished to serve their community, not receive recognition.
“I’ve been very blessed in my time to serve alongside many very dedicated firefighters, it is because of all the past and current members that I am able to receive this award,” Fire Chief Ron Hope said. He also commented that while he is proud to receive the award and serve the Kindersley area as Fire Chief, the Kindersley Fire department is about teamwork and group effort—no one fights a fire alone, and Fire Chief Hope wanted to be sure to recognize the committed team around him.
“I am honored to receive the award, but I don’t serve as a firefighter for the recognition,” Deputy Fire Chief Rod Stevens agreed in his statement made Tuesday morning. “It’s just a way to give back to the community.”
Senior Captain David Burke said he was blown away in receiving the award, and gave a touching tribute to his family and fellow firefighters. “It’s been special to work with such a great group of dedicated men and women, and then to receive an award with Fire Chief and Deputy Chief is an honor. But most of all I want to say thank you to the people who really deserve it –my wife and kids– who I’ve had to leave behind at all times of the day and night. Caroline, you were always there for me, thank you, you are the best.”
Feature Image Source: L-R. Deputy Mayor Henry, Chief Ron Hope, Deputy Chief Rod Stevens, Senior Captain David Burke, Chief Administrative Officer Bernie Morton/Kindersley.ca
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