Members of the Quinte West fire department and honour guards enter council chambers to honour their fellow members on Monday December 19, 2016. (Photo: Nicle Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
The men and women who bravely run inside a burning building when others are rushing out were recognized for their many years of dedicated service in Quinte West Monday night.
For a packed chambers full of family and friends, Quinte West Fire Chief John Whalen and council presented exemplary service awards to 12 full-time and volunteer firefighters.
Quinte West Fire Chief John Whalen (R) presents an award to firefighter Brian Mikel (L) for his 45 years of service with the Frankford station during the council meeting on December 19,2016. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
Awards were presented to the following: Brian Mikel (45 years), Grant Reid (45 years), Michael Bathurst (40 years), Robert Lockwood (40 years), Harold Smart (35 years) and Paul Coveney (30 years). Exemplary Service Medals were awarded to: Peter Cunningham, Perry Holland and Paul Belej. Long Service Medals were given to: Robert O’Shea, Rick Ayres and Roger Fournier. Councillor David McCue was also mentioned for his for 39 years of volunteer service.
A certificate of appreciation was awarded to Station 2 firefighter Mark Galway for his brave efforts this past year in searching a burning home in Quinte West for children suspected of still being inside. It was noted that the children were located safely and thankfully weren’t in the home as it burned.
Pointing to the large crowd Whalen said, “as you can see we are a brotherhood here.”
Chair of the Protective Services Board councillor Sally Freeman said it was a wonderful night.
Quinte West resident Cameron Hart is awarded a certificate of appreciation for his assistance in helping local firefighters with food drives. Also pictured L-R Quinte West Deputy Fire Chief Dan Smith, Cameron Hart, Councillor Sally Freeman, Mayor Jim Harrison and Fire Chief John Whalen. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
Also recognized for his efforts was youngster Cameron Hart. He was awarded with a certificate of appreciation for his volunteer efforts with the Quinte West Fire Ddepartment’s annual food drive.
The night also saw five Quinte West staff members recognized for their many years of service to the municipality including: Brian Hamilton (25 years), Nancy Hay (25 years) and Margo Thompson (15 years).
With Mayor Jim Harrison (L) and Scout leader Laird Nelson (R) by his side Cameron Kimmett is recognized for his recent Chief Scout Award. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
Last but definitely not least, Cameron Kimmett was recognized by mayor Jim Harrison for his recent Chief Scout Award, which is the highest award that can be achieved at the Scout level of Scouts Canada. It was noted that only 2% of scouts reach this level of achievement.
