Last night, the Thorold Fire and Emergency Services held a special ceremony at Fire Station 2 for its members celebrating two decades or more as a firefighter.
“It’s important for everybody to recognize how many years they’ve committed themselves to their community,” said Fire Chief Terry Dixon, in an interview with ThoroldToday. “Whether it be career, volunteer, it doesn’t matter firefighter or emergency response team, it’s important that people realize how much time they spend helping protect their community.”
Due to the pandemic it had been a while since the Thorold Fire and Emergency Services were able to hold the ceremony.
“It’s very special to be able to be back,” said Dixon. “It’s important to also acknowledge their family members that helped them be supportive.”
Dixon, who has 38 years of service under his belt, said he feels very proud of all the firemen present.
“This is a unique group that’s here with 20 years plus,” he said. “It’s very hard to get firefighters to stay that long. Career staff is a little bit different obviously. It’s hard to keep volunteers that long because it’s usually a stepping stone to go on to bigger and better things, but you do still get those certain individuals that are here to stay in their community.”
Mayor Terry Ugulini and CAO Manoj Dilwaria were on hand to dole out special certificates from the city. Awards were given out in four different categories: 20 years, 25 years, 30 years, or 35 years of service.
With the ceremony, Dixon hopes the honoured firefighters feel the love and support.
“I want for them to take away how much we appreciate what they do for their community,” said Dixon.
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List of firefighters honoured and their awards received:
- Kevin Thompson: 20 year watches and 20 year Federal Exemplary Service Medal - Jun 2020
- Jim Colavecchia: 20 year watches and 20 year Federal Exemplary Service Medal - Nov 2020
- Jim Brown: 20 year watches and 20 year Federal Exemplary Service Medal - Nov 2020
- Calvin Strickland: 20 year Federal Exemplary Service Medal - Oct 2021
- Lorne Yungblut: 20 year Federal Exemplary Service Medal - Sept 2021
- Dino LaFratta: 35 year Long Service Bars - Oct 2021
- David Thompson: 35 year Long Service Bars - Jan 2021
- Cliff Yungblut: 35 year Long Service Bars - Mar 2021
- Barry Smith: 25 year Long Service Medal/Pins and 25 Year Watch - Sept 2021
- Kevin Watt: 25 year Long Service Medal/ Pins and 25 Year Watch - Sept 2021
- Kelly Saunders: 30 long service years Bars - May 2022
- Kurt Wilkinson: 30 long service years Bars - July 2022
- Lenny Summers: 35 long service years Bars - August 2022
