The Clyde Volunteer Fire Department hosted the annual Westlock County Firefighter Appreciation Night at the Clyde Community Hall on April 13.
More than 100 firefighters, along with their friends and family, filled the community hall to celebrate their success as a group — and to honour long-standing members from all over Westlock County.
A moment of silence was also held to honour the loss of Westlock County Coun. Conrad Sehn and Pickardville fire chief Colin Calkins, two men who passed away in 2012.
“Firefighters define courage,” county fire chief John Biro said in a presentation before the awards ceremony.
“There are not many volunteer groups who are expected to be on call 24/7, leave their job at a moment’s notice, or put down their children and rush to the scene of an emergency — placing themselves in harm’s way for a complete stranger’s life.”
Along with county reeve Charles Navratil and county councillor Dennis Mueller, Biro presented more than 20 awards to volunteers who have worked as firefighters for five years or more. In fact, some have served the area for 30 years. This year, there were more than 100 response calls from volunteer firefighters.
The trio surprised Pickardville fire department chief Wayne Cannard by presenting him with the Glenn Latimer award.
Cannard was also recognized for 25 years of service as a firefighter.
The award to laud one local firefighter began after the Latimer passed away in 2008. Latimer was known for his outstanding work in the community — ranging from fire safety lessons for children, working long hours and responding to a crisis regardless of the circumstances.
“It’s a real honour,” Cannard said with tears in his eyes, adding he spent a number of years working directly with Latimer.
“I was kind of shocked.”
As for long service, Fawcett’s Ted Dul along with Clyde’s Jim Rau were honoured for their 30 years of service.
Cannard was joined by Clyde chief Dale Ford and Jarvie’s Michael Futoransky who were all recognized for 25 years as firefighters.
Clyde’s Trevor Pollard was joined by three Fawcett firefighters —Bob Frose, Ken Kaliel and Roy Forbes — who were all recognized for 20 years of service.
