Westlock County volunteer firefighters were honoured at the Busby Community Hall Saturday night.
But the annual firefighter appreciation event became somewhat of a testimonial, as the people who protect and serve paid tribute to the county’s outgoing fire and emergency chief, John Biro.
“When John leaves there’s a huge gap and a huge hole to fill,” said Busby fire chief Jared Stitsen. “It’s something that’s not easily filled by one person. Nobody realizes all the things that he does on a day-to-day basis and I think it’s taken for granted.”
Biro was presented with plaque from the county in recognition of his service, as well as two fire helmets from his peers on the region’s fire departments. The first helmet was the one he used during time as county chief and had been signed by all the firefighters, while a second listed all the departments in the county.
He also received a number of standing ovations from the 100 or so people in attendance.
Biro was clearly highly respected by the people he lead, worked with and stood shoulder to shoulder with in bad and good times.
The evening also recognized service achievements of a number of county firefighters.
Justin Harvey, Karen and Dean Dumbeck were recognized for five years service.
Ten-year service awards were presented to Stitsen and Dan Strome. The latter came on top of Strome’s 30 years of service.
Dennis Hampshire, Perry Lumayko and Barry Nyal notched 15-year honours.
John Weismantel was acknowledged for 20 years of service and Harvey Provost accepted an award for an amazing 35 years of dedication to the safety and wellbeing of the community.
No Glenn Latimer Award was presented at the event as Biro noted that no recommendations had been received.
He urged those gathered to consider nominating their peers for the award and suggested that Fire Prevention Week would be a good opportunity to recognize outstanding achievement in fire and emergency work.
“Go home tonight. Write a letter, send them in, so we can have a name chosen for the Latimer Award,” Biro said. “It’s a very important award. Latimer went above and beyond.”
“May times when people were sleeping or busy at work Glenn was doing things that nobody ever did.”
