WESTLOCK – Former Town of Westlock Fire Department deputy chief Dan Lucyk, a fixture on the force for just under two decades and a past Alberta Emergency Service Medal recipient, was lauded by the fire chief, mayor and current firefighters for his commitment and service to the community.
Lucyk, who officially hung up his bunker gear in 2021 to cap an 18-year career, was recognized by the municipality at the start of town council’s Jan. 24 meeting held via Zoom — fire chief Stuart Koflick, who authored a bio on Lucyk that appeared in the agenda package, choked up when talking about his former right-hand man.
Lucyk started his firefighting career with the Lesser Slave Regional Fire Service in Slave Lake back in 2001, then moved to Westlock in 2003 after accepting a position with Alberta Health Services and joined the department that same year.
Koflick, who took over as town fire chief in 2009, said Lucyk’s “dedication, professionalism and job knowledge” was quickly evident as he progressed through the ranks from firefighter to captain — in 2013 he was promoted to deputy fire chief where he took on the responsibility for training and operations and supporting the fire chief.
Over the next eight years Lucyk was an integral part of the department’s leadership team ensuring that “quality, accredited training was provided to the members of the department.”
“It’s all the little things that our members do, the things you don’t see out in the public. We train every week, we train on the weekends, but it’s the after-hours things that don’t get the appreciation. Dan was that kind of member,” said Koflick, noting the one-page bio only begins to capture what he meant to the department.
“He was a dedicated professional member of the department who brought our training standards up to where they are now. I truly and sincerely want to thank Dan for his service over the last 18 years.”
Lucyk, who joked that quitting the force has allowed him to grow a “luscious beard”, thanked all the current and former firefighters, as well as town council and staff. Some of the highlights of his service included his receipt of the Alberta Emergency Service Medal in 2013 — an award which recognizes Alberta emergency services personnel who selflessly dedicated their time, talents, and, in some cases, their lives to the service of others. The medal pays tribute to outstanding full-time, part-time, and volunteer members who have committed 12 or more years to emergency service in the province.
In 2014, Lucyk received the Westlock Fire Department Firefighter of the Year Award which is presented to the one individual who best exemplifies the positive characteristics of a member of the fire service and has a notable record of service and achievements. Although not an award for heroism, Koflick said it’s presented to the individual who has given “selflessly of themselves in support of the department, the fire service in general and the community.”
“I made lots of friendships and had lots of good times and sad times … many different experiences. I think some of those lasting relationships and friendships will stay with me for quite some time,” said Lucyk. “The town was always great, there was never any challenges with council or leadership and their support allowed us all to grow. I just want to say thank you.”
Mayor Ralph Leriger concurred with a point made by Koflick, who noted in his bio of Lucyk that “to find such constant striving to improve the service delivery, when there are virtually no extrinsic motivations or rewards for doing so, is truly admirable.”
“(Being a volunteer firefighter) is not like any other form of volunteerism. The commitment is way above and beyond,” said Leriger, who bemoaned the fact that the presentation had to be done online due to current COVID-19 protocols. “To have done it to the degree that you’ve done it, for as many years as you have … on behalf of myself, council, administration and certainly all the citizens of Westlock, thank you very, very much for your years of service to our community.”
Firefighter Andrew Spring, who crafted the ceremonial axe and display given to Lucyk on behalf of the town, called Lucyk a consummate professional, but also a friend. A handful of current firefighters also attended the Zoom session and applauded Lucyk when he received the award. Koflick, who also wished the presentation could have been done in person, said that once the current protocols ease, they’ll invite Lucyk to the fire hall for “coffee.”
“I feel fortunate to have had Dan as one of my training officers, but also a friend and fellow firefighter. When I was laid up in hospital and needed a ride home, he was right there. He’s well deserving of this honour,” said Spring.
