COLD LAKE – The dedication and years of service provided by members of Cold Lake Fire-Rescue was recognized during a recent City of Cold Lake council meeting.
On March 11, Deputy Mayor Vicky Lefebvre presented both Alberta Emergency Services Medals and a King Charles III Coronation Medal, recognizing decades of commitment to emergency response and public safety.
Recognizing decades of service
“We're going to start out with our Alberta Emergency Services medals. We have several to recognize today. And on behalf of Alberta Emergency Services, the City Council and all of the City members, we're happy to be able to pass these out,” said Lefebvre.
The Alberta Emergency Services Medal honours emergency personnel who have dedicated 12, 22, 32, or 40 years of service to protecting Albertans.
Milestones recognized include:
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Captain Phil Beaudoin - 22-year Bronze Bar
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Captain Sean McMillan - 22-year Bronze Bar
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Captain Ken Isaacs - 22-year Bronze Bar
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Lieutenant Gilles Manseau - 22-year Bronze Bar
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Deputy Chief Norm Hollis - 32-year Silver Bar
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Deputy Chief Hugh McKay - 32-year Silver Bar
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Assistant Station Chief Doug Surratt - 40-year Gold Bar
Lefebvre highlighted that Hollis has served a total of 35 years in various fire departments, including four years with the 4 Wing Fire Department, five years at Cold Lake Fire-Rescue, and from November 1994 to present at the Grand Centre Fire Department.
Similarly, McKay has dedicated 33 years to Cold Lake Fire-Rescue and Grand Centre Fire Department since September 1991.
Surratt was honoured for his remarkable 40 years in service, with time spent at the Barrhead Fire Department (eight years), Cold Lake Fire-Rescue, and Grand Centre Fire Department since January 1993.
Fire Chief Jeff Fallow
Council also took time to recognize Fire Chief Jeff Fallow, who was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
“The King Charles III Coronation Medal is given to candidates who have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada,” said Lefebvre.
Reflecting on his career, Fallow shared his gratitude.
“You know, 35 years, I’m still in a job I love to go to every day. So, thanks to the men and women in the room here . . . With the support of my family and the service and the municipality, I've managed to live out my dreams. So, I'm very happy to receive this on behalf of the service as well.”
Grateful
Mayor Craig Copeland offered his appreciation for the many firefighters' unwavering dedication.
“I just want to say thank you to everybody that got awards, all the men and women in the Cold Lake Fire Department. We are truly blessed. As you can see, the experience in the room for volunteer service, primarily based, we are very fortunate in this city. So, thank you on behalf of all the residents of Cold Lake.”
