ST. PAUL – The St. Paul Rec. Centre was abuzz Friday evening as members of the community gathered to honour the brave firefighters of the St. Paul Fire Department.
The awards ceremony was a tribute to reflect on the local fire department’s camaraderie and tireless dedication to the community.
Fire Services Exemplary Medal presentations
The Fire Services Exemplary Medal involves a “rigorous” application process, explained Fire Chief Trevor Kotowich, with the medal “ultimately being awarded by the Chancellery of Canadian Orders.”
Not only does it require a member of Canada’s fire services a minimum of 20 years, but it also requires 10 years served “in the performance of duties involving high risks.”
Two members of the fire department received the prestigious award, including firefighter Paul Jean and Assistant Chief Ben Burton.
Fire Chief Challenge Coin
The Fire Chief Challenge Coin is inscribed with the words, “Leadership, Teamwork, Pride, Dedication, and Integrity,” qualities that instrumental and consistent in member of the St. Paul Fire Department, according to Kotowich.
On Nov. 22, 2022, St. Paul Fire responded to a structure fire at the Desjardins Apartments. While facing heavy fire, intense heat and smoke, including a fourth floor balcony rescue by ladder, “firefighters quickly and efficiently put the fire out,” recalled Kotowich.
“Now, that alone is remarkable, and truthfully they all deserve recognition, but in all honesty, that is what they train for, and have prepared themselves for,” he said. “Tonight, I want to recognize another aspect of that response, that really never gets the media attention they deserve.”
“That is the hard work and efforts of our local FCSS staff who also serve as our emergency social services (ESS) staff,” said Kotowich. He commended the staff for their swift response attending the Recreation Centre to register and comfort those who were displaced.
There were 37 displaced residents who were registered and housed in area hotels. ESS also contacted Red Cross, who provided financial assistance and hotels for the displaced residents for 72 hours.
Kotowich presented the coins to St. Paul Regional FCSS staff Lynn Smid, Brenda Billo, Kim Ouellette, and Leah Burton.
He also presented the coin to Captain Rob Duffy, who Kotowich said, “exemplifies what it means to be a firefighter.”
According to Kotowich, Duffy dealt with medical challenges over the previous year, undergoing a total knee replacement in February, 2022. But, he showed up to “nearly every meeting and training, helping lead his crew and offering guidance and direction when needed.”
Alberta Emergency Services Medal Presentations
Recipients of the Alberta Emergency Services Medal (AESM) require at least 12 years of service to Albertans, said Kotowich. The medal is 3.5 cm in diameter, with the inverse side bound with the words ‘In Service of Albertans.’
On the opposite side is the Alberta Shield, carved with the words ‘Emergency Services Alberta.’ The blue ribbon suspending the medal represents the province, while the three white tripes on the ribbon represent, “good service, loyalty, and conduct,” said Kotowich.
Firefighter Chris Schuh received the award.
“Additionally, the Province of Alberta recognizes 22, 32, and 40-year increments in service,” said Kotowich. “This year, we have two members receiving their 22-year service bar,” they are firefighter Paul Jean, and Assistant Chief Ben Burton.
Kotowich also received his 32-year service bar during the ceremony.
Firefighter of the Year
The fire department also selects one firefighter each year as the Firefighter of the Year. According to Kotowich, since the first firefighter of the year was selected in 1992, members have been choosing who they feel represent the department in a “positive way.”
Kotowich presented the 2022 Firefighter of the Year Award to Lieutenant Chad Bachelet.
Bachelet is described by members of the fire department as someone who always puts others before himself. He is a knowledgeable individual who is always willing to teach and is open to learning from others.
Fellow members also described him as someone who remains silent until he needs to be heard. Bachelet is a “great team-player with a great attitude,” said Kotowich.
Retirement Recognitions
A few members of the St. Paul Fire Department are also retiring, but the first retirement recognition was not a member of the fire service, “However, because of my role that oversees municipal enforcement, I figured this evening would be appropriate to recognize the years of service and commitment this individual had to the Town of St. Paul,” explained the fire chief.
Kotowich presented a gift in recognition of Community Peace Officer Shane Ashdown who joined the Municipal Enforcement Department in February of 2013, stepping back from his role with the Town of St. Paul in November, 2022.
Firefighter Tyson Newby, who joined the department in January 2017 and retired as a member in December of 2022, was also recognized. Kotowich said Newby is now pursuing a full-time career in fire service in southern Alberta. He wished him “all the best, and [I] thank him for his service and dedication.”
Firefighter Brooke Royer, who joined the St. Paul Fire Department in January of 2016 and retired in December, was also recognized for her services.
“I remember this young bank teller who would always talk to me about the fire service, and how she told me she wanted to join,” recalled Kotowich. “Brooke not only joined, but also broke the glass ceiling in becoming the first female firefighter to receive the Professional Firefighter designation as being NFPA 1001 level 2 certified."
He added, “Being the only female in a male dominated service – I know it was not easy for Brooke... It was a challenge she met head-on and was able to do everything her male counterparts did, just that in most cases she did it better,” he said.
Royer is now in a Primary Care Paramedic training program.
“I know the citizens of the Town and County will be in good hands with Brooke on an ambulance.”
Firefighter Ian Brousseau, who joined the department in 2012 and retired after serving for 11 years, was also recognized. “Ian’s hard work and dedication will be greatly missed in our hall, but am I am comforted to know it won’t be missed from the region.”
Brousseau also serves with the Mallaig Fire Department.
