ST. PAUL – Volunteer firefighters were honoured and recognized during the St. Paul Fire Department’s annual awards night on Jan. 17.
Representing the Town of St. Paul, Mayor Maureen Miller thanked the members of the department, who she said have continued to be a backbone of safety in St. Paul.
“You represent the very best of who we are as a community,” she said.
As an example of this dedication to keeping the community safe, Miller recalled how during the Christmas season, 25 firefighters stepped away from their families to respond to a fire in very cold temperatures.
“That moment speaks volumes about your dedication. It also highlights the strength of the families who waited, knowing you’d do everything to return safely,” she said. “Your teamwork, both on the frontlines and at home is nothing short of remarkable.”
County of St. Paul Coun. Dale Hedrick said firefighters are often taken for granted.
“When a fire breaks out or if you are in a motor vehicle accident, they are there to safely extract you or your family member from the vehicle,” he said. “They are the glue that keeps our communities together.”
Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr told Lakeland This Week that all the firefighters and support staff at fire departments bring honour to the region. In 2024, major fires raged across the province, including parts of northeast Alberta, and Cyr said members volunteered to help.
“The fact is . . . that comes down to the training and the diligence of all the staff that we have,” he said, noting how several members of the St. Paul department have served for decades as volunteer firefighters.
Cyr encouraged the community to continue supporting its firefighters.
“When they go out to sell you the $20 calendars . . . it’s not about the calendar,” he said, adding, “It’s about supporting the fire department, their needs, and the training they need.”
Cyr, Hedrick, and Miller all offered thanks to Fire Chief Trevor Kotowich, Deputy Chief Henry Thomson, and Assistant Deputy Chief Ben Burton for their continued leadership.
Firefighter of the Year
Among the highlights of the night was the announcement of the department’s 2024 Firefighter of the Year.
The Firefighter of the Year award is chosen by members of the department, according to Kotowich. The award goes to a member “who goes above and beyond,” explained the chief.
When ballots are given to members to vote, they also include why they chose a specific candidate.
According to Kotowich, a common sentiment among the firefighters' ballots for this year’s recipient was that he always steps up and also provides leadership and mentorship to the department’s younger members.
“He always has a positive attitude and [a] mindset of the type of leader you want when the world seems to be crumbling,” said Kotowich, before announcing Jeremy Blanchette as this year’s firefighter of the year.
Blanchette did not expect the recognition when called up to the podium.
“I don’t have a speech,” he said, while looking around in disbelief.
“I really wasn’t expecting this. I’m very honoured to be voted for by my peers for this,” he said. “I look around the room and there are 37 others who deserve this just as much as I do – or more.”
He added, “I’m very honoured and it’s an honour to serve with you all guys. Thank you very much.”
Farewell
The department also thanked and bid farewell to three members of the St. Paul Fire Department.
Richard Robinson served just over six years of service, from January 2018 to March 2024.
Travis Cusack served eight years, from January 2017 to December 2024.
And Dwight Melnyk also retired in December 2024. Melnyk joined the department in January 2009 and served for a total of 16 years. He is moving to southern Alberta and hopes to continue to use his experience there as a firefighter.
Melnyk also received an Office of the Fire Chief Challenge Coin for his outstanding fundraising efforts and hard work.
Many members of the fire department were also honoured for their years of service to the fire department.
Years of Service Awards
Five years - Martin Belanger and Billy Kwana
10 years - Bradley Bespalko, Jeremy Blanchette, Adrien Christensen, David Thomson
15 years: Crew 3 Captain Chris Schuh
20 years - Crew 1 Captain Roger Champagne and firefighter Kirk Wilson
25 years - Paul Jean and Assistant Deputy Chief Ben Burton
30 years - Deputy Chief Henry Thomson
Alberta Emergency Services Medal
The Alberta Emergency Services Medal (AESM) is given to individuals with at least 12 years of service as an emergency first responder. Receiving the award this year was Firefighter Nathan Bear.
Perfect attendance
The fire department also recognized members who strived to better themselves as firefighters with the Office of the Fire Chief Challenge Coin for Outstanding Attendance.
Firefighter training nights can be demanding, but the following firefighters have retained a perfect attendance - Dylan Champagne, Ryan Brake, Lieutenant/Secretary Stephen Buryn, Crew 1 Captain Roger Champagne, and Assistant Deputy Chief Ben Burton.
