County Fire Services Holds Annual Awards Ceremony
Firefighters honoured for their community service
Lac Ste. Anne County Fire Services gathered for their annual awards celebration at Cherhill Community Hall. Deputy Chief Brent Sanderson emceed the occasion.
"Tonight, we celebrate the dedication, bravery, and excellence of our firefighters who go above and beyond to serve and protect. These awards honour individual achievements, as well as the unwavering spirit of service that defines our entire fire family."
The Lac Ste. Anne County Fire Services Annual Awards Ceremony is a cherished tradition that honours the bravery, dedication, and exceptional service of its firefighters and support staff. This year’s event brought together department members, their families, and community leaders to celebrate outstanding achievements.
The evening began with a warm welcome from emcee Deputy Chief Brent Sanderson and words of support on behalf of County Council from Deputy Reeve Nick Gelych. Station leaders then presented numerous awards and honours. Chief Randy Schroeder rounded out the evening by expressing gratitude for the team’s tireless commitment to safeguarding the community.
Guests enjoyed heartfelt speeches, inspiring video montages, and a banquet to cap the event. The evening served as a reminder of the invaluable role firefighters play and strengthened bonds between the department and the community it serves. This annual celebration honours past achievements and inspires continued excellence from Lac Ste Anne County Fire Services personnel.
On behalf of Lac Ste. Anne County Council and Administration, we thank not only these award recipients but all our Firefighters! Their selfless dedication forms the heart of this vital group who work tirelessly to serve the needs of our community.
Following are the medals, awards, and special presentations bestowed throughout the evening:
Alberta Emergency Services Medal Presentation:
- 12 Yr Alberta Emergency Services Medal – Carole Peacock – Emergency Management
- 12 Yr Alberta Emergency Services Medal – Senior Firefighter Sean Smith, Station 5
- 12 Yr Alberta Emergency Services Medal – Captain Renee Gifford, Station 7
- 12 Yr Alberta Emergency Services Medal – Senior Firefighter Jamie Nantes, Station 6
The Alberta Emergency Services Medal is awarded to individuals who serve in Alberta and are members of the Fire Service, EMS, Dispatchers, Police Officers, Search and Rescue, Emergency Management Agencies, Correction Officers, and Peace Officers. Medal eligibility is for 12 years of service, (does not have to be continuous, provided all years served are after January 1, 2000). Bronze Bar 22 Years, Silver Bar 32 Years, Gold Bar 40 Years.
Promotions:
- Stephen Gervais – Lieutenant to Captain, East Station
- Michelle Nantel – Firefighter to Senior Firefighter, East Station
- Dan Theissen-Roy – Recruit to Firefighter, East Station
- Joseph Garnett – Recruit to Firefighter, East Station
- Abbey Winsor – Recruit to Firefighter, East Station
- Clifton Murchison – Recruit to Firefighter, Station 3
- Scott Richardson – Recruit to Firefighter, Station 5
- Melanie Duguay – Recruit to Firefighter, Station 5
- Kayla Piercy – Recruit to Firefighter, Station 5
- Kolton Chow – Recruit to Firefighter, Station 6
- James Wood – Recruit to Operations Support Firefighter, Station
- Rod Unger – Recruit to Firefighter, Station
- Matthew McLeod – Recruit to Firefighter, Station 7
- Heath Bailey– Recruit to Firefighter, Station 7
Years of Service Awards:
5 or 5+ Years of Service to Lac Ste Anne County:
- Captain Stephen Gervais, East Station
- Lieutenant Amy Carter, East Station
- Senior Firefighter Michelle Nantel, East Station
- Lieutenant Brian Gillespie, Station 5
- Senior Firefighter Daniel Wegewitz, Station 7
- Firefighter Milos Tajek, Station 3
- Firefighter Garrin McDermid, Station 6
10 or 10+ Years of Service to Lac Ste. Anne County:
- Lieutenant Jolene Wolff, Station 7
- Senior Firefighter Charlene Borle, Station 3
15 Years of Service to Lac Ste. Anne County:
- Senior Firefighter William Eichhorn, Station 6
- Senior Firefighter Melinda Pardy, Station 3
- Lieutenant Tyler McCoy, East Station
20 Years of Service to Lac Ste. Anne County:
- Captain Angie Schroeder, Station 6
- Lieutenant Rob McDonald, Station 4
Firefighters who serve 5, 10, 15, or 20 years in good standing with Lac Ste. Anne County Fire Services receive a plaque.
Station Awards:
Rookie of the Year:
- Firefighter Zachary Combee, East Station
- Firefighter Brennan Hodgetts, Station 4
- Firefighter Grady Fearnley, Station 5
- Firefighter Kolton Chow, Station 6
- Firefighter Matt McLeod, Station 7
They are awarded to the top Recruit in all Stations for outstanding work and commitment to service. To be eligible, a firefighter must have served less than one year. The station officer votes for candidates.
Firefighter of the Year:
- Firefighter/Chaplain Chris White, Station 3
- Senior Firefighter Tyler Dorn, East Station
- Firefighter Jon Wynn, Station 4
- Senior Firefighter Sean Smith – Station 5
- Firefighter AJ Penner, Station 6
- Senior Firefighter Calvin Moon, Station 7
Awarded to any eligible active Firefighter from each Station (recruits are exempt) as voted on by the firefighters/officers from each Station. This firefighter exemplifies the meaning of volunteering, work ethic, drive, determination, commitment, and sacrifice. This firefighter goes above and beyond to support the mission of the fire service providing support to the station and in the community.
"It was a wonderful evening acknowledging & recognizing members of our LSACFS who selflessly give of themselves to serve the residents of this County. It was an opportunity to say thank you for the personal time given and the dedication to the safety of those who reside or visit Lac Ste. Anne County. All of them who serve are heroes in my eyes."
If you know someone who would like to find out more about becoming a firefighter, we invite you to take the first step. Check out details online at countyfire.ca.
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