Seven firefighters were recognized at City of Powell River Council for their many years of dedicated firefighting service to the community.
On July 11 in council chambers, mayor Ron Woznow said during COVID-19, several fire department members earned medals for exemplary service that had never been presented formally.
He said the fire service exemplary service medal, created in August 1985, honours members of a recognized Canadian fire service who have completed 20 years of service, 10 years of which have been served in the performance of duties involving potential risk, and were employed on or after the date of the creation of the medal.
Recognized fire services include Canadian fire departments, fire marshal offices, fire commissioner offices and the Canadian Forces Fire Services.
“Exemplary service is characterized by good conduct, industry and efficiency,” said Woznow. “I am very pleased to present these awards.”
Those receiving awards included: Powell River Fire Rescue (PRFR) fire chief Martin Drakeley, deputy chief Rocky Swanson, captain Brad Collicutt, captain Rob Devlin, captain Kevin Culos, captain Dave Ellis and captain Chris Phyall.
Retired Malaspina Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) chief Dave Keiver was in attendance at the awards ceremony, invited to witness the recognition of the firefighters, one of which started his career with Malaspina and was later hired by Powell River Fire Rescue.
“It was nice to be there and support Powell River,” said Keiver. “One of them started with us many years ago and he moved into Powell River and got hired as a career staff member shortly after that.”
Drakeley said Keiver had been a longtime friend and mentor to some of the career staff in his 47 years with MVFD.
“He has also been a great friend of mine since I arrived,” said Drakeley. “We thought it would be a nice gesture to invite him to see his life’s work in summation with the completion of 20 years of service for some of the officers he used to work with and train early on in their careers.”
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