Central York Fire Services (CYFS) honoured and celebrated the service of longtime exemplary firefighters last night in a special ceremony in Aurora.
The CYFS firefighters, who serve Newmarket and Aurora, were recognized with Federal Exemplary Service Medals, Provincial Long Service Bars, Provincial and Federal Long Service Medals and Federal Long Service Bars.
The Long Service Medal and subsequent service bars represent the public appreciation of the dedication and hard work of members of the Ontario Fire Services. It is officially recognized by the province. Full-time and volunteer fire personnel qualify after 25 years of service.
The Fire Services Exemplary Service Medals are awarded to honour fire service members who have completed 20 years of service, 10 years of which have been served in the performance of duties involving potential risks. Exemplary service is characterized by good conduct, industry and efficiency. Service bars are awarded for additional years of service beyond 20 and 25 years.
Recognition went to:
35 years
· Deputy Fire Chief Robert Comeau
· Firefighter Brad Paterson
25 years
· Capt. Robert Leathen
· Capt. Paul Cooke
20 years
· Capt. Peter Buys
· Capt. Brent Heppell
· Capt. Scott Donohue
· Capt. Kevin Madill
· Capt. Shaun Mitchell
· Capt. Austin Noble
· Firefighter Corin Bechthold-Coon
· Firefighter Jason Dunkerley
Promotion:
· Capt. Kevin Saxton
Congratulatory certificate:
· Firefighter Mitchell Price
· Firefighter Jordan Blaser
· Firefighter Brooklin Bamlett
· Firefighter Thomas Fortin
· Firefighter Brandon Chadwick
· Firefighter Joshua Topa
· Fire and Life Safety Educator Jennifer Baker
· Fire Prevention Inspector Eric Sadler
· Administrative Assistant Sarah Boddy
· IT Applications Support Analyst Erika Alarcon
· Mechanic Philip DeRooy
CYFS is a full-time fire department that provides protection to the towns of Aurora and Newmarket, serving a combined population of approximately 146,000 and an area of 90 square kilometres. The department responds to approximately 5,000 emergency calls each year.
