“You are running toward danger when others are running away.”
Heartfelt words of appreciation from Kawartha Lakes' deputy fire Chief Jeff Bigness to the firefighters who were recently recognized for their long service and dedication.
“I hear, far too often, that `we're just doing our jobs.' ” said Kawartha Lakes fire Chief Terry Jones during the inaugural Fire Rescue Service Award and Recognition Ceremony. “Yes, this is what we do. But in a world where we see so much negative stuff, we also need to celebrate the positive.”
Although it was something Jones had thought of doing for years, the seed for the ceremony was planted about three years ago when Jones learned Ontario's Solicitor General Michael Kerzner was paying Lindsay a visit.
“We only had a short time together, but I was able to provide him with some history and background on the service … more importantly, what is unique about our fire service,” said Jones.
That meeting, said Kerzner in a video message played during the ceremony, stuck with him.
“It was a very special opportunity to get to know more about Kawartha Lakes' firefighters who represent excellence, represent professionalism and represent service over self,” said Kerzner.
Jones concurred, adding “formal recognition” is more than justified.
“This ceremony needs to be one of the most meaningful traditions that we have,” said Jones. “It is a time to pause from our work and recognize those who have given years of valued service, demonstrated exceptional leadership. Every call answered. Every training completed. Every act of service, seen or unseen … Their commitment reminds us why we do what we do to protect lives and be there when our community needs us.”
Long service awards were presented to:
- 20 Years — Jeremy Baird, Justin Mark, Blair Smith, Derek Lahay, Jennifer Locke, Don Edmonds, Kevin Giroux, Andrew Gamsby, Chris Empey and Chris Hirstwood
- 25 Years — Richard Thurston, Jamie Anderson, Robert Fildey, Lucas Lowell and Brandon Mitchell
- 30 Years — Brian Beukeboom
- 40 Years — Terry Jones, Dan Barr and Larry Blodgett
- 50 Years — Bruce Douglas
- 60 Years — John Bailey
Despite having pulled on equipment for more than six decades, Bailey admits being a firefighter continues to be as important today as it did when he was a little boy captivated by the fire truck lights and sirens.
Bailey says becoming a firefighter just seemed right. His father Lorne was a longtime Fenelon Falls firefighter and set a “fine example” of what it meant to “help others” and be “connected to the community.”
“And I never really seen it as being that dangerous … or being a hero,” said Bailey. “We've been taught to do it safely, that there's a time and place to know what's the right thing to do.”
While there have been many changes since Bailey attended his first fire close to 65 years ago, they have “been for the better” — especially since amalgamation.
“Before that, some places (fire halls) didn't have a lot of the equipment and manpower they have today.”
The celebration also recognized those who retired in 2024 and 2025, including Douglas, Bailey, Doug Brear, Kevin Coppins, Phillip Pearce, Gerry Rintoul, Don Barber, Jim Laver, Walter Sweeney, Kelly Kimble and Derek Risebrough.
Members of Burnt River Station 20 were presented with the Pride and Ownership Award with the PeerNominated Most Dedicated Award presented to Neal Collins (Bethany Station 7), Doug Erlandson (Kirkfield Station 15), Roger Gostlin (Norland Station 17), Ron Lokodi (Emily Station 6) and Greg Harrison (Janetville Station 9).