An impressive ceremony was held here recently, as the Whitewater Region (WWR) Township Fire Department honoured several members of their department Saturday evening.
The Royal Canadian Legion Hall was abuzz with fire officials, firefighters, their families and friends, and members of WWR council for the 4th annual awards ceremony that recognized longevity of service and exemplary service to the department.
Chief Jonathan McLaren welcomed Councillors Mike Moore, Joey Trimm and Connie Tabbert, noting others like Mayor Neil Nicholson, MPP Billy Denault, and Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, sent their well wishes and congratulations.
“Today, we are celebrating some of the accomplishments of our fire department and our staff,” he said. “It would be impossible to recognize you individually for all your hard work and accomplishments this year, but we’re going to do our best to recognize some of the major milestones.”
Deputy-Chiefs Corey MacKenzie and Stacey Levesque opened the ceremony by acknowledging the recruits who successfully completed their probationary training.
“I would like to take a moment to recognize our probationary firefighters as they officially step into the esteem role of firefighters,” Dpty-Ch. Levesque noted. “You have spent countless hours training, learning, and preparing for this moment.
“You have demonstrated your skills and earned the trust of your colleagues in proven readiness when the community needs you, the most, whether that’s a blazing fire, a rescue operation, or providing comfort to those in moments of crisis.” he continued. “You are stepping into a role where every action you take could be a life changing difference.”
He noted how firefighters are more than just first responders.
“You are symbols of hope and safety. People look to you not just for assistance, but for reassurance in their darkest hours.
“That responsibility is immense, but so is the reward of knowing you were part of something greater than yourself,” he added. “Remember that firefighting is a team effort—each of us brings unique strengths, but together we form a unit that is stronger than any individual.”
He encouraged the graduating recruits to rely on their training, trust in their colleagues, and never stop seeking to learn and grow. The recruits proceeded to the front with their helmets where they had their probationary identification numbers removed and their new firefighting numbers attached to their helmets.
The graduates were: Tanner Bromley, Julie Charron, Aaron Chiasson, Adam Colucci, David Deinum, Travis Dougherty, Cameron Dube, Cassandra Goyette, Selain Jones, and Casey Williams. The recipients were recognized as Level 1 firefighters with certificates.
The Level 2 firefighters acknowledged were: Steve Barnett, Kyle Biggs, Brandon Burchat, Ian Earle Lacelles, William Heggie, Darren Irvine, Meghan James, Chris Martin, Kris Penner, Dan Ponsen, Steve Schison, Braden Smaglinski, Chris Smerdon, J.P. Somerset, Sean Tanguay, and Chris Wood.
Chief McLaren then recognized firefighters who had successfully completed the inaugural company officers Level 1 course: Captain Joel Bridges, Lieutenant John Malcolm, Lt. John Cull, Lt. Mike Meadows, Lt. Kyle Hood, Lt. Ben Snyder, Lt. Mark Snyder, and Lt. Mark McCullough.
Retirees Honoured
Two members of the department who decided to call it a career in 2025—Lt. Wade Lumax and firefighter Sean Tanguay—were recognized.
“You’ll both be missed for your hard work and dedication and you will not soon be forgotten,” the chief said. “As each year passes, new challenges and priorities pull us in different directions, and if that isn’t enough, the job keeps changing as well.
“The goal posts keep changing, the expectations keep changing, so to navigate the ebbs and flows of life, and the seemingly constant changes to the fire service, and stay around for so long, is a testament to your dedication,” Chief McLaren continued.
Years of Service
Dpty-Ch. Levesque called the recipients of the five, 10, 20, 25, 30 and 40 years of service awards.
“This is an opportunity for Whitewater Region to recognize our firefighters for their commitment to our community,” he stated.
Five Year Recipients – Natalie Black, Steve Brabazon, Travis Lafont, Chris Martin, Julie Parr, and Ashleigh Smerdon.
10 Year Recipients – Kyle Hood, Darrin Irvine, Kris Penner, Dan Ponsen, and Sean Tanguay.
20 Year Recipients – John Cull and Aaron Snyder.
25 Year Recipient – Reuben Snyder.
30 Year Recipient – Rick Ruttan.
40 Year Recipient – Steve Brabazon.
Exemplary Medals
Dpty-Ch. Levesque read a letter from the Solicitor General Kerzner, who authorizes the Exemplary Service Medals and Certificates.
“Each of you have gone above and beyond, making Ontario a safer and stronger place in the process. Firefighters are heroes who run toward danger when others run away,” he continued. “You protect our communities, our homes, and our lives. Thank you to every firefighter for putting service over self.”
The recipients were: Jamie Caswell, John Cull, Chief Jonathan McLaren, Ben Snyder, all with 25 years exemplary service, Steve Brabazon (25 years exemplary service and 40 years’ service), Lorin Martin (25 years exemplary service), Rick Ruttan (25 years exemplary service and 30 years’ service).
Councillor Connie White extended congratulations on behalf on Mayor Nicholson. His letter described a career as a firefighter, especially a volunteer, as a calling to honour, dedication and a deep sense of duty and sacrifice. He said it’s impossible to grasp the importance of what their role is unless you have donned the uniform.
“You have given a significant part of your lives to the department, your municipality, and the community,” he stated, also acknowledging the respect and honour due to the firefighters’ families. “Your sacrifices are very real. You share in the late nights, the interrupted holidays, and the constant uncertainty. We thank you for standing beside these firefighters every step of the way.”
Chief McLaren closed by congratulating all the recipients and sharing how proud he was of all personnel in the department and how it continues to evolve. He thanked council for its support through the purchase of new vehicles and equipment.
He stressed the success of the department can be credited to the training they undertake and their ability to work as a team in all situations and under whatever conditions they might face.