South Frontenac Fire & Rescue Holds Exemplary Service Awards Ceremony

January 31, 2025 – On January 30, members of Council, South Frontenac staff and South Frontenac Fire & Rescue recognized 11 local firefighters with Fire Services Exemplary Service Medals from the Provincial and Federal governments. 

The recipients of this year’s Provincial and Federal Long Service Medals and ribbons are:

-    Bill Jones (Retired): Received recognition for 30, 35, 40, and 45 years of Provincial service.
-    Howard Williams (Retired): Received recognition for 30 years of Provincial service and 30 years of Federal service.
-    Mark Dermott (Retired): Received recognition for 30 and 35 years of Provincial service and 30 years of Federal service.
-    Bradley Greenslade: Received recognition for 30 and 35 years of Provincial service, 20 and 30 years of Federal service, and his spouse, Lorraine, received her 25-year companion pin.
-    Don Leiske: Received recognition for 25 years of Provincial service, and his spouse, Kathy, received her 25-year companion pin.
-    Chris Howland: Received recognition for 20 years of Federal service.
-    Stan Ritchie: Received recognition for 20 years of Federal service.
-    Mark Thibeault: Received recognition for 20 years of Federal service.
-    Raymond Smith: Received recognition for 20 years of Federal service.
-    Deb Andrews: Received recognition for 20 years of Federal service.
-    Alen Merritt: Received recognition for 20 years of Federal service.

“I want to thank everybody who takes the time to dedicate themselves to South Frontenac in the fire service”, says Mayor Ron Vandewal. “I know the time and commitment these individuals are putting into our fire services. It’s a huge commitment and for that I want to take this moment to thank you all.” 

Provided by the Governor General of Canada, the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal was created in 1985 to honour members of recognized Canadian fire services who have completed 20 years of service, ten years of which have been served in the performance of duties involving potential risks and were employed on or after the dates of the creation of the Medal. Exemplary service is characterized by good conduct, industry and efficiency. 

The Provincial Fire Services Long Service Medal was first awarded in 1971. It is awarded for 25 years of service as a full-time or volunteer firefighter with a fire department in Ontario. Additionally, a companion pin is awarded to the spouse or partner of a firefighter receiving their 25-year provincial service medal. 

“It’s very important to recognize the spouses and partners of all of our firefighters and the recipients this evening”, says Del Blakney, Director of Emergency Services and Fire Chief. “We all know that behind every uniform there’s even a stronger person at home who is taking care of business. The South Frontenac community thanks you.”

Blakney also noted that it will be his priority for 2025 to ensure that all applications for service medals will be submitted to bring all members of South Frontenac Fire & Rescue to current acknowledgement status.

Above Photo: Recipients of this year’s Provincial and Federal Long Service Medals and ribbons, (L-R) Mark Thibeault, Bradley Greenslade, Deb Andrews, Don Leiske, Mark Dermott, Alen Merritt, Chris Howland, Bill Jones, Stan Ritchie, Howard Williams and Fire Chief Del Blakney. Missing: Raymond Smith

Photo at top of page: Mayor Ron Vandewal, Deb Andrews, Fire Chief Del Blakney.

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