Just before the start of the Christmas break, the Carman Dufferin Fire Department honoured nine members for their years of service.
Isaiah ‘Zeke’ Hofer, Taylor ‘TJ’ Dyck and Colin Penner celebrated five years of service, while Brett Veldman was acknowledged for ten years. Along with Brett Takvam and Joey McElroy, who were honoured for 15 years, Chris Lemky received recognition for 20 years of dedication.
In addition, both Martin Dewit and Rick Penner were honoured with the Canadian Volunteer Fire Service Association Municipal Long Service Award for their respective 30 and 45 years of dedicated service.
“It is always an honour to be able to show a small token of appreciation for the hard work and dedication all of our volunteers put into the Carman/Dufferin Fire Department,” said Carman Fire Department fire chief Chris Lemky.
Lemky was incredibly humbled to be able to present Martin Dewit and Rick Penner with 30 years and 45 years of service, respectively.
“These two members have given so much and continue to give to this community through the Carman Dufferin Fire Department.”
Lemky himself was honoured for his 20 years of service and plans to try and make it to 45 years like his colleague Rick Penner.
“I certainly hope I can make it; as long as I can keep learning and contributing in positive ways to this department and this community, I will continue to do so.”
Some of the most memorable moments for Lemky in his 20 years include the expansion and addition of the Fire Hall in 2008/2009. Being hired by the RM of Dufferin and the Town of Carman councils as Fire Chief in 2023 was also a major honour for him.
“I have enjoyed every aspect of my 20 years on this department, and will continue to find ways to push this organization to be able to better serve this community.”
Lemky and his colleagues are excited about what 2024 will bring for the Carman Dufferin Fire Department.
“There will be many new training opportunities for our members, new equipment to learn and train on, continued work on our training facility, a recruitment evening, and a first-ever Firefighter’s Association Fundraiser Ball.”
The Firefighter’s Association Valentines Ball will be held on Feb. 10 at the Carman Community Hall.
Tickets are available from any Carman Dufferin Fire Department member.
