Squamish Fire Rescue held its Annual Firefighter Appreciation Dinner on October 16 at the Squamish Valley Golf Course with over 90 attendees including Council, the Chief Administrative Office and the Manager of Protective Services to honour the hard work and dedication of Squamish's firefighters.
The Appreciation Dinner is an opportunity to thank all members of Squamish Fire Rescue for their dedication, for the long hours involved in protecting the citizen’s of Squamish, and for the many personal sacrifices they make on a regular basis to provide the high level of service they consistently deliver.
"Our firefighters regularly give up some of life’s little pleasures such as having a drink containing alcohol, going for walks or bike rides on our great trails or even leaving the District, so they can remain available to respond to their neighbours' requests for help," said Fire Chief Tom Easterbrook. "Often our firefighters are called away from family or social functions and are often jolted from a good night’s sleep to answer the call to duty."
The evening also recognized the importance of Squamish's firefighters' family, friends, and spouses. Firefighters' families give up large amounts of time (over 200 hours per year) to allow Squamish's firefighters to attend all activities both emergency and non-emergency. Families and friends offer support and understanding when the firefighter has to unexpectedly leave functions, dinners, and events to answer the call to duty.
"Congratulations to all those being recognized and to Jordan Lawerence, John Leroux and Aaron Foote for the Federal Exemplary Long Service Awards for 20 years and special recognition to Aaron Foote for 20 years with Squamish Fire Rescue," said Mayor Greg Gardner.
The citizens of Squamish owe these firefighters and their families a debt of gratitude. Many businesses in Squamish and along the Sea to Sky Corridor were approached and asked to show their appreciation and support for our firefighters. The response and support received was nothing short of incredible. Donations and door prizes from 85 businesses valuing several thousand dollars were received. Squamish Fire Rescue wants to thank each of these businesses for helping to make the 2010 Firefighter Appreciation Dinner as memorable as it was.
For more information contact Tom Easterbrook at 604.898.9666
