Nova Scotia Recognizes Thirteen Firefighters

Some of Nova Scotia's longest-serving firefighters were recognized today, Oct 5, at a special ceremony in Truro, in honour of 25 years of dedication to fire services.

Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour, awarded 13 recipients from across the province with the Fire Services Long Service Medal.

"Firefighters deserve the support and recognition of all of us because of their valuable contributions to Nova Scotian communities," said Mr. Parent. "I am pleased that all exemplary service medals given out in the past and in the future will now receive provincial recognition. Our firefighters deserve it."

Since 1980, the Office of the Fire Marshal has been awarding exemplary service medals to firefighters who have helped serve and protect Nova Scotia communities. The medals had not previously been officially recognized in legislation.

The award is issued to any person who serves as a firefighter for 25 years and who received a federally issued medal for 20 years of service.

"Our fire-service professionals in Nova Scotia appreciate the support and recognition of government," said Tom Bremner, president of the Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia. "Firefighting is one of the most important services in the province because it is present in every community."

Below is list of recipients receiving long service medals at today's ceremony:

• Noel White, Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Services
• Greg MacDonald, Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Services
• Arnold Wood, Parrsboro Fire Department
• Wendall MacLeod, Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Services
• David MacLeod, Department of National Defence Fire Services
• Bernard MacKinnon, Cape Breton Regional Municipality Fire Services
• Joe Mannette, Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Services
• Ricky Thomas Banks, Shag Harbour-Bear Point Fire Department
• Edward Wesley Nickerson, Shag Harbour-Bear Point Fire Department
• William Thompson, Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Services
• Kevin Boates, Truro Fire Service
• Edward Paul LeBlanc, Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Services
• Keith Hatchard, Annapolis Royal Fire Department

Since 1980, the Office of the Fire Marshal has given out more than 2,500 long-service medals to volunteer and paid firefighters in Nova Scotia.