Dan Ferguson says he was “totally taken aback” when he discovered he was the latest addition to the Erin Wall of Fame.
Ferguson was recognized for serving 25 years with the town’s fire department, as well as 22 years as a volunteer with the local minor hockey association.
“If you keep on coaching in hockey after your own kids are no longer there – that’s a volunteer,” Mayor Rod Finnie said with a laugh at the certificate presentation last week at council.
Ferguson thanked council for its ongoing support of the fire department, which he said is lucky to have councillors who will back the department but also let it run somewhat autonomously.
The other Wall of Fame inductee this year is Bridget Ryan, who Finnie said is being recognized for her work in three areas: with St. John Brebeuf Catholic School (particularly its “Garden/Green Group”), the church of the same name and at the Everdale Organic Farm and Environ-mental Learning Centre.
The mayor explained it’s Ryan’s work with children, which he called some of the most important work there is, that the town is recognizing.
Ryan said she is “humbled” by the honour, adding everything she accomplished was “on the coattails” of the organizations with which she is involved.
She quipped that she heard Wall of Fame members get 50% off their municipal taxes, but councillors would have none of it.
The Erin Wall of Fame, located at Centre 2000, recognizes individuals who have selflessly donated their time to contribute something to the community, often over many years or even decades.
