GUELPH/ERAMOSA – The Guelph/Eramosa Fire Department paid tribute to Rockwood resident Kyle Dawe, an important member and supporter of the department.
In a July 6 Facebook post, the Guelph/Eramosa Fire Department recognized the passing of Dawe, 41, and his contributions to both the department and community.
“Today we lost one of our brothers. This morning marked the end of watch for Kyle Dawe, who has been an important part of our fire department for 30 years,” the post states.
“Kyle was the most enthusiastic member and supporter of our fire department and to say that he will be missed is an extreme understatement.”
Dawe was an active member in the Guelph/Eramosa Fire Department and the rest of the Rockwood community.
Guelph/Eramosa Fire Chief Jim Petrik said Dawe would volunteer around the fire hall and was always an enthusiastic contributor to the fire department.
“His passing has had a pretty significant effect across the whole town,” Petrik said, adding “very notable for us in the fire department but also his enthusiasm and his community service was really obvious to everyone.”
Dawe made contributions in a variety of different ways, whether it be attending and participating in training sessions or being the first to volunteer at community events.
Dawe would even ride his bike to the hall to support firefighters whenever they went out to respond to a call.
“Everyone loved Kyle. He was energetic, enthusiastic, always had a smile on, talked to everyone,” Petrik explained. “He was a real fixture in all of our community events, everyone in town knew him.
“He really put his heart and soul into the fire department.”
A celebration will be held to commemorate Dawe on July 17 at 1pm at 155 Guelph St. in Rockwood.
