PUSLINCH – The township and fire department here took a moment on Dec. 1 to honour five long-serving members of the volunteer fire department.
Chief Brad Bigrigg said COVID-19 has put a damper on recognition events in the past year, so it was pretty special to have all the department’s firefighters under one roof at the same time.
“I appreciate the people who serve; I really appreciate the people who serve so long,” he said.
“It’s not lost on us, everything you do for our community,” agreed Mayor James Seeley.
Deputy chief Brad Churchill handed out plaques and hardware to four firefighters with 35 years of service and one with 45 years with the department.
“The days of us celebrating these long-service milestones are very few,” Churchill said. “Very few people get these.”
“There’s over 200 years of service to the community right here,” Bigrigg said.
Mayor James Seeley is a firefighter with the Guelph service but he spent 12 years as a volunteer with Puslinch and he encouraged the existing force to stay and potential new recruits to make inquiries.
Receiving recognition for 35 years of service are: Alan Gordon, Scott Priest, John Uptegrove and Shawn Whaling.
Captain Ken Tosh was recognized for his 45 years with the Puslinch department.
