ST. PAUL - Fire Chief Trevor Kotowich first joined the St. Paul Fire Department on Aug. 1, 1990 - making him one of many firefighters who would have received special recognition at the department's 2020 Christmas party.
Due to restrictions around gatherings, that function could no be held, but a list of service awards has been compiled honouring the dedication of a number of St. Paul's firefighters.
When asked to sum up the past 30 years, Kotowich says, "The past three decades has been one heck of a ride." The fire chief says he truly believes he works with "the best people on Earth."
When speaking about the fire department, and the many volunteers who make up the crew Kotowich says, "Their dedication and commitment is, and has been unwavering. We have experienced many changes - the way we operate, the level of training members receive, the equipment we use. So much has changed."
When asked what made him join the fire department three decades ago, Kotowich says that while firefighting is often a "family business," he is the first Kotowich to have joined the SPFD. It's simply something he knew he wanted to accomplish.
"Ever since I was five years old, I knew what I wanted to do."
Kotowich says he has been very fortunate to have the support of friends and family along the way.
"Who knows, maybe we’ll see my son join in not the too distant future. That would be very satisfying for me," says Kotowich.
Deputy Fire Chief Henry Thomson was also in the list for long-time service awards. He has been with the SPFD for 25 years.
"I initially was interested in joining the fire department because I was new in town and didn’t really know anyone except my co-workers," explains Thomson, when asked how he initially become involved. "One of my co-workers was a member of the department and he made it sound like it was a great group of people who were trying to do their part to help out the community."
Thomson says his co-worker was correct, and it remains to be the case.
"While there are not too many of those members from 25 years ago still on the department, that’s still how I would define the organization - a great group of people trying to do their part to help out the community," says Thomson.
"Looking back, I’ve had the privilege of serving with over 100 different individuals. I’ve developed so many friendships and have learned so much from all of them over these years," adds the deputy chief.
The department was also planning to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2020, which has been put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The department is still hoping a celebration honouring the department's 75-year history can be held at some point this year.
The 2020 service award recipients include:
5 Years: Bradley Bespalko, Jeremy Blanchette, Adrien Christensen, David Thomson, Kurtis Kulczycki
10 Years: Chris Schuh
20 Years: Assistant Deputy Chief Ben Burton, Paul Jean
25 Years: Gilles Jean, Deputy Chief Henry Thomson
30 Years: Fire Chief Trevor Kotowich
