ST. PAUL – It was a night of recognition, a night to acknowledge the dedication and work of the members of St. Paul’s volunteer firefighters.
It was also a night of goodbyes, as several members of the local fire department retired. And finally, it was a night of welcome, with new members joining the fold.
On Jan. 19, at the Landing Hotel, the St. Paul Fire Department held its third annual awards night.
Years of Service Awards
First on the night’s agenda were the fire department’s Years of Service Awards, presented by Deputy Chief Henry Thomson.
Receiving the five-year pin was Patrick Bergen who started at the fire department in 2019.
There were no 10-year service pins presented this year but receiving the 15-year service pins were Captain Chad Bachelet, Dwight Melnyk, Kiel Anderson, and Chris Boorse.
Receiving the 20-year service pin was Lieutenant Daniel Green, while Lyle Hovelkamp received the 40-year service pin.
“I tried to figure out when [Hovelkamp] joined. But as I was going through the stone tablets that we kept records on back then, I found that they were all cracked and broken,” said Thomson as he introduced Hovelkamp, earning laughs from the crowd.
“I do want to put something in perspective though,” said Thomson, noting the fire department was founded in 1945, and the department is entering its 79th year. “So, [Hovelkamp] has been a member... for more than half of its [the St. Paul Fire Department] existence. So, just think about that for a second.”
Thomson said Hovelkamp has always been a leader and a guide for many of the fire department’s members.
Accepting his pin, Hovelkamp spoke to the crowd, thanking many people, including the families of the firefighters, as well the firefighters who have served in the past, and those who continue to serve today.
Hovelkamp also expressed pride in his fellow firefighters, of the efforts they must go through to train and develop themselves to properly and effectively respond to incidents.
“God protected me - us - and I pray that we stay safe and that we return to the station all together, all healthy each and every time,” he said.
Finally, he thanked his family and his son. “My beautiful son, thank you for your love too for being so proud of daddy for being a firefighter. Now, quit telling everybody my age whether they ask or not.”
Alberta Emergency Services Medal Presentation
The Alberta Emergency Services Medal (AESM) was also presented by Chief Trevor Kotowich and Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr.
The medal has the words ‘In Service of Albertans’ bound on one side. And on the other side is the Alberta Shield carved with the words ‘Emergency Services Alberta.’
Kotowich explained the blue ribbon with three thin white stripes represents the province’s colour, with the white stripes representing the “good service, loyalty, and conduct,” of the awardee.
The AESM requires at least 12 years of service as an emergency first responder, according to Kotowich. This year, two members of the fire department received the award - Kiel Andersen and Captain James McGonigal.
Fire Services Exemplary Medal
The Fire Services Exemplary medal is awarded by the Chancellery of Canadian Orders. A medal that requires a minimum service of 20 years, and 10 years served in performing duties that involve high risk.
Presenting the medal on behalf of the Chancellery was Town of St. Paul Mayor Maureen Miller. “Tonight, we come together with immense pride and heartfelt appreciation to honour a remarkable individual who has dedicated three decades of his life to the service for our community,” said Miller.
The medal was awarded to Kotowich.
“May your light continue to shine brightly illuminating the path for those who follow in your footsteps. Congratulations,” said Miller.
Outstanding Performance
In 2020, a special commemorative coin was created and issued to firefighters, and sometimes the public, for outstanding performance. It is called The Office of the Fire Chief Challenge Coin for Outstanding Performance, explained Kotowich.
Receiving the 2023 challenge coin medals were firefighters Mathieu Lefebvre, Ryan Brake, Jeremy Blanchette, and Hovelkamp.
Kotowich also recognized the firefighters who responded and assisted in wildfires in Canada, last year. He said that many members of the department have responded to fires across Western Canada with different contracting companies.
“And we have a lot of these guys here tonight,” said Kotowich.
This list includes members who helped with wildfires in the County of Grand Prairie, representing the St. Paul Fire Department. These firefighters are: Assistant Deputy Chief Ben Burton, Captain Brad Williams, and Devin Rewoldt.
Retirement
Five members of the local fire department are also retiring this year.
Chris Boorse served at the St. Paul Fire Department since 2019, Kurtis Kylczycki served since 2015, Todd Elliott served since 20212, Captain Chad Bachelet served since 2009, and Captain Rob Duffy served since 2008.
“[Retirement] is always tough because I’m always sad to see guys go... it is always hard to replace the knowledge, skills, and abilities that these individuals will take with them,” said Kotowich. “Having said that... I am confident that they are leaving at a time that others are able to pick up the torch and carry on.”
Firefighter of the Year Award
Finally, concluding the program was the presentation of the Firefighter of the Year 2023 Award.
Every year, members of the fire department select a firefighter “who goes above and beyond,” explained Kotowich. The members select someone they feel represents the department and the community in a positive way.
This year’s firefighter of the year is David Thomson. David is a young man who has stepped up and shown leadership and mentorship, said Kotowich.
“I couldn’t tell what drove you guys to vote for me this year,” said Thomson, as he accepted his award. “But I’m proud... I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. I really do. It’s an incredible honour.”
Thomson said he did not expect the award, citing the incredible feats of his fellow firefighters.
“It’s just... thank you.”
