Blind River mayor Sally Hagman highlighted service awards handed out to several of the town’s firefighters in her remarks to council at its meeting Monday evening.
With the meeting being the last for 2023 and before Christmas, the mayor took the opportunity to acknowledge members of the fire service and others who work to make the community better.
“Last week I had the privilege of recognizing our volunteer firefighters,” she said of the 24-member department. “This team of dedicated individuals under the leadership of Fire Chief Ryan Belair go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the residents of Blind River have exceptional fire coverage.”
“I would like to acknowledge the following volunteer firefighters on their years of service and training: Brandon Geoffroy, five years; Josh Bates, five years; Connor Bradford, 10 years; Eric Richer; 15 years; Hassan Azzi, 15 years; Richard Geoffroy, 20 years; Bill Richardson, 20 years; Bryan Bates, 25 years; and Bruce Brisbois, 35 years."
She also acknowledged recipients of the Ontario Fire Marshall Fire Services Long Service Medal Awards which included Bates, 25 year medal; Brisbois, 25 year medal with 35 year pin; and Darrell MacLean, 25 year medal with 30 and 40 year pins.
The Firefighter of the Year Award and recipients of the Richard Pelletier Merit of Distinction included Bruce Richardson and Bruce Brisbois.
“Simply amazing,” she said.
The mayor also noted town achievements including work to improve the arena’s life expectancy, new sidewalks on Causley Street, new sewer and water lines on Woodward Avenue, along with the announcements of a new school and a new hotel.
“It’s a time of year to be thankful for all of our good fortune. We have not experienced floods, forest fires, earthquakes, tornadoes or extreme heat waves. Council is aware that there are people in our community who are struggling. We are grateful to those who run our food bank, who organize Christmas baskets and those who watch over our elderly and our youth,” she said. “Over the holiday we ask that you reach out to those in need but also take care of your own health and happiness. This holiday season give to those in need but also give to yourself -the gift of gratitude for all that we have and for the future of possibilities.”