Sutton firefighters honoured on November 30
Sutton’s public safety department held a particularly moving ceremony at the fire station on November 30. No fewer than seventeen firefighters were honoured for their 10, 20, 30, 40 and even 48 years of service, while others were saluted for their well-deserved retirement! The impressive gathering included all Sutton firefighters, active and retired with over 20 years’ service, and first responders, all in full uniform and accompanied by their families. Several dignitaries marked the event with their presence: Djamel Boumenna, Quebec advisor to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Pascale St-Onge, Colonel Martin Barrette, Reserve Chief of Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces Health Services Group, Alan Pavilanis, Deputy Mayor and Councillor, Linda Graham and Marie-José Auclair, Councillors, Pascal Smith, General Manager and Jonathan Fortin, Assistant General Manager. After a minute’s silence in tribute to the Sutton firefighters who are no longer with us, the solemn ceremony took place in an atmosphere of respect, dignity and fraternity. Many speeches were made, each more moving than the last, starting with that of Public Security Director Don Mireault, himself honoured for his 30 years of service. He expressed his pride in his team, and thanked in particular those who had inspired him throughout his career. The invited dignitaries spoke eloquently of their admiration and gratitude for the unfailing dedication and commitment of our firefighters: Djamel Boumena, as representative of the federal government; Colonnel Martin Barette , who has a long record of commitment to the public; Alan Pavilanis, as representative of the municipal council; and Pascal Smith as…
Sutton’s public safety department held a particularly moving ceremony at the fire station on November 30. No fewer than seventeen firefighters were honoured for their 10, 20, 30, 40 and even 48 years of service, while others were saluted for their well-deserved retirement!
The impressive gathering included all Sutton firefighters, active and retired with over 20 years’ service, and first responders, all in full uniform and accompanied by their families. Several dignitaries marked the event with their presence: Djamel Boumenna, Quebec advisor to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Pascale St-Onge, Colonel Martin Barrette, Reserve Chief of Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces Health Services Group, Alan Pavilanis, Deputy Mayor and Councillor, Linda Graham and Marie-José Auclair, Councillors, Pascal Smith, General Manager and Jonathan Fortin, Assistant General Manager.
After a minute’s silence in tribute to the Sutton firefighters who are no longer with us, the solemn ceremony took place in an atmosphere of respect, dignity and fraternity. Many speeches were made, each more moving than the last, starting with that of Public Security Director Don Mireault, himself honoured for his 30 years of service. He expressed his pride in his team, and thanked in particular those who had inspired him throughout his career.
The invited dignitaries spoke eloquently of their admiration and gratitude for the unfailing dedication and commitment of our firefighters: Djamel Boumena, as representative of the federal government; Colonnel Martin Barette , who has a long record of commitment to the public; Alan Pavilanis, as representative of the municipal council; and Pascal Smith as the administration’s big boss. Other speakers included Assistant Director Marc-Antoine Fortier, who expressed his admiration and emotion as he paid tribute to the firefighters honoured for their 20 and 30 years of service, Captain Patrick Gagné, who praised the resilience and support of firefighters’ families, and young Lieutenant Corey Mireault, who eloquently described how experienced firefighters had inspired, often from father to son, the youngsters who followed in their footsteps and took them as role models.
There’s no doubt that our fire safety service would not exist without the remarkable involvement of several generations of firefighters within Sutton families, nor without the support of the Town, which has invested heavily to maintain the performance level of both men and equipment. We are very fortunate in Sutton to have such a dedicated and motivated team of firefighters and first responders, who carry on the legacy and professionalism of those who came before them.
PROTECT, HELP AND SERVE are the three watchwords that unite the passion of these members. We are eternally grateful for their commitment and exceptional service.
LIST OF HONORED FIREFIGHTERS
10 years of service – Town of Sutton plaque
Firefighter Ghislain Bazinet / Firefighter Steve Bazinet / Firefighter Blair Cook / Assistant Director Marc-Antoine Fortier / Firefighter Ghislain Girouard / Firefighter Simon Mc Intyre / Firefighter Brian Rollins
20 years of service – Federal medal
Lieutenant Colin Davidson / Firefighter Éric Girouard
30 years of service – Federal medal
Director Don Mireault / Firefighter Martin Blanchette / Captain Patrick Gagné / Firefighter Patrick Goyette / Lieutenant Patrick Laplante / Firefighter Patrick Roy
40 years of service – Federal medal
Firefighter Gaby Bazinet
48 years of service and retirement – Town of Sutton plaque
Firefighter Gaëtan Laplante