The Town of Pelham celebrated and recognized the service of volunteer firefighters at an in-person ceremony held on September 27th 2022 in Fenwick, the first since 2019.

During the ceremony, 19 volunteer firefighters were recognized for their continued dedication to the community. Town of Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin was on hand to extend his congratulations and gratitude to the dedicated volunteers. Fire Chief Bob Lymburner and Town of Pelham CAO David Cribbs each took the opportunity to remark on the exceptional commitment and impact the volunteers have on the community.

Recognized individuals included members who have served for 20, 25, 30 or 40 years and those retiring from the service. Receiving an award for 40 years of service was Captain Terrance Beckett. For 30 years, Captain Tim VanderWeide, District Cheif Ben Gutenberg, and District Cheif Jim Waldeck. For 25 years, Firefighter Dean Culig, Captain Henry Timmers, Firefighter Marcel Mooren, and Captain Phil Toffolo. For 20 years, District Cheif Adam Arbour, Lieutenant Greg Beaulieu, Lieutenant Roy Moffat, Lieutenant Edward Slappendel, Captain Pete Wierenga, Captain Alvin Bearing, Captain Glenn Harrison, Captain Chris Ker, Captain Dave Kszan, Lieutenant Phil Topa, Firefighter John Lockey. The culmination of the volunteers’ service length reached 450 combined years.

In 2021, 397 calls were responded to between the three stations and ranged from requests for medical assistance to motor vehicle collisions and structure fires. The volume of calls received in 2022 has already exceeded the previous year.

For more information about Pelham Fire Services, please see www.pelham.ca/fire