The Pitt Meadows Fire Department held its annual awards banquet Saturday to honour volunteers.
Bill Mitchell, who has been a volunteer for 19 years and, Peter Hammond, a volunteer for 16 year, left the department in 2012 to pursue other careers.
Jack Dougan retired from the department in 2012 after 32 years, but rejoined the department on Saturday.
“He couldn’t stay away,” said fire chief Don Jolley. “That says everything about these people and their commitment to the community.”
Four firefighters – Brent Hannah, Preston Erb, James Harcus and Mark Davies – received their National Fire Prevention Association certification last year.
“All of them now have the exact same qualification as firefighters in the City of Vancouver or anywhere else,” Jolley said.
Hannah also received the firefighter of the year award.
Jason Stefan, Juan Ferrero and Sean Staples graduated from the fire officer training program.
Staples was also recognized for five years of service, while Stephan Drolet was honoured for 10 years of service.
The special recognition award went to Bruce Edwards, who has taken charge of the department’s driver training program.
The officer of the year, who is picked by other firefighters, went to Capt. Dave Biggins and asst. chief Rob Chatton.
“It’s the first time other firefighters have chosen a chief,” Jolley told council Tuesday.
James Harcus got the Heart in My City Award, which recognizes firefighters who do a lot of community work, such as volunteering for Pitt Meadows Day and Hot Summer Nights.
The Pitt Meadows fire department is staffed by paid-on call volunteer department and is currently recruiting.
• For more information, visit pittmeadowsfire.com.