With everyone decked out in their best suits, gowns and firefighter uniforms, the event served as an opportunity to commemorate the local firefighters who risk their lives to help the community.

Celebrating 40 years since the Shawville and Clarendon fire departments signed an agreement to amalgamate in 1979, it was a special night for SCFD Chief Lee Laframboise.

Following the speeches, the Shawville Lions Club presented Laframboise with a plaque congratulating the SCFD on four decades of service since the Shawville and Clarendon fire departments amalgamated.

“It is [extra special],” said Laframboise. “It’s very special.”

Reminiscing the old days of the SCFD, Laframboise praised the departments former firefighters for their bravery and sacrifices in an era where it was a much more dangerous job than it is today.

“They didn’t have the equipment that we have now,” said Laframboise. “Lots of fires they went to were 10 to 12 hours. When we go it’s four, five or six hours, you just put the breathing apparatus on and come in.”

In the form of a sit-down dinner, the event was accompanied by several moving speeches including one from Chris Judd and Laframboise himself, a video presentation detailing the SCFD’s history, an awards ceremony and a dance party with live music to finish things off in style.

“We wanted to have a sit-down meal,” said Laframboise. “We usually just have a party. But it just happens to be 40 years that they signed an agreement to go together.”

Laframboise followed the video presentation by awarding plaques to firefighters Julien Gagnon and Joe McLeary for five years of service and Greg Hayes for 20 years of dedication to the department.

For Laframboise, who has been Chief since 1998, the night was an opportunity to think about all the sacrifices firefighters make in order to serve their communities and why they remain so dedicated.

“I honestly don’t understand why anybody would want to be a fireman,” said Laframboise. “Every time you go to work it’s terrible. But we love it.”

Laframboise mentioned the great amount of respect he has for his fellow SCFD firefighters and that he has a great deal of trust for them. He just hopes he has theirs in return.

“I have a lot of respect for them,” said Laframboise. “They deserve more credit than they get. I get respect from them and that’s what I want.

“They have my back no matter what. There’s no doubt,” he continued. “When push comes to shove, I can pretty much count on all of them.”

The meal for the evening was catered by Café 349 while volunteers from the Shawville Lions Club served refreshments from the bar.

All the proceeds from the event will go back to the fire department to help pay for new equipment, according to Laframboise.

On April 6, over 150 people gathered at the Shawville Lions Hall for the annual SCFD Fireman’s Ball. Pictured three former firefighters who served during the 1979 amalgamation, from left: Versil Smith, Neil Sharpe and Roy Thoms.

Joe McCleary was awarded with a plaque for five years of service by Chief Lee Laframboise.

Blake Pirie, SCFD Deputy Chief, seated at his table prior to the speeches.

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