Saturday night proved bittersweet for the Waltham Fire Department, as members were recognized for their commitment to the community and they bid a formal farewell to a longstanding member who retired from the force in 2018.

With over 35 years under his belt, the crew, local council, and town employees had the chance to wish Gerald Chassie a happy retirement, marking his service with a plaque and many a story, at the annual Waltham Appreciation Dinner.

First joining the Waltham crew in the early 80s, Chassie remembered fondly what made him don the uniform.

“When I first saw these [local firefighters] running into a fire, I was probably 18 years old, and thought, ‘These guys are crazy,’” said Chassie, of starting with the department.

After helping guide the crew to a fire further out in Chapeau in the middle of a blizzard, seeing them get stuck and forced to make two trips by foot to put it out, he made the only logical conclusion.

“So I was coming back from the fire after all that and I said, ‘Well you know what, I think I want to join the fire department,” said Chassie.

From there, it only led to a lifetime of memories with the crew, with Chassie having a hard time pinpointing a favourite one.

“There’s a lot of memories I’ll cherish forever,” he said.

But for Chief Larry Perry, there was no hesitation in a stand-out moment, recounting a certain fundraiser that quickly turned into a competition between Chassie and another firefighter.

One year, while the community had donated many items to be sold in a garage sale by the crew, the end of the day saw a mismatch of many items and no buyers stepping up.

“When one would wrap up a sale of several items for two dollars, the other would try to steal the sale by adding another, and the deal got sweetened with a lower price,” said Perry.

As the two competed, this game with the last of the items continued for a half hour.

When they wrapped up that final sale, Perry said, they didn’t make more than a few dollars off the multi-item deal. But the firefighters did provide plenty of entertainment, even with it long forgotten who closed that deal.

“That day ended with laughter and a lot of fun,” said Perry. “To this day, I’m not sure who was the best salesman and it doesn’t matter. Because the memory of that day and the bonds of friendship are more important.”

However, Chassie was not the only firefighter honoured that evening.

Waltham’s annual Firefighter of the Year Award was presented to Jason Pilon, a dedicated newer recruit who left his probationary status behind just a year ago at the same dinner.

“The firefighter has demonstrated great dedication and desire to contribute to the highest levels of firefighting performance,” said Perry of Pilon.

As well, firefighter Charlie Ethier was presented with an award long overdue.

Pro-mayor Gerard Pharand explained that the award was to be given in early 2018, when the MRC Pontiac wanted to acknowledge reliable volunteers in each municipality. Since the occasion had come and gone, the annual supper was the perfect chance to present Ethier with it amongst all of his peers.

Finally, there was one unexpected award presented that evening, kept secret from all but a select few.

Pharand was proud to present the chief himself with a special award, recognizing his commitment to Waltham year after year and through thick and thin.

“He’s been in the fire department for 47 years, fire chief for 40,” said Pharand. “I think it’s about time that we recognize that man.”

Beyond awards, all who were invited that evening were celebrated, as the dinner is meant to give back to the people who keep the town running smoothly. From administration through to town workers, it’s a chance for the municipality to give back.

“It’s a spirit booster, to recognize the people who do so much for Waltham,” said Perry.

As well, Perry spoke to the year ahead for the fire department, while reflecting on 2018.

The Waltham Fire Department was proud to have responded to 15 calls last year and boasts a crew of 17 members and four dispatchers. Currently, there are four firefighters undergoing officer courses, which will certify them to continue to be leaders within the department.

This year’s Firefighter of the Year Award was presented to a member who joined in 2015. From left: Fire Chief Larry Perry presents Jason Pilon with the award, for his dedication to the crew and the number of hours put in in 2018, across a variety of tasks.

Longstanding volunteer Charlie Ethier was recognized as well, with an award from the MRC Pontiac for his dedication to the municipality. From left: Fire Chief Larry Perry, Pro-mayor Gerard Pharand and Ethier.

The chief also received an award from the municipality for his outstanding work as a crucial part of the community. From left: Fire Chief Larry Perry receives the award from Pro-mayor Gerard Pharand.

Register or subscribe to read this content

Thanks for stopping by! This article is available to readers who have created a free account or who subscribe to The Equity.

When you register for free with your email, you get access to a limited number of stories at no cost. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access to everything we publish—and directly support quality local journalism here in the Pontiac.

Register or Subscribe Today!