Donald Teuma-Castelletti
SHAWVILLE Dec. 1, 2018
The Shawville-Clarendon Fire Department (SCFD) held their annual awards evening on Saturday, where it was announced that the crew has two new recipients of the Governor General’s award for fire services.
Both Mike Tubman and Ken Evans received the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal, for 20 years of dedication to the force.
While Tubman has been with the SCFD for all of his service, Evans had worked with other departments in municipalities before joining up with this one five years ago.
“I moved back here and felt something was missing,” said Evans, of joining the SCFD. “When they lit the fire under me, it really took.”
Tubman said his time with the department has seen its fair share of good times and bad, all depending on the calls they respond to. If it weren’t for the work the SCFD does, he added, a lot of people would go without getting the help they need.
“If you knock down a small fire it doesn’t become a big one,” he said.
But these two weren’t the only members honoured that night, as Hursty’s was packed with firefighters, family members and councillors when seven plaques were presented, and the firefighter of the year was named.
Receiving plaques for service with the SCFD for five years were Evans and Garrett Woolsey. Travis Corrigan and Chris Hobbs were recognized for 10 years of service, and John Beattie for 13 years. Sylvain Durocher received a plaque for 15 years of service, and Tubman also received a plaque for 20 years of service with the crew.
Finally, this year’s Firefighter of the Year Award was presented to Paul Emmerson, for his willingness to go above and beyond in all tasks and overall can-do, happy attitude in the short time he’s been with the crew.
“It’s an honour, I didn’t expect it at all,” said Emmerson.
Emmerson said he was caught off guard as he had only been with the SCFD for a short time, but was grateful to be receiving it. He explained that he had joined up after moving to Shawville in order to give back and do more for his community.
“At 53, it’s quite a challenge,” he said. “It’s a lot of learning and a lot of training.”