Firefighters honoured for years of service at Granada Theatre

The Sherbrooke Fire Department held a Governor General medal ceremony honouring new, active, full-time and retired firefighters for their years of loyal service on June 11 at the Granada Theatre.

It was the first ceremony since the pandemic. There was supposed to be a recognition event in 2020, but COVID-19 health and safety restrictions forced the fire department to push back the ceremony. The last time Sherbrooke honoured its firefighters was in 2017.

According to a press release, 108 members of the department received nominations. There were 28 new hires and 16 retirees. Meanwhile, 39 firefighters were recognized for 20 years of service, 19 for 30 years of service, and three for 40 years of service.

Fire Department Director Stéphane Simoneau delivered a posthumous tribute to the 12 members and former members who passed away in recent years. Simoneau was also one of the recipients of the medal for 30 years of service.

And there was a place of honour for retirees and administrative staff who have been with the department for more than 10 years. Deputy Premier Geneviève Guilbault also delivered touching testimonial to all the nominees and medal winners.

She specifically highlighted the commitment of the 40-year medal recipients, Mario Lussier, Daniel Laurendeau and Jean-pierre Lefebvre. There were several Sherbrooke city officials in attendance, as well, including Director General Gaétan Drouin.

Bruce Porter, a former photographer for The Record, was also one of the firefighters to step up on stage to receive a 30 years of service medal. He also retired from the fire department a few years ago, so this was a special moment honouring his years of service.

There were roughly 350 firefighters, family, friends, and politicians packed into the Granada Theatre. The ceremony normally takes place every three years. This event in particular was on the larger side because the city hasn’t been able to run it in almost five years.