Members of the Drumheller Fire Department were honoured for their achievements two weekends ago at the Annual Stag and Awards presentation night.
Firefighters and their families were treated to dinner and then the awards presentations were made.
The Mayor's Trophy for highest attendance went to one of the newest members of the Department, Mitch Farmer.
“I was surprised with the attendance trophy. There are a lot of firefighters who put in high attendance,” said Farmer.
The Mayor's Trophy was created in 1982 and has had a recipient every year since. It goes to the firefighter with the highest percentage of emergency call responses in one year.
Not only did Farmer receive the Mayor's Trophy, he was presented with his pewter mug, engraved with his name and the year he joined the department. The mug is a tradition for members who complete their six month probation period.
“I got my mug and that was a great moment,” said Farmer. “I’m very proud to be in the Drumheller Fire Department. To be welcomed in, get my mug, and win the attendance trophy was a very exciting night.”
Farmer was inspired to join last year through grandfather and fire chief Bill Bachynski.
“I grew up seeing him and the department and joined a year ago,” said Farmer “I love it, I can’t get enough. There’s nothing else like it.”
Bob Boyce, another new member, was presented with his mug as well.
Merv Smith, who has been with the department for eight years was awarded the Rollie Yavis Trophy for oustanding achievement.
“I was quite surprised and I appreciate it very much,” said Smith.
“He was well deserving of the award,” said Bachynski. “It was an unanimous decision that it be awarded this year.”
The trophy was named in honour of long time fire department captain Rollie Yavis. The trophy was created last year and it was agreed upon by the officers that it would only be awarded when someone was deserving of it.
“Whoever is deserving would be someone who goes above and beyond, by helping other firefighters or organizing events for example,” explained Bachynski.
Two other members were present with long time service awards from the Province of Alberta. Nick Schinnour and Rod Audy have been with the department for 12 years and were presented with their medals and signed certificates from Premier Alison Redford.
The annual event, which has been a long tradition in the department, gives the chance for firefighters to be recognized for their tremendous contributions to the department and the community as a whole.
