West Grey Fire Service honours long-serving firefighters at annual awards ceremony

Pictured from left to right:

Chief Phil Schwartz, Kevin Hilgendorf (40 years), Andrew Brown (20 years), Dave Clark (20 years), Darrell Peter (40 years), Scott Kuntz (20 years), Brian Liesemer (35 years), Deputy Chief Edwards

WEST GREY, ON – The West Grey Fire Service proudly hosted a long service awards ceremony at the Durham Fire Station on October 12, 2023. The event celebrated and recognized the remarkable commitment of exceptional individuals who have contributed years of service to our community.

The Exemplary Service Medal Award is presented to firefighters with 20 years of exemplary service. Service Bars are awarded at 10-year increments after the 20-year Medal. The Governor General's Office of Canada presented the Exemplary Service Medal Awards to the following recipients:

• Captain Scott Kuntz started his service in 2001 and received the Exemplary Service Medal.  
• Captain Dave Clark started his service in 2002 and received the Exemplary Service Medal. 
• Firefighter / Pump Operator Andrew Brown started his service in 2001 and received the Exemplary Service Medal. 
• Firefighter / Former Captain Darrell Peter started his service in 1982 and received a 40-year Service Bar.
• Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Hilgendorf started his service in 1982 and received a 40-year Service Bar.

In addition to these remarkable achievements, the Province of Ontario, through the Office of the Fire Marshal, honored our dedicated firefighters with the Fire Services Long Service Medal. This award is presented to firefighters with 25-years of long service. Service Bars are awarded at 5-year increments after the 25-year Medal. The recipients of this prestigious award are:

• Captain / Former Deputy Chief Ronald Pfeffer started his service in 1994 and received the 25-year Long Service Medal.
• Captain Brian Liesemer started his service in 1988 and received a 35-year Service Bar.
• Deputy Chief Kevin Hilgendorf started his service in 1982 and received a 40-year Service Bar.
• Firefighter / Former Captain Darrell Peter started his service in 1982 and received a 40-year Service Bar.

The Municipality of West Grey extends congratulations to all recipients of these distinguished awards. Their selfless dedication and tireless commitment to the fire service and the community have been instrumental in ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents.  

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