At the firefighter's awards banquet held at Virden Legion Hall on April 29, Reeve of the RM of Wallace-Woodworth / Chair of Wallace District Fire Board Clayton Canart, and Deputy Mayor of Virden Marc Savy brought greetings on behalf of their respective councils. Tara Maxwell, councillor for Virden serves on the Fire Boar and was on hand to make presentations as well. Fire Chief Tyson Van Eaton conducted the evening's presentations.
Brad Yochim, John Davidson received their second bars. The medal, created in 1985, recognizes firefighters who have completed 20 years of service to their department, a decade of which involved performing duties with potential risks. A bar is awarded for each additional ten years of service. These accompany their Governor General's Fire Service Exemplary Service Medals. Curtis Smith has also earned a second service bar which will be presented at a later date.
Yochim, who retired as Chief in 2022, has been with the department since 1980 and was recognized for his 40 years of service. Davidson began as a firefighter in Minnedosa in 1977.
Both men continue as active members. Brad serves on Station 2, and John on the Station 1 crew.
The late Gary Mahoney, who had over 40 years in the fire service at the time of his passing, had received his second bar and Certificate of Recognition. It will be presented to his family at a later date.
