The Courtenay Volunteer Fire Department recently honoured some of their own for reaching major career milestones at a ceremony at the Courtenay Fire Hall on July 1, before the Canada Day parade.

12 volunteers attained National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Level Two Certification. This is the same standard used by full-time departments in cities such as Vancouver and Victoria. The certification has been achieved by nearly all of Courtenay’s 47 firefighters.

Newly certified firefighters were:  Lynn Little,  Ryan Hamilton, Yemi Akintunde, Ian Robertson, Tanner Wilson, Nick Levesque, Daniel Filatreault, Michael Manning, Graham MacKenzie, Jacob Thorold, Stephanie MacLeod, and Savannah Seigler.

Deputy Fire Chief Dennis Henderson, the Courtenay Fire Department’s Training Officer, said each volunteer’s certificate required hard work, hundreds of hours of training, and dedication to a common goal.  “They should be very proud of their achievements. They are a credit to our department.”

Two other volunteers were recognized for their years of service.

Karen Campbell was recognized for her 10 years of service to the department, first as a firefighter, then as driver. Campbell is also nearing completion of the Fire Officer 1 certicate.

Captain Lane MacDonald was recognized for 50 years of dedication and loyalty to the fire service. Captain MacDonald began his career in Union Bay in 1966 before joining the Courtenay Fire Department in 1972. He remains an integral part of the Courtenay Fire Department’s training program. The department’s training ground in East Courtenay was named in his honour in 2015.

Henderson also noted that the department is also grateful to the families of their volunteers. “I can’t say enough about the level of support provided by our families,” advised Henderson. “Their commitment and understanding of what it takes to be a volunteer represents a major part of what makes our department so successful. They provide a real service to our community, and I hope they know how much they are appreciated.”

To learn more about the Courtenay Volunteer Fire Department, including future recruitment opportunities, call 250-334-2513 or email fire@courtenay.ca

Photos by McKinnon Photography

Pictured, left to right: Courtenay Fire Chief Don Bardonnex, Deputy Fire Chief Training Officer Dennis Henderson, Firefighters Lynn Little,  Ryan Hamilton, Yemi Akintunde, Captain Tony Hryko, Firefighters Ian Robertson, Tanner Wilson, Nick Levesque, Daniel Filatreault, Michael Manning, Graham MacKenzie, Jacob Thorold, Stephanie MacLeod, and Savannah Seigler.  

Firefighter Karen Campbell and Fire Chief Don Bardonnex

 Fire Chief Don Bardonnex and Captain Lane MacDonald