Kawartha Lakes Fire Service honours dedicated members at awards and recognition event

Kawartha Lakes – Kawartha Lakes Fire Service proudly recognized the dedication, service and community commitment of its members at the 2025 Fire Rescue Service Award and Recognition Ceremony held on November 13 at Celebrations in Lindsay. 

Mayor Doug Elmslie, CAO Ron Taylor and members of Council attended the ceremony, with both the Mayor and CAO presenting portions of the event. The program also featured a special video message from Solicitor General and Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery, the Honourable Michael Kerzner. 

The event served as an opportunity to bring together firefighters from across Kawartha Lakes to celebrate exceptional service milestones, retirements and peer-nominated awards. 

“This event is about honouring the people who consistently show up for our community, often in the most challenging circumstances,” said Mayor Doug Elmslie. “Their dedication and longevity are a source of pride for all of Kawartha Lakes.” 

Long Service Awards 

Recipients were recognized for achieving service milestones and received service bars to mark their contributions. 

20 Years 

• Jeremy Baird – Station 1 Firefighter 
• Justin Mark – Station 2 Volunteer Captain
• Derek Risebrough – Station 3 Volunteer Firefighter
• Blair Smith – Station 12 Volunteer Captain
• Derek Lahay – Station 16 Volunteer Captain 
• Jennifer Locke – Station 17 Volunteer Firefighter
• Don Edmonds – Station 19 Volunteer Captain
• Kevin Giroux – Station 21 Volunteer Captain
• Andrew Gamsby – Station 22 Volunteer Captain
• Chris Empey – Station 22 Volunteer Firefighter
• Chris Hirstwood – Training Officer 

25 Years 

• Richard Thurston – Station 5 Station Coordinator
• Jamie Anderson – Station 15 Station Coordinator
• Robert Fildey – Station 19 Volunteer Captain
• Lucas Lowell – Station 22 Volunteer Captain
• Brandon Mitchell – Platoon Chief 

30 Years 

• Brian Beukeboom – Station 1 Captain 

40 Years 

• Terry Jones – Fire Chief 
• Dan Barr – Station 1 Firefighter 
• Larry Blodgett – Station 3 Station Coordinator 

50 Years 

• Bruce Douglas (Retired 2024) – Station Coordinator 

60 Years

• John Bailey – Station 22 Volunteer Firefighter

Retirement Awards 

A total of 11 retirees were acknowledged, each receiving a certificate of achievement. 

2024 Retirements 

• Bruce Douglas – 50 years of service  
• Doug Brear – 45 years of service 
• Kevin Coppins – 26 years of service 

2025 Retirements 

• John Bailey – 65 years of service 
• Phillip Pearce – 58 years of service 
• Gerry Rintoul – 54 years of service 
• Don Barber – 50 years of service
• Jim Laver – 46 years of service 
• Walter Sweeney – 45 years of service
• Kelly Kimble – 37 years of service
• Derek Risebrough – 21 years of service 

Special Awards 

Pride and Ownership Award 

Presented to Station 20 – Burnt River for exceptional pride, care and attention to their fire hall. Accepted by Station Coordinator Scott Sabovitch and Volunteer Captain Chris Hay. 

Peer-Nominated Most Dedicated Award 

Recognizing firefighters who display outstanding dedication to their station, their community, and their role as first responders. 

• Ron Lokodi – Station 6 Station Coordinator
• Neal Collins – Station 7 Volunteer Firefighter
• Greg Harrison – Station 9 Volunteer Captain
• Doug Erlandson – Station 15 Volunteer Firefighter
• Roger Gostlin – Station 17 Volunteer Captain 

As a surprise finale, Fire Chief Terry Jones was presented with his 40-Year Service Bar by CAO Ron Taylor, in recognition of his decades of leadership and commitment to the fire service. 

“The commitment and professionalism shown by our firefighters, whether they’ve served five years or fifty, is remarkable,” said Fire Chief Terry Jones. “It’s an honour to work alongside individuals who embody what it means to serve their community.”