Two Gravenhurst firefighters recognized for service

Two Gravenhurst Fire Department members received recognition for their longstanding service on Thursday. 

Platoon Chief Chris Allen received the federal 20-year Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal. 

The federal government created the medal in 1985.

Learn more about the medal.

Allen also received a shadow box containing a years of service pin, a Gravenhurst Fire Department logo pin, a miniature of the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal, and a certificate signed by Gov-Gen. Mary Simon. 

Platoon Chief Tracy Jocque, the department’s training officer, received a shadow box for her provincial 25-year Ontario Firefighter Long Service Medal. Jocque received her medal at an earlier presentation. 

The Government of Ontario first issued the 25-year service medal in 1971. 

The shadowbox that Jocque received included a miniature of the medal, a years of service pin, a Gravenhurst Fire Department logo pin, and a certificate signed by the provincial fire marshal, Jon Pegg. 

The department created the shadow boxes as another way to recognize members for their long service. 

Mayor Heidi Lorenz presented the items to the two firefighters. 

The presentation took place during the Gravenhurst Fire Department’s annual recruit graduation and award ceremony Thursday evening at Fire Station 1 in downtown Gravenhurst.

Quotes

“On behalf of council I congratulate our platoon chiefs and thank them for their years of service to our community. Their contributions are a testament to their good character.” – Mayor Heidi Lorenz

“It is my privilege to work alongside these individuals. Their professionalism and dedication are evident in everything they do.” – Fire Chief Jared Cayley

About the Gravenhurst Fire Department

The Gravenhurst Fire Department has proudly served the community since 1877. The department has five full-time staff and more than 50 paid on-call/volunteer firefighters. The department has three stations: one in downtown Gravenhurst, another in Kilworthy, and a third station in Barkway.

Learn more about the department