Long-term service medals were presented to almost a third of the members of Cochrane Fire Services today.

Awarded were the Alberta Emergency Services Medal (AESM) and Bronze Bar Rosette, as well as the federally recognized Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal.

The Alberta Emergency Services Medal honours emergency services personnel who are involved in supporting response, prevention and preparedness in Alberta and have committed to over 12 years of service. Recipients of the medal are also nominated to receive a subsequent bar at 22 (bronze), 32 (silver) and 40 years (gold) of service. Eligible recipients must have been serving on or after January 1, 2000, in a sector of the Alberta emergency management system.

Recipients of the AESM and Bronze Bar Rosette were:

12-Year Medal

  • Brad Hoey, First Class Firefighter
  • Eric Paxman, Third Class Firefighter
  • Jason Hamel, First Class Firefighter
  • Kevin Demeter, First Class Firefighter
  • Matthew Cameron, Second Class Firefighter

22-Year Bronze Bar

  • Grant MacKinnon, Captain, Fire Services
  • Leanne Hall, Senior Firefighter (retired)
  • Jory Jenson, Captain
  • Shelley Shelstad Jenson, Senior Firefighter

32-Year Silver Bar

  • Rob Olenick, Lieutenant

The Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal (FSESM), created on August 29, 1985, honours members of a recognized Canadian fire service who have completed 20 years of service, 10 years of which have been served in the performance of duties involving potential risks, and were employed on or after the date of creation of the Medal.

Recognized fire services include Canadian fire departments, fire marshals’ offices, fire commissioners’ offices and the Canadian Forces fire services. Exemplary service is characterized by good conduct, industry and efficiency.

Recipients of the FSESM were:

20 years of Exemplary Service

  • Russ Innes, Lieutenant
  • Jay Wieliczko, Captain

10 Year additional Exemplary Service

  • Harold Phillips, Senior Firefighter

Local MLA Peter Guthrie, MP Blake Richards and Mayor Jeff Genung participated in the ceremony.