STOUGHTON - At the Fire Station No. 4 in Regina, 64 fire fighters from around the surrounding areas and their families gathered for a special occasion on April 4.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award would be given to these men and women, including four firefighters from the Stoughton Tecumseh Fire Department.
Fire Chief Pat Slater was one to receive this prestigious award, along with three of his men.
“I am very proud of these men for there dedication over the years,” said Slater.
He has been with the department for 41 years, and most of these years as the fire chief.
“At times it is a difficult job, as it could be an accident, and that accident could very likely be someone we know, but we need to do our job, and put our own feelings aside,” said Slater.
Each time the fire unit goes out on a call, they are never sure what the situation may be. It could be a grass fire easily controlled in an hour or two, or a house engulfed in flames which will take many hours to put out.
Each time the department is called out they put their physical and mental health on the line to help others.
These four men have over 160 years of combined experience with the department and are all still active volunteers.
“We have dedicated a lot of time into the department and have built it into something,” said Slater.
Deputy Ray Coderre has 53 years under his belt. Coderre said he is very honoured to receive this award.
“It shows that people do recognize what we do,” said Coderre.
Deputy Chief Doug Turner said he has 38 years with the detachment in Stoughton.
“It makes me pretty proud to think someone appreciates our work enough to nominate us,” said Turner. “We are a team and I think a pretty good one.”
Deputy Randy Coderre is also honoured to receive the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award. He has served 35 years with the department.
