Firefighters promoted, recognized for significant contributions

By Patricia Leboeuf | June 21, 2018
Adam Walsh (second from left) was promoted to Deputy Platoon Chief Leader and received a 4th Canadian Division Support Base Petawawa Operations Services (4 CDSB Ops Svcs) Top Performer Award. Making the presentations are Fire Chief Barry Nagora (left), 4 CDSB Ops Svcs Commander Lieutenant Colonel Joe Hartson (second from right) and 4 CDSB Ops Svcs Regimental Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Lindsay Parsons. (Photo by Patricia Leboeuf, Petawawa Post)

Several National Defence Fire Service Garrison Petawawa firefighters were recently recognized for their achievements.

“At the Fire Hall, because a lot of them work behind the scenes, they aren’t seen on the day-to-day basis,” said 4th Canadian Division Support Base Petawawa Operations Services (4 CDSB Ops Svcs) Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel (LCol) Joe Hartson. “So this is just a small way of acknowledging their significant contribution to keeping us and everyone in the community safe.” In addition to fighting fires, these civilian and military members also promote fire safety, are involved in different types of rescues, are first responders and constantly train to refine their skills.

Every day is different and the tasks and challenges are multifold. Yet it is a job that each and every one of them does with pleasure.

Andrew Hubert (second from left) was promoted to Deputy Platoon Chief Leader. Making the presentations are Fire Chief Barry Nagora (left), 4th Canadian Division Support Base Petawawa Operations Services (4 CDSB Ops Svcs) Commander Lieutenant Colonel Joe Hartson (second from right) and 4 CDSB Ops Svcs Regimental Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Lindsay Parsons. Missing from below photo is Denise Townshend. (Photo by Patricia Leboeuf, Petawawa Post)

“They are extremely hardworking and dedicated people,” said LCol Hartson. “When the alarm goes, they run towards the danger.”

Awards and promotions were given out on June 6 before the other firefighters and staff as well as members of 4 CDSB Ops Svcs.

Jacques Caron (second from left) was promoted to Fire Inspector. Making the presentations are Fire Chief Barry Nagora (left), 4th Canadian Division Support Base Petawawa Operations Services (4 CDSB Ops Svcs) Commander Lieutenant Colonel Joe Hartson (second from right) and 4 CDSB Ops Svcs Regimental Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Lindsay Parsons. Missing from below photo is Denise Townshend. (Photo by Patricia Leboeuf, Petawawa Post)

Adam Walsh was presented with the Top Performer Award. He is the co-chair of the Joint Occupational Safety and Health Committee and the Labour Management Relationships Committee. He was chosen to sit on the National Wellness Advisory Committee and provided professional insight and feedback on National Defence Fire Service health and wellness initiatives. He has also helped fundraise and is deeply involved in sports and coaching youth.

“I was just doing good work and trying to contribute to the team,” said Walsh. “It is nice to know what you are doing is recognized.”

He was also promoted to Deputy Platoon Chief Leader alongside Andrew Hubert while Jacques Caron and Denise Townshend were promoted to Fire Inspector.