DIDSBURY - The Town of Didsbury has officially recognized the longtime service of firefighter Todd Paulson, who recently received the renowned Fire Exemplary Service Medal for 20 years of service with the local department.
The award is administered by the the Chancellery of Honours through the Governor General of Canada. Paulson received the award during a ceremony hosted by the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association in Edmonton on Nov. 26.
The town officially recognized his achievement during a brief ceremony at the Dec. 12 council meeting.
Paulson actually achieved the 20 year milestone in 2021, but due to various delays, was only recently awarded his medal.
In 2023, Paulson reached his 22nd year of service with the local department. In recognition of that achievement, he received a Alberta Emergency Services Medal (AESM) 22 Year Service Bar, which Town of Didsbury Mayor Rhonda Hunter presented to him.
During this time with the Didsbury department, Paulson rose through the ranks to ultimately reach the position of Fire Prevention Officer, Senior Captain.
At the time of his 20th year of service in 2021, he held the rank of captain, and currently holds a current rank of lieutenant.
During his time as fire prevention officer, Paulson organized various fire prevention tours/demonstrations to area schools, child-care facilities and seniors' residences.
“Also under his leadership and direction, the local department’s annual fire prevention week open houses went from being a simple open house on our regular training night to a weekend afternoon affair, complete with a barbecue for guests and various demonstrations/scenarios designed to showcase the skills of our members,” she said.
Paulson also served a time as safety codes officer, conducting various inspections and helping to educate and promote fire prevention and safety in the community.
Paulson has continually provided a source of mentorship to all of department members, regardless of their time with the department, she said.
“He is someone, that when he speaks, we all stop to listen to what he has to say,” she said. “Todd has always demonstrated a strong commitment to our department and the services we provide our community.
“He leads by example and is always quick to help mentor our newer members.”
Mayor Hunter said she was honoured to attend the recent medal presentation ceremony in Edmonton.
“You have had our backs in Didsbury and area for all those years, sacrificing personal, family and friend time to serve your community,” she said.
“I am glad to see you on the golf course now and then. On behalf of council, thank you for your service Todd. You are a true community ambassador.”
For his part, Paulson commended his fellow firefighters and their families.
“You don’t stay in the service as long as you do without the support of the members,” he said. “We don’t get good at what we do only because of the training we do but also with the support of our families.
“We all have that time when we have to leave our families and go out, and our families make a sacrifice by staying home. Their sacrifice is as much as ours.
“At the end of the day after any fire call all we really want is to go home safe and see our families.”
He also commended town council and administration over the years for providing the local department with the “top notch equipment that we need to do our job.”
Numerous firefighters and their families were in attendance at the Dec. 12 council meeting to congratulate and recognize Paulson for his service.
