PENHOLD – Fire Chief Jim Pendergast was recently saluted by the town in a special ceremony.
Penhold council and staff recognized Pendergast's 32 years of service in Alberta. They gave him a standing ovation at a council meeting on March 26.
On behalf of the town, council and staff, Penhold mayor Mike Yargeau thanked Pendergast for his dedication and contributions to the town and presented him with a certificate and pin.
“He’s actually on 38 years of service in the province but just received his 32-year pin for service,” said Yargeau. “Jim is an incredible asset to our town. He’s been a great fire chief. We’re lucky to have him.
“He does great work with the crew of volunteers. It was nice to be able to honour him tonight,” he added.
Pendergast was humbled by the recognition.
“I’m very proud to be honoured tonight, ” he said.
Pendergast, 65, has been with the Penhold Fire Department since 2009.
It is only recently that the province has awarded additional bars for 22 and 32 years of service, he noted.
Pendergast has also been awarded other medals and pins at the national and provincial levels.
“The first medal is part of the Order of Canada. It’s the exemplary service medal for fire discipline in Canada,” said Pendergast. “It’s awarded when you have 20 years of exemplary service.”
A bar, added to the original medal, indicates an additional 10 years of service, he added.
Pendergast is also the recipient of the Alberta Emergency Services medal and corresponding pins for years of service.
“I was first awarded this (Alberta Emergency Services) medal in 2003,” he said, noting emergency service personnel are recommended by their municipality for the medal.
Pendergast said the recent growth in Penhold over the past year has kept the Penhold Fire Department busy.
“2017 was by far our busiest year,” said Pendergast. “I’m the one who’s being awarded tonight but it’s really all the firefighters that do all the work. Without the volunteer firefighters, there wouldn’t be a fire department.
“This pin is really for all of them,” Pendergast concluded.
