PENHOLD – The first meeting of the year at the Penhold Fire Department featured a welcome by Mayor Mike Yargeau and award presentations to a pair of firefighters.
Senior firefighter Mackenzie (Max) Johnston received the Firefighter of the Year Award, while Lt. Josh Wilson was named Fire Officer of the Year. The awards were handed out by Yargeau at Penhold council’s Jan. 8 regular meeting.
"Max and his crew put in so many hours doing regular and emergency maintenance to our fire department equipment. He is actively involved with firefighting training and community service,” said Yargeau. Johnston was one of the three Penhold firefighter heroes, along with Capt. Sean Pendergast and firefighter Danielle Meeres, who were at the scene in Las Vegas on Oct. 1 during the horrific mass murders of 58 civilians attending a concert. The trio was praised for their heroism for helping victims during the shooting.
Wilson joined the fire department in 2012 and is currently the president of the Penhold Firefighters Association, a position chosen by his peers.
"Josh’s dedication and his mentoring skills to fellow officers and firefighters has been appreciated by the department,” said Yargeau, noting Wilson has been "faithful” to ensure weekly practice schedules are completed.
Meanwhile, the fire department entered the new year with a new fire truck.
Last year the town made a deal with the City of Red Deer’s public works department to purchase a water truck. Fire Chief Jim Pendergast said the body was taken off and a new one installed with a new fire pump. The total cost to the town was $225,000.
"It can drive and flow water from the nozzle on the bumper and on the top of the truck as well, similar to what you see with a fire truck at an airport,” said Pendergast. "It increases our capability to help our neighbouring fire departments by bringing water and equipment to the scene.”
Mayor Mike Yargeau
"Max and his crew put in so many hours doing regular and emergency maintenance to our fire department equipment...Josh's dedication and his mentoring skills to fellow officers and firefighters has been appreciated by the department."
