One of North Grenville’s dedicated volunteer firefighters was recognized at the council meeting last Tuesday with a federal medal for exemplary service. Firefighter Bill Hutchins, who has been a valued member of the North Grenville Fire Service for just over 20 years, was presented with Canada’s Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor General. This medal honours members of a recognized Canadian fire service who have completed 20 years of service, ten of which have been served in the performance of duties involving potential risks. Exemplary service is characterized by good conduct, industry and efficiency.
North Grenville Fire Chief, John Okum, presented the medal to Bill, saying that it was an absolute honour to nominate him for this award. “Although Bill is very humble and he does not seek recognition, I believe it is very deserving for Bill to achieve this evening,” he said. “Bill has been committed to the fire service he has served, he has achieved and maintained a high level of skill, and he has gained the confidence of his peers, while he has earned the respect of his community.”
Chief Okum, Deputy Chief Randy Urslak, and Mayor Nancy Peckford presented Bill with the medal on behalf of her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette. The medal and accompanying certificate were produced at the Canadian Mint for the Chancellery of Honours, and is engraved with Bill’s name. His name and service date have also been added to the recipients list of Canadian honours for public record. “The awarding of this medal is to celebrate and thank extraordinary people,” Chief Okum said. “Bill is definitely one of those extraordinary persons, and therefore very deserving of this commendation.”
