Meadow Lake Fire Chief honoured with national excellence award

Mar 23, 2018 | 11:00 AM

Colleagues and friends described Neil Marsh, Meadow Lake’s Fire Chief and long-serving member of the department, as a strong leader, hard worker, and unwavering devotee.

Marsh’s fellow firefighters nominated him for the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal, a national accolade given to fire personnel who have completed 20 years of service, given out by the Governor General of Canada. Deputy Fire Chief Joe Grela said it was important to recognize Marsh for his willingness to always go above and beyond.

“He definitely qualifies for exemplary service,” Grela said. “Neil was definitely not expecting it, even though I was verifying dates of how long he’s been with the fire department in late December. He had no idea.”

The firefighters surprised Marsh at their regular fire practice on Tuesday, March 20. They invited Mayor Gary Vidal and Marsh’s wife Audrey to attend the event. Vidal, who has known Marsh most of his life, and said it was kind of the department to recognize him.

“He’s been with the fire department for over 20 years, 14 as a firefighter and the last seven as chief,” Vidal said. “I think he’s been a great leader, role model and a tireless advocate for the fire department, and with council it’s been a positive and respectful relationship. He’s just an all-around good, honest hard-working guy.”

Marsh said he was pleased, grateful and completely surprised to receive the honour. He said a friend encouraged him to join the department all those years ago, and he hasn’t looked back since. During his career, Marsh said he’s been involved with firefighting, investigations, inspections, instruction and training, administration and emergency medical services.

“I am immersed in my work and try to give it all I’ve got,” he said. “With emergency services, we try and make every day a little better and safer for the community and people in it, and when we succeed in that it’s very rewarding.”

Marsh said he’s thankful for the many firefighters he’s worked with over the years, and sincerely appreciates the team atmosphere the fire department embodies.

 

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca  

On Twitter @ReporterKath