Saskatchewan Protective Services medal presented Melfort Fire Capt. Doug Dudar. (Submitted photo/Brighten Creative Group)

By Angie Rolheiser

High Honour

Melfort Fire Captain receives protection services medal

Oct 4, 2021 | 5:00 PM

After 25 years of service with the Melfort Fire Department, Captain Doug Dudar has been recognized with a Saskatchewan Protective Services medal.

Capt. Dudar told northeastNOW he joined the department in 1995 after being invited by a member at the time to check it out.

“I became quartermaster in 2005, and then nominated for Lieutenant in 2012, and then just in January of last year I was promoted to captain,” Dudar said. “It all started in Melfort and here I am, over 25 years later and still enjoying it.”

Dudar was presented his medal in Regina on Sept. 14. alongside members from Canada Border Services, RCMP, Conservation Officers and other firefighters who were also presented with medals.

Saskatchewan Protective Services medal presented to Melfort Fire Capt. Doug Dudar. (Submitted photo/Brighten Creative Group)

Riderville

Now for the Hard Part

11h ago

Seniors Scene

Christmas is Coming

Dec 09, 2025

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

According to Dudar. mentoring new recruits is one of his favourite aspects of remaining with the team.

“It’s a lot of fun passing the knowledge that people have taught me and seeing the excitement and enthusiasm that they bring to the department and being able to teach and transfer the knowledge to them,” Dudar said.

Dudar made special mention to the city for equipment and resources to provide the service to the community as well employers for allowing members to leave work when an emergency call comes in.

“Families of our members also need thanking because they lose family time when we are on calls. Between late suppers and dirty clothes we bring home, they deserve recognition too,” Dudar said.

Anyone wanting to get involved with the Melfort Fire Department is encouraged to get in touch with Dudar or any other member, for what Dudar referred to as a ‘rewarding experience’.

“We have members from various occupations, and we are very close knit because one moment to the next, you are depending on each other and your life is in each others’ hands,” Dudar said. “The department just gets to be a second family that would do anything for each other whether on fire scene or in a personal setting.”

This year, the 25-year medals were presented by Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty to 166 individuals from rural and urban communities from across the province.

“Protective services professionals risk their safety to serve and protect the people of Saskatchewan,” Mirasty said in a release. “We show our appreciation to these outstanding individuals, who have dedicated their careers to protecting their communities.”

Medal presentations were held in Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert throughout the month of September.

–

angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser