Pictured left to right: Len McGillvary, Trevor Seykora, Perry Zenner and Rodger Hayward. Not in attendance: Blaine Albertson and Stan Rude (Ben Tompkins/NortheastNOW)

By Ben Tompkins

Federal Awards

Six Naicam firefighters receive exemplary service medals

Feb 1, 2023 | 1:25 PM

The Naicam Fire Department recently held a quick awards ceremony to honour and celebrate six of its members— Len McGillvary, Trevor Seykora, Rodger Hayward, Perry Zenner, Stan Rude, and Blaine Albertson.

The awards come from the federal government and honours members of a recognized Canadian fire service who have completed 20 years of service, 10 years of which have been served in the performance of duties involving potential risks.

For Len McGillvary, he received his 20-year medal, having joined the department in October of 1997.

He said it’s special to do with this group of guys because of the level of trust they have in each other.

“It’s good knowing this group of people and this group of guys, they got your back, and anything you’re doing, they’re watching you.”

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As for Trevor Seykora, he also received his 20-year medal having joined the Department in December of 2001.

He mentioned there is a sense of pride that comes from this group, both from each other and their families.

“My family is very proud of me, I even got a text from my sister asking about it, which is weird,” joked Seykora. “In all honesty though, I’m proud of the guys that have been on this long, to stick around in one place for that long, and this isn’t even a job, it’s volunteer. It’s not often that people stick around that long to volunteer.”

Meanwhile, Rodger Hayward was another member of the 20-year club, having begun his days in the department in Jan. 1997.

20 year medal (Ben Tompkins/NortheastNOW)

He explained how crucial it is to work with a team that’s at such a high level, especially in this industry, with everything that can happen.

“The crew we’ve got there, they’re dedicated,” he said. “The fire department isn’t something you decide one night to go into. When your page goes off in the middle of the night for fire or an accident, everybody just goes and it’s really nice to work with a group of guys that take it seriously.”

Finally, Perry Zenner received his 30-year bar, having been with the department since April of 1990.

30 year bar (Ben Tompkins/NortheastNOW)

He added how he can’t believe it’s been as long as it has (something everyone seemed to share), and that when you’re in a department like this, time does really fly by.

“My very first meeting I got introduced quickly to it because I’d suited up the night before, and the next morning, we had a grain elevator fire, so I got thrown to the wolves right away. It was good from then on because we’ve got a good group of guys, which makes all the difference here. Great department, great equipment, and time just goes by fast.”

Those who weren’t in attendance included Stan Rude and Blaine Albertson.

Stan Rude received his 40-year bar, as he started in Naicam in August of 1980.

40 year bar (Ben Tompkins/NortheastNOW)

Blaine Albertson was the last member of the 20-year group, having started in February of 2002.

Recognized fire services include Canadian fire departments, fire marshals’ offices, fire commissioners’ offices, and the Canadian Forces fire services.

According to the Government of Canada, exemplary service is characterized by “good conduct, industry, and efficiency.”

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8