PRESS RELEASE: Honouring Decades of Service in Emergency Response

PRESS RELEASE

2025-12-19

This year, volunteer firefighters from across Saddle Hills County were formally recognized for decades of dedicated service through the presentation of provincial and national long service medals.

These honours recognize commitment that spans careers, families, and generations—given without expectation of recognition. Each medal reflects years of training, response, and readiness at all hours to protect neighbours, property, and community safety. Together, these recipients represent the backbone of rural emergency response.

Alberta Emergency Services Medal (AESM)
Greg Bolch - 12 years Blueberry Fire Dept.
Daniel Fitzsimmons - 12 years Blueberry Fire Dept.
Justin Rudy - 22 years Bonanza Fire Dept.
Brent Rogers - 40 years Bonanza Fire Dept.

22 Year AESM Bar
Justin Rudy - Bonanza Fire Dept.

Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association (CVFSA)
Municipal Long Service Medals
Clayton Shore  - 30 years Bonanza Fire Dept.
Andreas Thomi - 35 years Woking Fire Dept.
Brent Rogers - 40 years Bonanza Fire Dept.

20 Year Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal (FSESM)
Kevin Miller - Bonanza Fire Dept.
Carl Konashuk - Bonanza Fire Dept.
Bill Hutchinson (Retired) - Bonanza Fire Dept.
Justin Rudy - Bonanza Fire Dept.
Joe Singer - Bonanza Fire Dept.
Clayton Shore - Bonanza Fire Dept.
Gary Mitchell - Blueberry Fire Dept.
Greg Simonson - Happy Valley Fire Dept.
Chris Hehr - Savanna Fire Dept.
Jim Welseki (Former Member) - Savanna Fire Dept.
Leslie Bouck - Savanna Fire Dept.
Nathan Mandel - Savanna Fire Dept.
Shawn Shura - Woking Fire Dept.
Derek Dreger - Woking Fire Dept.

20 Year FSESM & 30 Year FSESM Bar
Brent Rogers - Bonanza Fire Dept.
Larry Schuett - Woking Fire Dept.

30 Year FSESM Bar
Jim Lillico - Happy Valley Fire Dept.
Lawrence Andruchiw - Happy Valley Fire Dept.
Lance Boomgaarden - Happy Valley Fire Dept.
Jim Boomgaarden - Happy Valley Fire Dept.
Ed Armagost  - Savanna Fire Dept.
Andy Gregg - Savanna Fire Dept.
Ken Dolen - Savanna Fire Dept.
Chris Thomi - Woking Fire Dept.
Andreas Thomi - Woking Fire Dept.

40 Year FSESM Bar
Dmitri Boychuk (Retired) - Woking Fire Dept.
Gerd Cramer (Retired) - Woking Fire Dept.

These medals recognize far more than time served. They reflect professionalism, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to protecting rural communities—often under the toughest conditions and with limited resources. The service of each recipient has made a lasting difference in Saddle Hills County.

Media Inquiries:
Fran Haughian, Communications Coordinator

fhaughian@saddlehills.ab.ca