Sarah Pledge Dickson, LJI Journalist
Shawville-Clarendon firefighters gathered in the hall above the Shawville arena on Saturday evening to celebrate another year of community service at the department’s annual firemen’s ball.
Three firefighters were given special recognition for years of dedicated service with the department.
Ryan Rooney was celebrated for reaching 10 years of service with the fire department and received a plaque from fire chief Lee Laframboise.
“It’s nice to be recognized by the community for the help we’re willing to give to them,” Rooney said.
Larry Stephens also received a plaque for 25 years of service with the fire department, along with a hand-painted helmet traditionally given to firefighters who reach that milestone. When asked what it means to be recognized by the community, Stephens said that just getting to be a firefighter is amazing.
“The longer you are one, the more you appreciate being a firefighter,” he said.
Peter Draper celebrated 30 years of service two years ago, but the plaque sent from the Governor General’s office was only received this year. Laframboise presented him with the plaque Saturday night, along with an upgrade to the medal he received at 25 years.
“Being involved in the community is the big thing,” Draper said. “It’s a bonus that we can help the community.”
Laframboise said that it’s nice to be able to celebrate dedicated service to the fire department. There are now five firefighters who have been with the department for more than 25 years.
“I’m sure that some of them don’t say too much, but they really like it,” Laframboise said. “They really appreciate it and they deserve it.”
Over the past year, Laframboise said the department upgraded its self-contained breathing apparatuses and purchased a new compressor for filling breathing tanks.
“We fill tanks for numerous towns,” Laframboise said. “We use the money from that to buy equipment.”
In the coming year, Laframboise said three more firefighters will complete their training.
The evening also featured a silent auction, a raffle and a 50/50 draw, all in support of the fire department. The Danny Sylvestre Band provided live music throughout the night.