The Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal took time on Friday, May 9 to honour the dedication of its volunteer firefighters during the 2025 Firefighter Appreciation Night. Held at the Drummond Building in Spencerville, the evening brought together members of the Township’s fire service, their families, retired members and council members, to recognize the essential role volunteer firefighters play in keeping the community safe.

Throughout the evening, service awards were presented to firefighters marking key years of service. Special awards were also handed out to recognize exceptional contributions, leadership, and commitment.

“Our firefighters show up—day or night, in all kinds of conditions—to serve this community with professionalism and heart,” said Chief Moore. “It’s not just what they do when the pager goes off, it’s the training, the preparation, and the personal sacrifice that makes them such an incredible team. I couldn’t be prouder.”

Celebrating Local Firefighters: Awards Presented for Service, Leadership, and Commitment

Accompanying Mayor Tory Deschamps and Councillor Joe Martelle, Fire Chief Brian Moore, Captain Steve Roberts, Josh Couture, President of the Edwardsburgh Cardinal Firefighters Association, and Scott Hayes from the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office presented this year’s awards:

• Jay Bottan received a medal recognizing 20-years of service.
• Dan Davy was acknowledged for 30-years of service to the department.
• John Dobbie received the Response Award for attending the most calls in 2024, and was also recognized for 30-years of service.
• Nathaly Landry received recognition for attending the most training in 2024.
• Councillor Joe Martelle was presented with a special appreciation award for his ongoing support of the Edwardsburgh Cardinal Fire Department.
• Chief Brian Moore was acknowledged for 30 years of service to the department.
• Tim Nason was acknowledged for 5-years of service to the department.
• Pete Rainville was acknowledged for 5-years of service to the department.
• Steve Roberts was honoured as the first-ever recipient of the Rainville Family Exemplary Firefighter Award in Memory of Lucas Champagne, recognizing his dedication to mentoring and teaching fellow firefighters.
• Ann Shorey was presented with a certificate for achieving Fire Officer Level One certification.
• Tim Yandeau was acknowledged for 25 years of service to the department.

The Township congratulates all recipients and thanks them for their commitment to public safety and community service.

The Edwardsburgh Cardinal Fire department responds to a wide range of emergencies including structure fires, motor vehicle collisions, medical calls, and public safety incidents.

You can learn more about Edwardsburgh Cardinal Fire Services.