Ontario Fire Fighters Recognize Community Heroes  

February 22, 2008 – The Burlington, ON Local 1552 Executive Board and Benevolent Committees honoured members of their community February 15 for performing selfless or heroic acts. The luncheon event also recognized Burlington fire fighters, announced charitable funds raised throughout the year and brought together representatives of the IAFF, Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association and Burlington police, fire fighters and paramedics.

Local 1552 presented nine-year-old Burlington resident Sabrina Wedlake with a plaque, gift certificate and roses for her incredible display of calm under pressure. Calling her the first-ever "Honourary Burlington Professional Fire Fighter," Derek Baranowski, a member of Burlington Local 1552 and co-chair of the event, described how the young girl had to put into practice what fire fighters had taught her to do in an emergency.

Upon finding someone unconscious, she immediately called 911, calmly talking to the dispatcher. When fire fighters and paramedics arrived minutes later, she again passed on the much-needed life saving information. Her ability to do this was crucial to the patient’s care and recovery.

Many local politicians, charitable organization representatives and senior city staff also attended the event. Sandy Street of Carpenter Hospice, a local place for people to spend their final days, spoke of its ongoing needs and thanked fire fighters for assisting in their off-duty hours with fundraising and other projects. Local 1552 presented Street with a cheque for $15 000, bringing the fire fighters’ seven-year total contribution to Carpenter House to $100 000.

Don Scott, CEO of Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital also recognized Local 1552 fire fighters for being the largest ongoing donor in the hospital's history, raising more than $550 000 over 20 years, as well as providing much needed equipment and support. Scott accepted a cheque for $10 000. Jane Allison, representing Wayside House accepted $13,000 that fire fighters raised at a recent silent auction organized by retired fire fighters Gord Muise and Bob Gartrell and by Joe Dogs’ owners Mike Coles and Scott Brownlee.

Speakers included MPP Joyce Savoline, Regional Chair Gary Carr and Mayor Cam Jackson, who spoke on behalf of the federal, provincial, regional and municipal governments. Mayor Jackson noted the great working relationship and dedication that all of the area emergency services provide on and off duty.

The Local 1552 Executive Board and President Dan Vanderlelie congratulated fire fighters for their years of service and dedication and presented medals to Captain Greg Grison, fire fighters Gerald Shawn Gilroy and Brent Jordan, Platoon Chief Eric MacDonald, fire fighters Blake Norton and Ken Niceliu, Platoon Chief Brian Alldridge, and Captains Bruce Laing and Greg Grison.