Wellington North has honoured one of its retired firefighters for 40 years of dedicated service.
Willard Ghent, who served on the Mount Forest fire department for 40 years, received exemplary service certificates and service bars at a presentation made at council on July 14.
The retired captain also received a gift from fellow firefighters who attended the meeting.
Ghent, who officially retired on Dec. 15, told the Advertiser prior to the presentation that he had served the force for “40 years and six months.”
The awards exemplify his service to the department and community as a volunteer firefighter.
“There’s been a lot of changes,” Ghent said of equipment, training and firefighters during his tenure.
“I miss knowing where the calls are and I miss working with the guys,” he said. “We had our ups and downs, but at the end of the day you got along.”
Mayor Ray Tout thanked Ghent for his service.
“We’re very proud to know you and honour you for all your years of service to keep the community safe,” the mayor said. “Thank you for your service to our community.”
In a related matter, township CAO Mike Givens was presented with a fire helmet from Wellington North Fire Service acting chief Dave Guilbault recognizing Givens for serving as interim fire chief for about 30 days when the former chief resigned and Guilbault was hired.
Givens has held several positions in the township before coming CAO, including treasurer and interim treasurer. He is currently dealing with public works matters after the former director left.
“There can be only one fire chief,” Guilbault quipped during the presentation. “When a fire chief retires like you, even after 30 days, we present them with a fire hat.”
