It isn’t often a person gets a standing ovation from one’s peers … but that was the case at the?Arthur community centre recently at a District Mutual Aid Meeting of firefighters.
The hall was near capacity, with representation from firefighters across Wellington County and throughout southwestern Ontario.
Though held on the pretense of the mutual aid meeting, the meeting was really a celebration of Fair’s career.
In addition, the meeting also had a number of local politicians and dignitaries, including Perth Wellington MPP?John Wilkinson.
Wilkinson said “we are surrounded by the people who are bravest in our community.”
He described himself as one of the majority of people, who, when there is a fire – “run away from the fire.”
“But there are special people, brave people, in our community who come to help their neighbours in their moment of need.”
They help protect property, and most importantly, help protect lives, Wilkinson said.
“We’re in the presence of someone who has done that in his community for 50 years.”
He brought recognition and greetings from Dalton McGuinty.
Fair took the podium briefly unsure where to start.
“I’m really proud to see so many fine people dressed up.”
But Wilkinson’s presentation was just one of a number of comments that night.
Those include those made by Arthur Fire Chief Jim Morrison and Deputy Chief Bob McKenzie on behalf of Halton Hills Wellington MPP Ted Arnott, Perth Wellington MP?Gary Schellenbeger, and Halton Hills Wellington MP?Michael Chong.
Next up was Wellington North Mayor Mike Broomhead who spoke briefly.
He was pleased that all members of his council were able to be at the event.
“It’s quite a thing to congratulate someone on 50 years of service,” Broomhead said.
“It’s put it right at the top of things I’ve ever congratulated anybody for.”
He had a certificate thanking for all Fair’s dedication to the community for those years.
“The best part, is I’ve brought you a cheque … an honorarium for your services and your 50 years.”
Fair said he is very proud of his family.
On behalf of Wellington County, local County Councillor Lynda White offered congratulations from both herself and from the county.
“It’s just such a pleasure being here tonight honouring Ivan.”
She spoke of at time many years back when she was a rookie councillor for the village of Arthur.
“One of my first committees was as liaison to the fire department. I very nervously went down to the fire hall to attend my first meeting and Ivan made me feel so welcome. I have such respect for the firemen, for the volunteers and the dedication they give to the community.”
She noted Fair’s dedication to the community over and above.
OPP Sergeant Pat Horrigan spoke on behalf of the Wellington detachment of the OPP.
Horrigan said “I’m very proud to be here tonight, not only as an officer, but as a friend to both Ivan and Dorothy Fair. I want to thank you for your help and support protecting the people of the community.”
Tom Evered, of the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office said it was a pleasure to be able to present him with a certificate for 50 years of service, “when the average time of a volunteer firefighter in the province of Ontario is between five and seven years.”
“50 years is outstanding.”
Firefighter of Ontario (FFAO) 1st vice president Carl Pearson said “I aspire to make 50 years in the fire service … it’s amazing.”
On the way into Arthur he noted the sign designating at Canada’s most patriotic village.
He noted his own community Thorold is known as the most patriotic city in Canada.
It was done through flags and banner.
“Arthur did it with blood, sweat and tears. That’s shows what kind of person we have here this evening.”
“We need more people like Ivan.”
“Great things have happened over the past 50 years because of people like Ivan … over the past 50 years, we’ve had people like Ivan to tow the line.”
“Back in the day, we didn’t have bunker gear, like we do today. There were the long rubber boots.”
He added it wasn’t about having apparatus to keep you breathing, it was knowing to get out when parts of your body got too hot.
“This dedication is celebrated with his wife Dorothy. As we know, this is a partnership extending to the family affecting their lives.”
“I understand that Dorothy spent many nights shuttling food down to the fire hall, to make sure that Ivan had dinner.”
“Ivan, you are one of the patriotic citizens of this country. You are the reason why Canada is so great. You spent 50 years fighting fires and protecting your community of Arthur.”
Other bits of information were offered on Fair’s time from Feb 6, 1960 from the worst, to the longest fires in town.
Presentations were also made by various fire departments within Wellington County.
Rick Adamson of the Mutual Aid Association said he first met Ivan coaching ball teams. “I didn’t know he was a firefighter until there was a call during a game one night and he had to leave.”
The first gifts were to Dorothy for having to put up with 50 years of sirens, pagers and telephone calls.
Morrison and McKenzie returned to the podium to make the Arthur department’s presentation.
Morrison thanked Dorothy for her contributions over the years, as well as the support of the spouses and families of other firefighters.
In the presentation to Fair, Morrison said Capt. Rob Schmidt did a lot of work bringing the items together to create the sketch which included Ivan, the 1947 Chevy pumper, and the 2001 modern truck and the Arthur fire crest.
Fair thanked everyone for the presentation and kind words.
“It’s been a pleasure to know and work with you to provide great service to our communities .”
“I enjoyed the fire department very much and plan to continue to be on hand whenever needed.”
A special moment of the event was a call-in from Guelph Dispatch, piped into the hall, wishing him a happy and healthy retirement.
