It was a packed house on Nov. 5 as family, friends and Town of Erin firefighters honoured Rick Adamson.
He serves in Hillsburgh Station 50 of the Erin Fire Department.
Adamson was presented with a firefighter achievement award for 20 years of dedicated service to the community at Station 50 in Hillsburgh.
The announcement earned Adamson a standing ovation from those attending.
Councillor Deb Callaghan (wife of Fire Chief Dan Callaghan) offered a few words on Adamson’s behalf.
Callaghan said she was speaking with Adamson earlier and quipped how she often heard his voice in her bedroom at 3am – “…but I thought that might be mistaken for something else.” Her reference was in regard to late night fire calls.
Adamson is currently president of the Wellington-Dufferin Mutual Aid group.
“Rick is usually the fire person at the station when a page is put out regarding an emergency in the community. In arriving first, Rick becomes the communications officer, and this is something he is very skilled at.”
Callaghan said Adamson “is like the character on the popular television show M*A*S*H, he seems to be able to read minds and make things happen before they are needed.”
She noted Adamson is often contacting mutual aid for assistance even before the incident commander has had time to request them.
Callaghan added Adamson was instrumental in getting the new Hillsburgh fire station operational and had dedicated many hours to the task.
“Thank you Rick for all of the effort you have given our community,” she said.
Mayor Lou Maieron added that in light of Adamson’s dedication, council had decided to name the communications room in the newly built Hillsburgh Fire Station 50 – The Rick Adamson Communications Room.
Also on hand was Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott, who provided recognition from the provincial government. Arnott also presented a scroll on behalf of Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong.
Arnott added “20 years of service is an extraordinary expression of courage and devotion to your community. We are greatly indebted to all our firefighters … especially you.”
