- Station 1 District Chief Rick Bonneau gets
standing ovation for 45-years of dedication -
by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative
“Being in the fire service is more than a job; it’s a way of life that affects not only Firefighters, but also their loved ones,” Essex Fire Chief Jason Pillon explained during Essex Fire & Rescue’s annual Appreciation and Awards Night.
The event was hosted at the Essex Centre Sports Complex last Wednesday evening. Annually, it provides the Fire Department’s Administration an opportunity to thank Firefighters for their continued dedication to keeping the community safe, and present awards to those who have reached significant milestone years of service.
The Firefighters honoured that evening for reaching a milestone year have collectively contributed “an astonishing 556-years of service, and we express our gratitude to them and their families,” Pillon noted. “All of you have played an integral role in Essex Fire, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering commitment and devoted service you have provided.
“Answering the pager often means dropping everything, even during family dinners, birthdays, or holidays. We deeply appreciate the sacrifices, strength, and support you show. These moments don’t go unnoticed, and we are profoundly grateful to you all,” he added.
“Your long-term commitment to such a demanding and often dangerous profession is nothing short of extraordinary. You are the ones who respond when others turn away, facing challenging and dangerous situations with a professionalism that sets the highest standard.”
During this year’s Appreciation and Awards Night, Essex Fire, for the first-time, honoured the dedication of Firefighters who have reached the significant milestones of five, 10, and 15-years of service with Essex Fire.
“These are long years of unwavering commitment, and we believe it’s just as important to celebrate their enduring service to our community,” Assistant Deputy Fire Chief Jim Meloche said. “Reaching five, 10 and 15-years of service is a remarkable achievement that reflects an unwavering commitment to the safety, well-being, and protection of our community. Your dedication, sacrifice, and hard work over these years have not gone unnoticed, and for that, we extend our deepest appreciation.”
Firefighters honoured for
five-years of service:
Firefighter Aaron Langlois, Station 1
Firefighter Logan Malenfant, Station 2
Firefighters honoured for
10-years of service:
Captain Sarah Newton, Station 1
Firefighter Derek Deacon, Station 1
Captain, Justin Pulleyblank, Station 2
Firefighter Francis Bosse, Station 2
Firefighter Jason Hernandez, Station 3
Firefighter Milan Tot, Station 3
Firefighters honoured
for 15-years of service:
Firefighter Jason Blais, Station 1
Firefighter Andrew Westwood, Station 1
Firefighter Debbie Dufour, Station 2
Captain Henry Blumenreder, Station 3
Firefighter Josh Cookson, Station 3
Firefighter Brayden Uttley, Station 3
Firefighters honoured with the
federal Exemplary Service Medal
for 20-years of service:
Captain Michael Rounding, Station 1
Firefighter Kevin Wood, Station 1
Firefighter Brandon Chartier, Station 1
Firefighter Gary Armstrong, Station 1
Firefighter Ken Broughton, Station 1
Captain Michael Bosse, Station 2
Firefighter Brian King, Station 2
Captain Ric Keller, Station 3
Captain Gerry Vigneux, Station 3
Captain Mike Ryan, Station 3
Firefighter Rodney Klie, Station 3
Firefighter Shawn Holliday, Station 3
Firefighter Kevin Mutterback, Station 3
Assistant Deputy Fire Chief Jim Meloche
Firefighters honoured with the
federal Fire Services Exemplary Service Ribbon for 30-years of Service:
Firefighter Kevin Fram, Admin
Firefighter Walter Howson, Station 2
Firefighter honoured with the
Ontario Long Service Ribbon for 45-years of service:
District Chief Rick Bonneau, Station 1.
Bonneau was congratulated with a standing ovation as he received his award.
Chief Pillon said Bonneau “has shown unwavering dedication to the Town of Essex, and his commitment to our department is unmatched.
“His wealth of experience is truly invaluable, and he is a tremendous asset to our team. I think I can speak for all of us when I say how incredibly fortunate we are to have him as part of our department.”
For Bonneau, getting on the local Fire Department started quite innocently.
“I had some friends whose fathers were on the Essex volunteer fire department and they joined when they turned 18. When I turned 18, I decided it was something that I would like to do as well as a way to give back to my community.”
As the years went by, Bonneau knew being a Firefighter was exactly what he was meant to do.
“This never felt like a ‘job’ to me – quite the opposite. It was a privilege. However, I could not have been able to continue to serve my community without the support of my wife, Bev, and my three daughters, Jennifer, Stephanie, and Ashley. Over the years, I have been called away from many events and gatherings, and they had to step up in my absence. It certainly is a whole family commitment."
As District Chief of Station 1 in Essex Centre, Bonneau said he works with an amazing group of dedicated Firefighters, Captains, and Chiefs, “who make it possible to serve the community with utmost dedication and professionalism.”
One of the biggest changes, and challenges in the firefighting service, has involved training, Bonneau pointed out.
“Firefighters must now be certified to NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) standards, the same as required by full time fire departments. This process is an ongoing commitment to upgrade our qualifications on an ongoing basis.
“It has been an honour and a pleasure to protect and to serve the community that I grew up in. As long as my health allows, I will continue to answer the call.”
Essex Fire also recognized Firefighter Shawn Marontate for 26-years of Service, who is now enjoying a well-deserved retirement.
Recently, Essex Fire welcomed its 12 newest Firefighters to the rescue roster during an official badge presentation. Deputy Fire Chief Jacey Brockman welcomed the newest Firefighters to the team, noting “their selection was the result of a thorough and competitive process, standing out from a long list of applicants.
“After six-months of rigorous training, we are confident that we have chosen the best candidates. We are thrilled to have them join our team and serve alongside us on the front lines.”
The new recruits include: Jordan Fox, Cassandra Dame, Kyle Mclean, Shane Dumouchelle, Paige Jimmerfield, Shawn Spina, Kerry Miller, Tim Branch, Trevor Brockman, Wyatt Hanson, Jeff Barker, and Trevor Denny.
In addition, promotions that occurred this year were recognized, including Meloche’s appointment to the Assistant Deputy Fire Chief position this spring. He was previously a Captain at Station 2. Jeff Stratichuk was then promoted to Captain at Station 2.
Pillon added that 2024 was an especially challenging year for the fire team, as it lost two beloved members of the fire family.
That included the passing of Station 3 Firefighter Jared Robert Burns, and shortly after, Jaida Chartier, daughter of Firefighter Brandon Chartier.
“Their absence is felt every day, and I speak for the entire department when I say we miss them deeply,” Pillon said. “Jared’s dedication, camaraderie, and unwavering commitment left a lasting impact on us all. Jaida’s courageous spirit and infectious smile will forever remain in our hearts, a lasting reminder of her strength.
