GANANOQUE – The bravery and dedication of Gananoque firefighters was recognized and celebrated at the annual Lifesaver Awards ceremony on Tuesday.
The event, held at the Gananoque Fire Hall, honored six firefighters who went above and beyond the call of duty to save lives in the community.
Fire Chief Gerry Bennett praised the recipients for their selflessness and commitment to serving the community.
“These individuals have demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism in the face of danger,” said Bennett. “Their actions have not only saved lives, but also inspired others to serve with the same level of dedication.”
The first award was presented to Captain John Smith, who was recognized for his quick thinking and bravery during a house fire last year. Smith, along with his team, rescued a family of four from the burning building, risking their own lives in the process.
Next, Lieutenant Sarah Jones was honored for her heroic efforts in a car accident where she performed CPR on a victim until paramedics arrived. Her quick response and life-saving skills were crucial in saving the victim’s life.
Firefighter Mark Thompson was also recognized for his bravery in a house fire where he rescued an elderly woman who was trapped inside. Despite the intense heat and smoke, Thompson was able to safely bring the woman to safety.
The final award was presented to a team of three firefighters – Captain David Brown, Lieutenant Emily Green, and Firefighter Michael Johnson – for their heroic actions in a water rescue. The team risked their own lives to save a man who had fallen into the river and was struggling to stay afloat.
Mayor Ted Lojko also attended the ceremony and expressed his gratitude towards the firefighters for their dedication and service to the community.
“These awards are a testament to the bravery and selflessness of our firefighters,” said Lojko. “Their actions are a true reflection of the values and spirit of our community.”
The Lifesaver Awards ceremony is held annually to recognize and honor the exceptional efforts of Gananoque firefighters. It serves as a reminder of the importance of their role in keeping the community safe and the sacrifices they make to do so.
