20-year member honoured

Times Reporter    

 

On May 22 the Lt. Governor of Alberta, Donald S. Ethell presented Strathmore Fire Department (SFD) Captain Bas Owel with the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal. 

On June 4 Owel was recognized again, this time by Strathmore town council, and by Strathmore-Brooks MLA Jason Hale. 

“Bas is an outstanding member of the Strathmore Fire Department, his contributions are many and reflect his own commitment and dedication to the fire services. Throughout his career Bas has fulfilled every position within our department with the utmost professionalism,” said SFD Fire Chief Muir Furzer.

“Captain Owel’s knowledge in emergency services manner is broad based and factual. As vice president of operations for Global Fire Training  Solutions, Bas contributed to fire services training on a global scale teaching industrial firefighting in many countries outside of Canada.”

In Strathmore Owel also commands a firefighting company and on many occasions fulfills the position of incident commander. Furzer said Owel instills confidence with his leadership skills and is respected.

Hale did get the pleasure of actually attending the ceremony where Owel was recognized by Ethell, which he said was very special.

“It is hard to express the gratitude that is felt to the members of the different detachments around the province, they provide such a service to all of our communities that is so outstanding and our communities rely on their good work day after day,” said Hale. 

“It’s nice that we get to recognize members such as yourself for their hard work, dedication and sacrifice and also to thank your families for allowing you to serve the public as you do.”

Mayor Michael Ell presented Owel with a plaque on behalf of council and the town. The plaque states that firefighters are a rare breed, they are often the first at any disaster, well equipped to deal with fires, first aid, and volatile situations due to rigorous training. It has been said that firefighters never die, instead they live forever in the hearts of people whose lives they have impacted. Owel is a tribute to  the profession, a true hero and a valuable member of the community, said Ell.