Apparently, 30 years of service to the community simply isnB次元官网网址檛 enough for Rick McLeod.
The former Sooke Fire Rescue deputy fire chief, who retired in 2016, continues to serve actively through his work as lead on the departmentB次元官网网址檚 Fire Incident Support Team and his volunteer efforts with Sooke Emergency Support Services.
B次元官网网址淚 still want to be involved with the community and the people IB次元官网网址檝e had the opportunity to work with,B次元官网网址� McLeod said when asked what keeps him so connected to Sooke Fire Rescue.
McLeod began his career as a volunteer firefighter in 1992, fulfilling a fascination with firefighting dates back to his childhood.
B次元官网网址淚 was driving by and saw a sign outside the Sooke fire hall that said they were looking for volunteers,B次元官网网址� McLeod recalled. B次元官网网址淚 talked it over with my wife, and she gave her blessing. Valerie has always been my strongest supporter.B次元官网网址�
McLeod said the biggest changes heB次元官网网址檚 seen over the years are the huge improvements in apparatus and equipment.
B次元官网网址淭here have also been significant improvements in firefighting techniques,B次元官网网址� he noted. B次元官网网址淭he technology is incredible now.B次元官网网址�
McLeod listed being part of the auto extraction team as one of the highlights of his career.
B次元官网网址淲e represented the department and the district at a number of competitions provincewide, and went to international competitions in Gullane, Scotland and Ottawa. It was an incredible, unforgettable experience to compete against firefighters from other countries and learn new techniques.B次元官网网址�
Getting to serve with a fire crew from Sooke at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler was another highlight as well.
McLeod, who was recognized at the annual Sooke Fire Rescue banquet in October for this 30 years of active service, said his tenure pales compared to Bill Stephenson, who was fire chief when McLeod first joined the department.
B次元官网网址淭he hall is named after Bill for his 65 years of service. He was an amazing guy to work with, always had a twinkle in his eye and a story to tell. If you needed something, Bill knew where to find it, or he would find someone who knew where to get it. It was a real loss to the department and community when he passed away. He was a true cornerstone and ambassador.B次元官网网址�
Never one to seek the spotlight in any way, shape or form, McLeod was quick to point out that fire departments and the provincial and federal governments have a long tradition of acknowledging firefighters for their length of service. He did admit heB次元官网网址檚 looking forward to receiving the statue that comes with the crossing the 30-year threshold, though.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a really nice realistic sculpture of a firefighter holding a hose,B次元官网网址� he explained.
B次元官网网址淚 feel privileged to still be able to be part of a department with such dedicated, well-trained, motivated and well-equipped people. I see them as family and have nothing but respect for the work they do and as individuals. IB次元官网网址檇 match my memories of the level of competence at our department with any department. These people are second to none, which gives me the feeling that the citizens of Sooke are in good hands.B次元官网网址�
Kelvin Phair, a long-time member of the Sooke and East Highlands volunteer fire departments, said everyone at Sooke Fire Rescue likes McLeod.
B次元官网网址淗eB次元官网网址檚 one of my closest friends, a really good guy and a great firefighter,B次元官网网址� Phair said.
B次元官网网址淗eB次元官网网址檚 been through a lot in his career, and is absolutely an asset to the department and the community. Everyone at the department likes Rick. HeB次元官网网址檚 a real go-to guy, always willing to help anyone.B次元官网网址�
news@sookenewsmirror.com
Like us on and follow us on
