Florenceville-Bristol Department hands out Fire Service Awards
The Florenceville-Bristol Fire Department gathered at the Florenceville Kins Club on Friday, Sept. 19, to celebrate the dedication and commitment of 19 members during their annual Service Awards Banquet.
Local dignitaries, including District of Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey and the MLA Margaret Johnson, were in attendance and offered their congratulations to the recipients. Mayor Harvey said it was a “privilege to attend” the ceremony and reflected on the incredible community service the firefighters provide to the region.
Carleton-Victoria MLA Margaret Johnson addressed the firefighters, calling them “the source of hope” during the unprecedented fire season that struck New Brunswick this summer.
After a meal provided by the Kinsmen, the awards ceremony opened with remarks from Provincial Fire Investigator Matt Cassidy, who offered a “huge thank you to everyone that volunteers.”
Cassidy spoke about the challenges and dangers that firefighters face, calling their sacrifice “unreal” for what they endure.
Florenceville-Bristol Fire Chief Andrew Cougle added to Cassidy’s comments, calling firefighters “the heart of our community” and said the awards were about honouring the “commitment, bravery, and countless hours of training and service” of local firefighters.
Cougle also spoke of the firefighters’ extensive community service within the district, including volunteering to assist with parking and security at community events, engaging in public education, and donating their time or equipment for fundraising events, among many other services, which highlight their important role in the community.
Members were presented with certificates from the District of Carleton North and the Province of New Brunswick. The Honourable Richard Bragdon, who was unable to attend the evening’s ceremonies, provided Federal Recognition Certificates from the House of Commons for those who had served 15+ years. The 2025 recipients recognized were as follows:
For 5 years of service:
Firefighter Brittany Shaw
Firefighter Charles Walker
Firefighter Chris Stacey
Firefighter Isaac Foster
Firefighter Josh Seelye
Firefighter Robert Brown
For 15 years of service:
Firefighter Blair McIntosh
Firefighter Laurel Bradstreet
Captain Allain St. Amand
Deputy Chief Mike Palmer
For 25 years of service:
Firefighter Jacques Pelletier
Deputy Chief Bill Groves
For 35 years of service:
Firefighter Blaine Brooks
Firefighter Tom Lahue
Captain Robert Rogers
For 45 years of service:
Chief Andrew Cougle
For 50 years of service:
Firefighter Richard Campbell
For 55 years of service:
Firefighter Richard Campbell
For 65 years of service:
Firefighter Paul Demerchant
