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Retiring, long-time firefighters honored by department By Ron Giofu Long-serving members of the Amherstburg Fire Department, including seven retiring members, have been recognized. The fire department held its recognition banquet last Friday night at Coachwood Golf & Country Club in McGregor with seven retirees who have left the department since the last banquet honoured. Capt. Bill Scott, Capt. Tom Morand, Capt. Dave Varney, Capt. B.J. Wilder, Capt. Nick Renaud, Capt. Adam Mann and Firefighter B.J. Wiley were this year’s group of retirees that were recognized. Retiring members were paid tribute by not just the entire department and dignitaries, but their friends and colleagues. District Chief Jason Durocher recognized Scott, after thanking the large crowd for turning out last Friday night. Durocher pointed out Scott’s dedication, integrity and commitment to the fire service over the 31 years Scott served. “That is over 31 years of carrying that pager,” he said. Durocher pointed out firefighters carry their pagers 24/7 and respond to calls at all times of days, regardless of holidays, personal commitments or family gatherings. The families, including Scott’s family, were also recognized for their support. “We owe you a lifetime of gratitude for the sacrifices you have made,” he said. Scott and his family moved to Amherstburg from Thunder Bay in 1993 and he joined the Amherstburg Fire Department in 1994. He also served as an officer with the Ontario Provincial Police from 1987-2014, during which he spent a lot of time with the search and rescue and marine units, and brought many of those skills o the fire department.
Durocher said Scott is always willing to share his knowledge and teach others, adding his son Duncan is now also an Amherstburg firefighter. Praising Scott’s leadership, Durocher added it was an occasion to mark his lifetime of service. Mann honoured his colleague Wilder, pointing out Wilder served 15 years with the fire department and showed a dedication to the job that was very strong. Mann stated Wilder’s commitment, decency, morality and loyalty were demonstrated regularly during his time with the fire department, adding he is also a good friend that can be turned to and spoken with.
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Retirees honoured at last Friday night’s Amherstburg Fire Department recognition banquet were (front row, from left): Capt. Nick Renaud, Capt. Adam Mann and Capt. B.J. Wilder. Back row (from left): Capt. Dave Varney, Capt. Tom Morand, Capt. Bill Scott and Firefighter B.J. Wiley.
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“He shows up, checks in and genuinely cares,” said Mann, of Wilder. Through it all, Mann said Wilder has been solid and dependable. He added that Wilder has been a mentor, leader, brother and friend. Mann said he found Wilder to be a “person you respect and can’t stay mad at.” “You left a mark on the department and me personally,” said Mann. Mann was joined at the podium by Capt. Ken Rivait in paying tribute to Wilder, who is also the town’s manager of licensing and enforcement. District Chief Rick Wismer paid tribute to two retiring firefighters, the first being
Morand. Morand spent 29 years with the fire department, starting with the Malden Fire Department before coming over to the Amherstburg Fire Department. “From the beginning, he embodied everything you could ask for in a firefighter and teammate,” Wismer said of Morand. “He didn’t just respond to calls, he did it with professionalism and a steady hand.” Morand talked about retiring earlier than when he did, but stayed on because he liked it and wanted to keep working with his son. A special moment was when he “passed the torch” to his son, who also earned the title of captain. The fire department was fortunate to have Morand as a member, he said. “Tom’s presence on any call made a difference,” said Wismer. Wismer also honoured Varney, who spent over 26 years with both the Malden and Amherstburg Fire Departments. Varney was a “great fit” at Station 3 who carried himself without a lot of fanfare. “He was unshakeable,” Wismer said of Varney. “He was the quiet do-er.” Varney was someone who didn’t have to be worried about on scene and was always professional and dedicated. He was also known for having various machining and welding tools, with Wismer joking Varney had whatever was needed no matter what. “If anyone needed something, no matter how strange or specific, Dave had three of them,” said Wismer. On a more serious note, Wismer said Varney has a huge heart and would undertake various tasks, such as snow removal from parking lots, without looking for any recognition. Work being done quietly like that was just “Dave being Dave.”
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