The Inter Township Fire Department (ITFD), which serves the municipalities of Georgian Bluffs and Meaford, honoured its members during the 2025 Years of Service Awards on Saturday, September 20, at the Royal Canadian Legion in Owen Sound. The annual event celebrated service milestones, retirements, and remarkable acts of service, reflecting the department’s ongoing commitment to community safety and excellence.
This year’s Years of Service Awards recognized a combined 110 years of service:
20 Years of Service:
Chris Casemore, Jon Dunk, Rick McNutt, and Kevin Nicholls
15 Years of Service:
Kevin Linthorne and Kyle Stewart
The department also marked the retirements of Rick Audette, Jason Hellyer, Larry Hines, Carl Linthorne, and David Guichelaar, honouring their many years of dedicated service.
In addition to milestone awards, two special recognitions were presented. Jeff Fries was acknowledged for his quick life-saving response while off duty, stepping in during a medical emergency and providing critical care. His actions exemplify the training, calm, and courage that firefighters bring not only to the job, but to everyday life.
A second Outstanding Service Award was presented to the 24 firefighters who responded to a complex silo collapse rescue in October 2024. Their coordinated efforts led to the successful rescue of multiple individuals under dangerous conditions, and their actions were formally commemorated.
Georgian Bluffs Mayor Sue Carleton spoke at the event, sharing her gratitude.
“We thank you for showing up time and again, not for recognition, but because it’s what you do. You’ve demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and heart over many years, and tonight is our opportunity to say thank you, and to recognize the impact your service has had on this department and this township,” said Carleton.
The evening also included remarks from Deputy Mayor Shirley Keaveney of Meaford, MP Alex Ruff, MPP Paul Vickers, and Deputy Fire Marshal Carrie Clark.
