OUTLOOK — An Outlook firefighter who dedicated 25 years to the local fire crew was recognized earlier this month by the province.
Sean Ferguson, who retired from the Outlook-Rudy Fire & Rescue department back in February, received Saskatchewan's Protective Services Medal at a ceremony held in Saskatoon on Oct. 16.
Recipients of the medal were honoured by Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre and Provincial Secretary Jamie Martens during the ceremony.
Ferguson was grateful to receive such an honour from the province, and was even happier to see his niece Danielle Marshall also receive the medal for her own dedication to protective services.
"It was nice to receive recognition from the province," said Ferguson. "It was made better by being able to see my niece receive the same medal for her service with protective services."
Ferguson says that since he retired from the fire crew earlier this year, he finds himself missing the camaraderie. That said, while he misses the adrenaline that would come with calls, he certainly doesn't miss the calls that would come in the middle of the night.
"I do miss the guys a lot," he said. "They are a very fun and a knowledgeable group. I loved how my day would change in a heartbeat and the adrenaline rush that went with it. To tell you the truth, the rush dimmed the older I got. I don't miss taking my phone to bed with me. These days now, I spend some of my free time helping out at the museum."
"The Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal recognizes the most dedicated individuals in the protective services field," Martens said in a media release. "These professionals are pillars in their communities, working every day to keep Saskatchewan safe."
Recipients of the medal have 25 or more years of exemplary services in Saskatchewan in the protective services including, police, fire, federal and provincial corrections, border services, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as mobile crisis and family violence outreach services.
A total of 149 individuals will have received the medal this year.
Recipients receive a circular medal surmounted by St. Edward's Crown and a certificate signed by the Lieutenant Governor, Premier, and Provincial Secretary. The medal bears the motto 'Qui civitatem tuentur' ('Who guard the citizenry').
