Centennial Challenge Coin honours Past, Present, and Future of Caledon Fire & Emergency Services

July 31, 2025 · 0 Comments

By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Throughout 2025, Caledon Fire and Emergency Services (CFES) has been celebrating and honouring its 100th anniversary.

Now, they’re celebrating with a symbol of recognition and pride: a commemorative challenge coin.

A challenge coin symbolizes excellence, camaraderie, and service.

Challenge coins have a long-standing tradition in emergency services and military communities.

“Challenge coins carry stories of courage, commitment, and community,” says Fire Chief Dave Pelayo. “As we mark 100 years of service, this challenge coin is a tribute to every firefighter who has helped shape our department’s legacy. It symbolizes where we’ve been, who we are, and the values that will guide us into the future.”

This coin captures the 100th anniversary of CFES in a multitude of different ways.

To showcase the past and present, the coin shows a historic pumper truck and a modern squad vehicle, symbolizing the evolution of firefighting equipment and techniques over the last century.

The piece also incorporates elements of the CFES logo, such as the badge shape and the maple leaf.

This was a nod to both the department’s identity and its proud place in the Canadian fire service tradition.

Matthew Morton, a volunteer firefighter from Station 303, designed the challenge coin.

In the Town of Caledon’s media release, they shared he has been with Station 303 for two years as a volunteer firefighter, and he wanted to be a part of such a significant milestone in the department’s history.

He’s always had an artistic side to him, and was happy to share it in a meaningful way.

In the release, Pelayo says Morton was able to take their history and include their future in the coin design, which allows them to remember where they came from, and look forward to the future and what is before them.

“Designing the coin is my way of giving thanks to the Chiefs, Captains, and fellow firefighters who have mentored me. I hope this coin reflects the growth, dedication, and unity of our department,” says Morton.

Judith D’Souza Soares, Commissioner of Community Services, in a statement to the Citizen, said having a member of the CFES team design the coin is incredibly meaningful.

“When someone steps forward to take on something like this, not because they have to, but because they want to, it says a lot about the pride and connection they feel to the department and community. Hearing Matthew speak about how his fellow firefighters inspired the design really brought it full circle. This coin is as much theirs as it is his,” says Soares.

Soares said the challenge coin captures both the history and momentum of CFES, and it’s a quiet but powerful reminder that the strength has always come from working together and that every member plays a role in shaping who they are.

“This coin is more than a keepsake. It’s a symbol of service, of stepping up when it matters, and of belonging to something that stretches across generations. For those who came before, it’s recognition. For those currently serving, it’s a moment to pause and reflect. And for those still to come, I hope it’s a reminder that their story will help shape the next hundred years,” she says.