Service, bravery, and leadership celebrated at Caledon Fire and Emergency Services Recognition Ceremony

November 13, 2025 · 0 Comments

By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Caledon Fire and Emergency Services recognized its members’ achievements at its annual service recognition ceremony on November 8.

The event celebrated firefighters who have reached milestones in service time, recent retirees, and those who have gone above and beyond in service to their community, including three members who received the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

The King Charles III Coronation Medal is awarded to those who have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.

These medals went to Fire Chief Dave Pelayo, Deputy Chief Jeff Fairbarn, and Firefighter Brandon DiMonte for their commitment and courage.

“The presentation of these medals is a powerful reflection of the effectiveness and professionalism of Caledon Fire and Emergency Services,” said Mayor Annette Groves.

She noted their ongoing commitment to safety, community, and innovation directly supports the Town’s strategic priorities of building safe, caring, and connected communities.

“We are incredibly proud of Chief Pelayo, Deputy Chief Fairbarn, and Firefighter DiMonte for the leadership and compassion they bring to their roles and the example they set for all of us,” she said.

Chief Pelayo received the medal for his dedicated work supporting firefighter mental health and wellness, and Deputy Chief Fairbarn and Firefighter DiMonte were honoured for their heroic actions while off duty, when their “quick thinking and bravery” helped save a life during a motor vehicle collision in 2024, said the Town.

Several other awards were presented that night, recognizing excellence and leadership across Caledon Fire and Emergency Services.

The Fire Chief’s Award went to Firefighter Matthew Morton for his creativity and leadership in designing Caledon Fire’s 100th Anniversary Challenge Coin, which was shared to be a symbol of pride and unity within the department.

This was the inaugural year of the Public Educator of the Year Award, which was presented to Firefighter Christine Martel and Firefighter Linda McGowan for their passion and innovation in fire and life safety education.

Firefighters from Stations 303 and 305 were honoured with the Valour in Rescue Award for their bravery and teamwork in responding to a fiery motor vehicle rollover, where it was stated that their quick actions and courage directly saved lives.

The Firefighter of the Year Awards are peer-nominated and recognize members who exemplify leadership, teamwork, and service excellence.

This year’s recipients were Jordan Thompson, Austin Kent, Karl Gadde, Doug Dixon, Kaaren Densham, Steve Nelson, Justus Vilella, Victor Wood and Matthew Aquino.

Judith D’Souza Soares, Commissioner of Community Services, shared that this event is “always a highlight of the year and a reminder of the dedicated people who make up Caledon Fire and Emergency Services.”

“Their professionalism and teamwork are commendable as is their collective commitment to keep Caledon a safe and resilient community,” she said.

Twenty-nine firefighters were recognized for their years of service at this year’s ceremony.

Celebrating 30 years were William G. Brimblecombe and David Currie.

Dan R. Van Amelsvoort and Anthony Staniscia were recognized for 25 years of service.

Celebrating 20 years of service were James Arnold, Ronald Hughes, Breck Nordheimer, Daryl Roy, Christopher Teeter and Kevin Wilson.

Caledon Fire retirees over the past year were also honoured, including 11 with over 20 years of service.

Paul Bebbington served 46 years, Mike Denreyer served 44 years, Roy Hostrawser served 41 years, Bill Davis served 34 years, David Currie served 30 years, Brian Corbett, Wayne Everitt and Dennis Anselmi all served 29 years, Colin Berry served 27 years, Randall Macey served 26 years, and Ronald Hughes served 20 years.