It's fitting this week as we salute Coast firefighters during fire prevention week, that Sechelt Fire Chief Bill Higgs is getting a little extra recognition.
The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs at the association's 100th anniversary convention in Whitehorse presented Higgs with the volunteer fire chief of the year award last week. Higgs is quick to point out that the award would not be possible without all the other firefighters in Sechelt - and for that matter, all the firefighters on the Coast. This is a great honour and we could not think of a more deserving person than Higgs to receive it.
Higgs has worked with the department since 1985 and has been chief since 1990. He's been a leader in the industry and here on the Coast promoting the effectiveness and the life-saving capabilities of automatic fire sprinkler systems, and he helped lead the Sechelt department to be one of the first departments in North America to introduce a specialized foam in municipal firefighting.
Higgs has also been a great source of information for our newsroom. Despite the fact that he's busy fighting fires and would probably like to go home after a hard day, Higgs is always willing to speak with us and make sure we're providing accurate information to the public about what he and all the firefighters on the Coast are doing.
On pages B7 to B11 in today's Coast Reporter, we present photos, information and the names of all the firefighters serving the seven departments here on the Coast. All of these people, mostly volunteers, play a vital role in serving our community. The past few months have seen a dramatic increase in fire calls on the Coast, and all of our volunteers have been ready, willing and able to respond when the fire alarm went off. When you see these fine men and women out in our community, be sure to say thanks and give them some appreciation. They certainly deserve it.
