MOOSE JAW — Several Moose Jaw firefighters have been awarded the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal this month in recognition of their years of dedicated service and commitment to public safety.
The Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal, established in 1985 by the Canadian Monarch-in-Council — the Government of Canada under the authority of the reigning monarch — is awarded to members of recognized Canadian fire services who have completed at least 20 years of service.
The medal is presented on behalf of His Majesty the King in the right of Canada through the office of the Secretary to the Governor General, and is awarded by the Chancellery of Canadian Orders.
Brock Chelsberg, president of the Moose Jaw Professional Firefighters Association IAFF Local 553, emphasized the significance of the honour and acknowledged the dedication of the recipients.
“This medal recognizes members… who have served for 20 years, 10 years of which have been served in the performance of duties involving potential risks,” Chelsberg said.
The award serves as a formal recognition of firefighters’ unwavering commitment to the safety of their community, often putting themselves at risk to protect lives and property.
Several of this year’s recipients have surpassed 20 years of service, with a few serving up to 27 years before receiving their medals retroactively, Chelsberg noted. One likely reason for this delay was disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s recipients include:
- A Platoon: Senior Captain Ryan Hopkinson, Captain Jae Unser, and firefighters Dustin Duzan and Sterling MacDiarmid
- B Platoon: Senior Captain Chris Luiten and Captain Jeremy Sanderson
- C Platoon: Senior Captain Rob Halsall, Captain Richelle Grocott, and firefighters Jeff Calvert and Rod Ansell
- D Platoon: Senior Captain Curtis Beler and Captain Craig Flanagan
- Fire Inspector: Captain Ian Clark
For these recipients, the medal represents more than just a milestone — it is a testament to decades of service, bravery, and dedication. The Moose Jaw Fire Department and the community it serves express their gratitude for the service of these firefighters.
