On Sunday, Mar. 22, Thompson-Nicola Regional District Area A director Carol Schaffer presented former Vavenby fire chief Leo Vermette with an appreciation gift of a set of coasters, a blanket, and an inflatable life jacket for his years of being with the department. He was a fireman for 22 years and fire chief for 18. He has also been on the fire department’s board, serving our town for a total of 29 years, the longest serving member yet.
His wife, Jodie Vermette, was given flowers for having to put up with it all.
Being a fire chief is not easy. One must oversee the fire department and all of its operations. The chief must also oversee the crew and everything about them. The Vavenby fire hall is always looking for more members.
The presentation was made following a meeting of North Thompson Valley fire chiefs from McLure to Vavenby at the Vavenby fire hall. Those present included deputy chief Mike Savage from Blackpool, retired regional fire commissioner Bob Hickey from Kamloops, and Vavenby’s fire chief Sean Dawson.
Vavenby’s secretary of the fire board, Charlotte Cederholm, made a lunch of ham, scalloped potatoes, peas, carrots, and angel food cake for the men to eat during the meeting.
