Highlighting an evening of highlights for the Jaffray Volunteer Fire Department Oct. 4 was a special presentation to Fire Chief Dave Boreen, recognized for 20 years’ service to his community.

Making the presentation before the department, during an awards barbecue at the fire hall, was Regional District of East Kootenay Electoral Area B director and Union of B.C. Municipalities president Heath Slee.

“Tonight I am honoured to recognize Fire Chief Dave Boreen for his 20 plus years of fire service in the region,” Slee began.

“In 1990, Dave started as an auxiliary firefighter in Fernie. During his time in Fernie he was an active member of the department and some of his accomplishments included: spearheading the campaign to bring the first automatic external defibrillator to the Fernie department; serving a member of the vehicle rescue team where competed at three Western Regional Auto Extrication Competitions, competed in the 1998 Can-Am Police Games in Regina. He was captain of the team and that year they won the gold medal for vehicle rescue. Dave also led the Fernie extrication team to first place in the Fernie Rescue Competition,” Slee stated.

“In addition to all this, Dave was the president of the Fernie Auxiliary Firefighters Association and a First Responder Instructor in Fernie,” he said.

“In 1999, Dave moved to Jaffray and started with the Jaffray Fire Department, quickly moving from firefighter to training officer and then captain. He became acting fire chief in 2001 and was named volunteer fire chief in 2002,” Slee continued.

“During the fires of 2003, Dave worked with the office of the Fire Commissioner in the Plans Section, developing structural protection plans for the Lamb Creek fire. He became Career Fire Chief for Jaffray and Baynes Lake in April of 2008.”

Slee noted that in the past 12 years, “Dave has continued to be active, not only in the line of duty but in so many other ways. He instructed the First Responders in Jaffray and Baynes Lake and continues to do so. He led the campaign to fundraise for the Jaffray Jaws of Life; led the fundraising efforts for the thermal imaging camera (TIC) for Jaffray. Jaffray had the first TIC in the area, even before Cranbrook. He initiated and completed the Dry Hydrant projects in Jaffray and Baynes Lake and he led the charge on the Structural Protection Unit from fundraising right through to assembly.”

Slee concluded by thanks Boreen for his two decades plus of service to the region and for his “professionalism and passion for your department and its members. We are so lucky to have you as part of our team and hope you know how much your efforts and dedication are valued and appreciated. It is my distinct honour to present you with your 20 year service medal from the Office of the Fire Commissioner. Congratulations.”

Slee, at left in the above photo,  also presented him with a signed certificate from the Governor General.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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