By Mary Giuliano

On Monday, November 28, at the regular meeting of city council, I was given the pleasure of presenting the prestigious Canadian 20-year Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal to Fernie Fire Department member Brett Uphill.

Brett was born on March 3, 1966, in Fernie to parents Marlene and Harold Uphill.

He Graduated from Fernie Secondary School in 1984 and went on to a post-secondary education to earn the title of Electronic Technologist.

He became employed at JRT Industries (Motorola Service Shop) as an Electronic Communication Technician from 1986 to 2000.

He was Director of Fernie Search and Rescue in the years 1994 to 1999 and an Auxiliary Firefighter from 1996 to 2000. Brett became a full-time firefighter in 2000 – a job he holds to present day.

In 2008 Brett was promoted to Lieutenant and in 2007 to the present he has held the role of President of the Fernie Professional Firefighters’ Association.

An avid sportsman, outdoorsman and volunteer, in 1998 he was awarded a Gold Medal in the Police Fire Games for Powerlifting.

Brett is married to wife Erin and has two amazing children from a previous marriage Travis and Shelby.

Fernie council is very proud of Brett and extend sincere congratulations on his 20-years of dedicated service to our town. We know we can look forward to many more.

Lead image: Brett Uphill, centre, receives the Canadian 20-year Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal from Mayor Mary Giuliano and Fernie Fire Department Chief Ted Ruiter, left.

– Mary Giuliano is Mayor of the City of Fernie

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