After 45 years of extinguishing fires that threaten Grand Valley and area, Paul Agar is hanging up the various hats he’s worn as a firefighter.
“It’s been a great ride, I can't believe it’s near over,” Agar said. “I had a great time helping out the community and we served as best we can.”
Agar has volunteered his time as a firefighter, chief and deputy chief throughout his near half-century of service.
On Sunday (Sept. 30), the Grand Valley and District Fire board hosted an open house at the fire hall in honour of his retirement.
“He is the face, the heart and conscience of the Grand Valley Fire Department,” fire board vice-chair Steve Soloman said of Agar.
During the celebration, Orangeville Fire Chief Andy Macintosh presented Agar with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal.
“I thought if this guy doesn’t get this, nobody should get it,” said Macintosh, who nominated Agar for the award. “If anyone deserves this honour, it’s Paul.”
Agar moved to Grand Valley in 1967 and began looking for ways to contribute to his new hometown.
“My father suggested that we go out in the community and get involved in something,” Agar said. “I thought the fire department would be a good place to start.”
Throughout the years, Agar’s fellow firefighters helped hold his interest in the department.
“We had a great time,” Agar said. “It’s a good group I’ve served with throughout the years. A lot have come and gone and there are new ones coming in.”
Firefighting has spread throughout Agar’s family. His wife, Carol, helped create the ladies auxiliary, and his son, Mike, has worked with the department for about 18 years. As well, his daughter, Deborah, was named Miss Firefighter in 1991.
“It’s not just me. The whole family has been involved,” Agar said. “With my grand kids growing up now, who knows, maybe they will get into it as well.”
On Sunday, the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal recognized Agar’s family’s contribution by presenting Carol with a Provincial Broach.
“There’s probably not many wives out there that would put up with it for 45 years,” said Joe Casey, fire prevention advisor to the Ontario Fire Marshal. “All the arrangements that were missed, all the birthday parties and anniversaries. When Paul got called out to that fire call, he was protecting the community.”
Mayor John Oosterhof commended Agar for serving his 45-year career as a firefighter in a single location.
“I want to thank you for all your dedication and hard work you’ve done for this department,” Oosterhof said.
While Agar hopes to use his newfound time to travel, he still plans to help at the fire station with dispatch and maintenance.
“I’ll keep my finger in the pie,” Agar said. “I just don’t respond on the trucks anymore.”
Link to article: Grand Valley firefighter retires after 45 years