Front of Yonge Fire Chief Greg Halladay was honoured by his wife, daughters, extended family, friends, colleagues and dignitaries on Saturday, as folks packed into the Mallorytown Community Hall to celebrate his 50 continuous years of fire service.
Saturday’s event was a sweet success for the fire chief’s wife, Lynda Halladay, who lovingly planned the celebration.
“I am very proud of my husband. It was such a happy occasion, with beautiful sunshine. It was wonderful to have everyone together. It made my heart sing. It gave me some sleepless nights, in the planning, but it all worked out great,” she said.
The ceremony was MC’d by Front of Yonge Deputy Fire Chief Mike Purcell.
All who spoke praised Halladay’s achievement, including Michael Barrett, MP for Leeds-Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes, MPP Steve Clark, Front of Yonge Mayor Roger Haley and, most passionately, Scott Hayes, from the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal.
“It’s beautiful that you filled this room with those thankful for your life of service. The average length is seven years, and you have served fifty. We are all better for your service,” said MP Barrett.
“When I think of you, when I think of the works you have done, the word that comes to mind is pride,” said Clark.
“Front of Yonge firefighters were and are the best,” added Haley.
“The chief trains his fighters so well we have a hard time keeping them,” he said light-heartedly, then observing more seriously, noted: “The families of the firefighters deserve credit as well, as there is much sacrifice involved in the career.”
The mayor presented a medal to the fire chief for 50 years of continuous service, the majority of those years served in Front of Yonge.
“Think about what 50 years represents,” said Scott Hayes. “It’s seen countless changes – in technology, in training, in the very fabric of your community. Through it all, Chief Halladay has been a constant steady hand guiding our fire service with unwavering dedication and profound wisdom.”
“Chief Halladay,” continued Hayes, “your 50 years of service are a testament to your extraordinary character, your unwavering dedication and your profound impact on your community. You have built a legacy of excellence that will continue to inspire generations of firefighters to come.”
“Many of us here today have our own stories about Chief Halladay. Perhaps it’s his calm demeanor during a particularly challenging call. His inspiring words of encouragement during training or simply his unwavering presence that instilled confidence in all of us. He’s not just been a chief, he’s been a mentor, a leader and a friend to so many,” said Hayes.
Halladay was presented with a firefighter’s brass axe by representatives of the Front of Yonge Firefighters Association, Kelly Gallant and Marvin Winter.
“I would like to thank my wife Lynda for all her support for 43 of those fifty years. When I look back at all the friends I’ve made, new skills learned, experience gained I have the fire service to thank for me becoming who I am,” said Halladay.
The chief has no plan to retire.
“No, none,” said Lynda Halladay, “firefighting is his passion.”