Chestermere Fire Services Captain, Brent Paquette received a certificate of recognition for 22 years of dedication to emergency services during the March 19 council meeting.
“It’s a nice pat on the back, it’s nice that the community recognizes the hard work, but I didn’t do it for that reason,” Paquette said.
From the time Paquette was very young, he knew he wanted to be part of emergency services.
“I showed up the day I turned 18 so I could officially apply,” he said.
Doing anything he could to help someone had been instilled in Paquette from an early age, as he grew up watching his family work in emergency services.
“It just fit well with what I was taught growing up. My parents were a great influence and I wanted to continue doing it. Then all of a sudden I blinked at it was 22 years later,” he said.
Throughout his years of service, Paquette has worked for the Siksika Nation, Rocky View County, and then again for Chestermere.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some really amazing people over the years.
“Chestermere, Siksika Nation, and Rocky View County were all great learning experiences,” Paquette said.
With over two decades of service, Paquette has made life-long friendships with people whom he considers to be part of his family.
“They’re not just co-workers in emergency services, they truly do become family,” Paquette said.
He added, he had worked with Chief Brian Pomrenke at Chestermere Public Works for many years and had convinced him to volunteer at the fire department.
“I talked him into becoming a volunteer firefighter, and he realized how much he enjoyed it.
“That’s something nice to hang my hat on, at least I had a small part in that,” he said.
Going forward, Paquette is continuing to help build Chestermere Fire Services, train, and help anyone he can.
“It’s amazing how quick time flies by, but I’m looking forward to what the future brings,” he said.
