The Best of Aylmer 2022 recap
Aylmer holds its firefighters in high esteem
Alana Repstock
For the sixth time, Aylmer’s firefighters won the title of “Activists of the Year” in the Aylmer Bulletin’s Best of Aylmer Readers' Choice Awards, as voted by the Aylmer community.
“There has always been a special relationship between the people of Aylmer and their firefighters, more so than in any other sector of Gatineau,” said Captain Kevin Labelle.
Firefighters have played a critical role in Aylmer’s history. From the Great Fire of 1921 to the fire that destroyed the Glenwood Plaza in 2005, and the burning of St Paul’s Church in June 2009.
At Fire station 1 - Roland-Guertin, located at 425 boulevard Wilfrid-Lavigne, there are four teams, each with one captain, one lieutenant, and six firefighters. Their shifts run for 24 hours, starting at 7 am and ending at 7 am the following day. Each team works two, and on alternating weeks, one shift per week, thus covering a 24/7 cycle. There are 32 firefighters in all, 31 men and one woman.
Unfortunately, the firefighters could not make it to this year’s Best of Aylmer Gala and awards ceremony, held on June 1 at the Gatineau Golf Club. Nonetheless, the crew, who took a moment from their busy work day to be photographed with their award, wished to extend their thanks to the Aylmer community for voting for them.
“Citizen support is everything for us,” said Captain Kevin Labelle, a sentiment that was echoed by the rest of his team.
The firefighters received many words of thanks and congratulations in response to the above photo that was posted on the Aylmer Bulletin’s Facebook page (facebook.com/bulletinaylmer). One commenter even remarked on their dashing good looks.
Photo caption: Aylmer’s firefighters stand with their “Activists of the Year” 2022 award at the Roland-Guertin fire station in Aylmer. From left to right: Captain Kevin Labelle, Simon Leduc, Frédéric Melanson, Alain Fortin, Brian Legault, Pier-Olivier Gingras, Danick Lefebvre, Lieutenant Simon Langelier.
Photo credit: Alana Repstock
