Municipal Affairs
September 30, 2016

Minister Joyce Congratulates Cecil Kerr on Receiving Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award

The Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs, congratulated Fire Chief Cecil Kerr of the Gilliams Volunteer Fire Department today on receiving the Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award from Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. Chief Kerr received the award at an event hosted by the association during its Fire Rescue Canada Conference in St. John's this week.

"On behalf of Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I congratulate Fire Chief Cecil Kerr of Gilliams on being named the Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. This national award is a prestigious honour and it acknowledges the tremendous level of commitment Mr. Kerr has shown to his fire department and community. I've known Cecil for many years and can speak first-hand to his professionalism and dedication. This is certainly a well-deserved honour."
- The Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs

Originally from Cape Breton, Chief Kerr attended school in Corner Brook, and went on to become a resident of Glliams 16 years ago. He has served as Fire Chief for the last 10 years. In addition to serving as Fire Chief, Mr. Kerr is an electrical and fire safety instructor at Academy Canada.

"Over the years, I've learned how important a volunteer fire department is to a small community and the many ways it improves our lives. More than 5,900 men and women volunteer their time as firefighters in this province to protect our families, homes, and businesses. I am very proud of these men and women, and I am thankful for opportunities like today to pay tribute to their commitment and sacrifices. On behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, I offer our deepest thanks to all volunteer firefighters."
- Minister Joyce

Founded in 1909, the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs is an independent, non-profit organization representing approximately 3,500 fire departments across Canada. More information about the association, and the Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award, can be found at www.cafc.ca/ .

QUICK FACTS

• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador congratulates Fire Chef Cecil Kerr of the Gilliams Volunteer Fire Department on being named the Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.
• This national award is a prestigious honour and it acknowledges the tremendous level of commitment Mr. Kerr has shown to his fire department and community.
• The Canadian Association of Fire Chief presented the award during its Fire Rescue Canada Conference in St. John's this week.

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Media contact:

Bradley Power Manager of Media Relations Department of Municipal Affairs 709-729-0857, 690-1810 bradleypower@gov.nl.ca

2016 09 30            11:40 a.m.