Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to bid a happy retirement to one of the longest-serving fire chiefs in the Ottawa Valley, Chief Terry McHale of the Douglas Fire Department.
Terry has served with the Douglas Fire Department continually since 1972, a 44-year commitment to his community.
After briefly serving as chief in 1978, Terry took on the responsibility full time in 1987, and held the position for the last 30 years until his reluctant retirement in December.
This will be a big change for the township of Admaston/Bromley, as Terry is the only fire chief many residents have ever known.
Terry leaves a strong legacy of public service and community leadership, and very large shoes to fill for his successor.
I look forward to seeing Terry working at his other job as a small business owner and operator, a job which he has held alongside his 44 years at the fire department.
I thank Chief McHale for his service. He is a fine example of true dedication and service to our community. I wish him and his wife Evelyn a happy and relaxing retirement from firefighting. He has certainly earned it.