A Red Deer Fire Marshall was honoured on Sunday at the 70th annual Conference and Trade Show of the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association.

In front of his peers at the Sheraton Hotel in Red Deer, Wes Van Bavel was awarded his 1st Bar, for his 30 years of service with Emergency Services.

Over his 30 years, Van Bavel has also worked as a 911 Emergency Dispatcher, a Fire Prevention Officer and a Chief Fire Prevention Officer, all for the City of Red Deer.

Devoting his time to serving the community, Van Bavel feels blessed to receive the award and says commitment is key.

“We’re responsible for over 3,400 commercial buildings that we want to keep safe for the public. I think we’re over 40,000 residential homes now and over 100 thousand lives, so we take that seriously.”

Being part of such a great group is what Van Bavel said he enjoys the most.

“I think the comradery and the family unit in the fire service (is what I enjoy the most). We always have each other’s back, doesn’t matter what level you’re at, you play that role and you have that support.”

“It’s a community and a family.”

The award was handed out at the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal Presentation, where over 160 members of the AFCA were honoured.