William Dale
Published online June 3, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com.
CAMPBELL’S BAY — Residents gathered at the Campbell’s Bay Recreation Centre on May 30 for the annual Campbell’s Bay–Litchfield Firefighters’ Ball, a community tradition dating back to the 1950s. The evening featured live music by the Midnight Ramblers, while also recognizing decades of service by local firefighters and marking nearly one year since the Bryson and L’Île-du-Grand-Calumet fire services joined the Campbell’s Bay–Litchfield shared-services framework on July 1, 2025.
Master of ceremonies Jean-Pierre Landry reflected on the history of local fire protection and highlighted recent efforts to recruit and train new firefighters through regional programs. Fire Chief Kevin Kluke said the shared-services model has progressed well during its first year, noting that the combined department now includes approximately 45 personnel across the participating municipalities. He said the arrangement has allowed departments to share resources while maintaining local operations, including the recent purchase of a rescue truck for Bryson and plans to acquire an additional tanker.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Governor General’s Exemplary Service Medal barrettes by Pontiac MP Sophie Chatel. The honour recognizes firefighters who have reached 20 years of service, including 10 years in high-risk environments. Chatel thanked firefighters for their commitment to protecting their communities, noting the sacrifices required to respond to emergencies on a volunteer basis.
A 30-year service barrette was awarded to Alain Dubeau, accepted on his behalf by Marielle Kluke. Forty-year service barrettes were awarded to James Morin, Lincoln Smith and Todd Vibert.
Municipal service awards were also presented to Martin Shea and Nicholas Cameron for 10 years of service; Cory Dubeau, Scott Laporte and Scott Tubman for 15 years; Philip Stewart for 20 years; and Patrick Shea for 40 years. Organizers noted that Shea’s official Governor General’s second barrette will be presented next year due to federal scheduling requirements.
The Junior Firefighter of the Year Award, presented in memory of Keith Veary, Todd Wywood Jr. and Lawrence Goldberger, was awarded to Vince Pilon. The peer-selected honour recognizes a firefighter with 10 years or less of service who demonstrates exceptional dedication to the department.
Landry concluded the formal program by thanking the families of firefighters for their ongoing support, noting their contributions behind the scenes during fundraising activities and emergency responses.
Photo — Firefighters Lincoln Smith and Todd Vibert, Pontiac MP Sophie Chatel and firefighter James Morin pose at the Campbell’s Bay R.A. Centre after Smith, Vibert and Morin received Governor General’s Exemplary Service Medal 40-year barrettes during the annual Firefighters’ Ball on May 30. (WD)
