by Giselle Lussier
GAZETTE STAFF
Garth McIntyre, a longtime educator and principal, most notably in Glenboro, was recognized with the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to volunteer firefighting and exceptional leadership. To further celebrate his contributions, the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association recently presented McIntyre with a specially crafted challenge coin commemorating the remarkable achievement.
The recognition is well deserved, as McIntyre’s contributions to firefighting and firefighter mentorship across the province have spanned over four decades. Although now fully retired, McIntyre, who is in his early eighties, was often still on the scene up until just a year ago, offering his experience and support wherever needed.
He first joined the Glenboro Volunteer Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter in 1982 and, by 1991, had advanced to the role of Deputy Fire Chief. During that time, he expanded his expertise, becoming a certified instructor at the Manitoba Emergency Services College.
In this role, McIntyre trained firefighters throughout the province in a variety of critical areas, including vehicle extrication, farm accident rescue, traffic control and both Level One and Level Two firefighter certification programs. In addition he was also an evaluator for the fire program students with the college; evaluating several hundred firefighters for their practical certification throughout the province.
His long-standing contributions have not gone unnoticed. McIntyre has previously been awarded the Exemplary Service Award (2005), the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), and the Mary Beth Doan Medal for Exemplary Service (2016), alongside the Lifetime Achievement Award and now, the commemorative pin.
Standing in his office, gazing at the certificates, awards and accolades that line the walls, McIntyre is surrounded not just by memories of his own achievements, but also by shelves of training manuals and framed photos depicting the evolution of firefighting over the years from the members of the local department to the advancement of equipment and fire gear.
“Back in the ’80s, we wore long black trench coats and were lucky to have a pair of hip waders to keep us dry,” he chuckled, shaking his head.
In the letter that accompanied the rare coin, Mark Pound, secretary of the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association wrote:
“To celebrate your contributions, the CVFSA is pleased to present you with a specially crafted challenge coin commemorating your remarkable achievement. The coin is engraved with the year you received the Lifetime Achievement award, making it a one-of-a-kind tribute for your service and commitment. Only 15 coins like this exist, each as unique as the legacy left by its recipient.”
