A 40-year veteran of the St. Marys Fire Department who is calling it a career at the end of December has been named Firefighter of the Month.
Deputy Chief Brent Dundas joined the department in December 1982. In 1989, he was promoted to captain and in 2008 attained the rank and position of deputy chief. He retires Dec. 31.
“As a highly dedicated and exemplary public servant, deputy fire chief Dundas has been vital to the senior leadership team,” Fire Chief Richard Anderson said in a news release. “His journey to becoming deputy chief is a testament to the organization’s focus on professional development and mentorship. I extend my congratulations to Deputy Fire Chief Dundas and his family on this well-deserved recognition.”
Dundas is the recipient of the 20-year fire services exemplary service medal, the 25-year Ontario fire services long service medal and 30-year bar firefighter award.
“When I started in 1982, we did not have near the equipment we are so fortunate to have now.” said Dundas. “The equipment that we have procured over the last six years to fight fires, conduct water rescues and vehicle extraction operations, is top of its class. This makes it safer and easier for us to perform our duties.”
Dundas said the role of deputy chief has its challenges, such as the ability to make quick decisions in changing conditions.
“From the time you arrive on the scene and throughout the operation, you are constantly evaluating how to keep the firefighters safe so that they are able to complete the task at hand. I always tell myself that I would never send anyone anywhere, that I wouldn’t go myself. In the end, I want to make sure all firefighters come home safe."
Dundas was raised in St. Marys and his dad and brother were firefighters in the town and knew he would join the department eventually.
"Watching them respond to emergencies sparked my interest, so I ended up going to some calls with my dad and watching what they did."
Married to Darlene, the couple have three children: Justin, Brandon, and Nate and seven grandchildren. Two of his sons completed fire college and are serving in St. Marys. A third son was accepted to fire college, but chose to work in landscape design.
“I am proud to have two of my sons that have completed Fire College and are serving on the St. Marys Fire Department, and my third son was also accepted to Fire College, but instead chose a different path in landscape design.”
