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On fire for 40 years

Parksville fire chief celebrates a milestone
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Mayor for a Day contest winner Liam Richardson (left) takes the spotlight off quiet Parksville fire Chief Doug Banks as acting mayor Chris Burger presents him with an honour for 40 years service.

Parksville city council honoured their fire Chief Doug Banks for 40 years of service with the department.

“To put that in context, after 20 years they receive a federal citation of service,” pointed out acting mayor Chris Burger as he presented Banks with a plaque and medal.

The gallery was full including a dozen Parksville Volunteer Fire Department members there to recognize their leader.

“The city has tremendously benefited through his loyalty, he is a very effective leader for our department.”

Burger highlighted the tough work the department does at fires and horrific accidents and said the dedication and good work of the department is a testament to Banks’ leadership.

“His achievement is reflected in the men and women who stand behind him, he has ensured a very effective and able department,” which he pointed out is all the more impressive in a community that struggles to find young volunteers.

Through much of his tenure as chief, since 1989, Banks has pushed for the fire hall expansion and upgrades it is currently receiving and though keeping enough volunteer members is a constant struggle, the department recently began training a large class of new recruits.

writer@pqbnews.com