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Fire and Emergency Services staff at their Farmers Market booth

East Gwillimbury (EG)’s Fire and Emergency Services’ Fire Prevention team is the recipient of the Intercultural Dialogue Institute (IDI) GTA Public Heroes award for their altruism and outstanding dedication and commitment to ensuring EG remains a fire-safe community.

This award highlights the team's community impact which is reflected in all they do on and off the job. Throughout the year they go above and beyond the call of duty to provide programs, initiatives, and events that ensure residents of all ages who live in EG remain safe, informed, and prepared. When they’re off the clock, each member of the team is actively involved in their community whether it’s coaching local sports teams, volunteering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the Cancer Society, lending a hand at Mount Albert Sports Day, or participating in the York Regional Police annual dragon boat races.

The implementation of public education programs like the door-to-door Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm program, Storytime with Sparky, Fire Chief for a Day, annual Fire Prevention Open House, visits at Town events, and the Community Risk Assessment showcase an engaging community-focused approach to public education. As one of the three lines of defense, having access to programs that enhance public education ensures residents know what to do in case of an emergency. Not only does the team help make a difference in educating the public to prevent dangerous situations they also support community-led initiatives outside of the fire service

“We are incredibly proud of our Fire Prevention team for their continued service and commitment to educating residents of East Gwillimbury,” says Mayor Virginia Hackson. “This award showcases their hard work, dedication, and the positive impact they have made in enhancing fire safety and prevention and their commitment to giving back to the community through their various volunteering efforts.”

EG is extremely proud and honoured to work with and learn from its dedicated Fire Prevention team: Fire Prevention Officer Shawna Davidson, Fire Inspectors Kalai Walton, Derek Hill, and Public Education Officer Nicole Spragg.

To learn more about Fire Prevention in EG, fire safety risks, hazards, and available programs, please visit the Fire Prevention page. You can also visit the team weekly on Thursdays at the East Gwillimbury Farmers Market from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Civic Centre, 19000 Leslie Street, Sharon.

The IDI is a Vaughan-based organization that advances social cohesion through personal interaction, respect, and mutual understanding among individuals from various cultures and faiths. The annual IDI GTA Heros awards ceremony is an opportunity to recognize first-response agencies that exemplify excellence in public and community service.