Six members of the Fort St. John Fire Department were recognized for their years of service at Monday’s city council meeting as part of the department’s Long Service Awards.
The awards highlighted the contributions of firefighters who have spent years protecting the community, developing their colleagues and taking on leadership roles both inside and outside the fire hall.
Stephen Beard and Matthew Crompton were each recognized for 20 years of career service with the department.
Beard joined the department as an auxiliary firefighter before beginning his career service on July 11, 2006. Promoted to lieutenant in 2019, he has helped develop his crew by sharing his knowledge and continues to take on everyday responsibilities around the hall.
He has also served for years as treasurer for Local 2143, overseeing the union’s finances. Outside the department, Beard and his wife, Amy, have balanced raising their children with building a business, which they recently sold.
Crompton joined the department as a career firefighter on July 10, 2006, and became a lieutenant in 2016.
Known for his calm approach and steady leadership, Crompton has helped build relationships within the department, across the community and throughout the province. His time as president of Local 2143 also helped strengthen those connections and contribute to the department’s growth.
James Grant was also recognized for 20 years of career service, having joined the department as a full-time firefighter in 2006 after first serving as a volunteer in 1997.
Grant became a lieutenant in 2016 before being promoted to fire training officer in 2023. In that role, he helps lead firefighters on the fireground and develops training for both experienced members and new recruits.
His work includes researching and creating practical exercises to improve firefighter safety and effectiveness during emergencies. Grant is also a qualified live fire instructor and Blue Card command instructor.
Adam Horst was recognized for 15 years of career service after joining the department’s full-time ranks on Feb. 28, 2011. He initially joined as a paid-on-call firefighter in 2008.
Horst has worked as a driver instructor and recently taken on acting officer duties. He has also served as president of Local 2143 and contributed to the Firefighters Charitable Society, reflecting a commitment to the community beyond his regular duties.
The awards also recognized three firefighters for 10 years of career service.
Brandon Moore joined the department on May 31, 2016, and was recognized for his attention to training, equipment and the department’s fleet. His mechanical knowledge helps keep firefighting vehicles and equipment ready for emergencies.
Jayden Ockenden also joined on May 31, 2016. Alongside his work as a firefighter, Ockenden has encouraged colleagues to maintain their physical fitness and served as a union trustee and board member of the Firefighters Charitable Society.
Leo Sullivan joined the department the same day, bringing 11 years of wildland firefighting experience and qualifications as a journeyman sprinkler fitter.
Sullivan has developed training in chainsaw use and sprinkler protection, served as community safety co-ordinator and led the Firefighters Charitable Society. He has also taken on the role of structure protection specialist with the B.C. Wildfire Service.
The Long Service Awards recognized the firefighters’ contributions over the years, including their work supporting their colleagues, strengthening the department and helping keep Fort St. John residents safe.
