There has been an outpouring of condolences on social media since the passing of South Pigeon Lake Fire Chief Wayne Benson last week, a testament to the impact he had over his 50 years of dedicated service.
Chief Benson died on April 17, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. He would have been 72 on April 30.
"We have lowered our flags, and now it is time to inform the community of our heart-wrenching news," stated a post on the South Pigeon Lake Fire Department (SPLFD) Facebook page on April 19.
"We have lost a pillar in the fire world and community; a dedicated, caring and selfless individual."
Benson was the fire chief of South Pigeon Lake for 10 years, and was the chief of the Mulhurst Bay department for 14 years before that.
Starting his firefighting career in 1974 in Oyen, Alta., he was officially recognized for half a century of service at a special ceremony in November, 2024, receiving a plaque from MLA Rick Wilson.
"His commitment and dedication to the Pigeon Lake community as a whole is inspiring and was unwavering," the SPLFD post continues.
"His over 50 years' experience and knowledge in the fire service led the South Pigeon Lake Fire Department to become what we are today. He was a true friend, stopping anything to help anyone in need.
"SPLFD not only lost our chief, but we also lost our friend, our leader, and our brother."
"We are heartbroken with you South Pigeon Lake Fire Department," Millet Fire Department echoed in a post. "Chief Benson will not be forgotten."
"Chief Benson was known for his dedication to his community, love for his neighbours, and most of all, his longtime service in his local fire departments," said AlphaMEDICS in a Facebook post.
"Chief Benson, thank you for your decades of service and leadership. The firefighter community has lost a tremendous asset and a great human being!"
Oyen Fire Department also stated Benson would be "greatly missed" in a social media post.
Benson joined the Oyen fire department on Sept. 3, 1974, serving for 23 with the department, 17 of which were as deputy chief.
In 1998, he moved to Pigeon Lake, joining the Mulhurst fire department as the deputy chief and training officer, and becoming the chief in 2000.
He moved to the SPLFD in 2014, and became the chief in February, 2015.
When Benson first moved to the County of Wetaskiwin, county firefighters didn't respond to motor vehicle accidents, but through Benson's initiative working with the chief at the time, Jaws of Life were purchased and the county approved the training for vehicle extraction.
During his time as a firefighter in the county, he also encouraged public relations and fundraising to help purchase additional firefighting vehicles.
Facing several health challenges over the course of his career, he overcame post traumatic stress disorder after three decades on the job, then suffered a heart attacka few years later.
He was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2020 - so rare in fact, that he was only the 12th recorded case and was the sole survivor.
He underwent a chemotherapy clinical trial and then a stem cell transplant.
When his health forced him to step away from active duty, his absence was felt by the department and the members rallied to his support, holding a "Walk for Wayne" event on Jan. 30, 2021.
Firefighters from near and far gathered to walk across Pigeon Lake, completing a five-hour walk across the frozen lake in full bunker gear as a show of solidarity and a fundraiser for Benson.
In March 2021, Benson was recognized with an Outstanding Service Award from the Summer Villages of Pigeon Lake in honour of his dedication to keeping his community safe.
Overtime he regained his strength, beat the odds and returned to work, in both the oilfield and as a firefighter. Benson was actively serving as chief of SPLFD at the time of his passing.
"With (his) loss comes the knowledge that we have gained an angel on all our shoulders, knowing Chief will always be watching over us," said SPLFD.
"We can only hope that as time goes on that everything SPLFD does will make you proud Chief. You will always be missed but never forgotten. Rest easy now Chief, we’ll take it from here."
- With files from Kevin Sabo, Black Press Media
