After 30 years of service, helping ensure fire protection safety in the County of Wetaskiwin, an instrumental figure of the Wetaskiwin Rural Fire Protection Zone 2 Society, and the former Wetaskiwin Rural Fire Protection Co-op Ltd., is retiring from his post.
Lorne Fuhrhop was presented at the County of Wetaskiwin council’s June 20 meeting, where councillors and county staff commended him for years of service and present him with a plaque.
“The County of Wetaskiwin would like to thank Mr. Fuhrhop for his hard work,” said Mike Zajac, director of emergency services.
“We want to thank you for all your years of service and leadership,” said reeve Kathy Rooyakkers.
Fuhrhop was an active member of the Wetaskiwin Rural Fire Protection Co-op Ltd. And a key player in the dissolution of the co-op, leading to the creation of the Wetaskiwin Rural Fire Protection Zone 2 Society.
“I worked with Lorne for 25 years, so I’d like to say thank you too,” said Coun. Garry Dearing.
“Lorne was a leader,” said CAO Frank Coutney.
Coutney says he is confident the fire protection services expertise and equipment rival what can be found in any rural fire department across the province, thanks in part to leaders such as Fuhrhop.
“I enjoyed my time being on the board,” said Fuhrhop. “It’s time to move on.”
“We’ve got to get some new blood in the system,” he added.