When you ask Sylvain Gauthier if he’s counting down the days to his retirement, he’ll respond with a smile “for the last fourteen years,” he responds.
Quesnel’s outgoing fire chief was honoured during the June 15 city council meeting, the first in-person meeting in 2021.
“It was a pleasure and an honour to be part of a great team,” Gauthier told council. “I truly enjoy myself working with members of city hall and staff members of council.”
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Gauthier joined the Canadian Forces in 1979, spending time in service for 27 years. He first joined the Quesnel firefighting staff in 2007 as a deputy fire chief, becoming the main fire chief on Dec. 31, 2010.
“I truly enjoyed working with all the volunteers at the fire hall, both from the city and Red Bluff,” Gauthier told council. “They’re an awesome group, and I would put my life in their hands at any time. I would trust them more than I would trust full-time firefighters because they are truly dedicated.”
On hand to present Gauthier with his retirement gift was incoming chief Ron Richert.
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“With Ron taking over, (the volunteers) really respect Ron,” Gauthier said. “They’re probably going to give him a hard time for the next seven years, but that’s the way they like him. The city is in great hands.”
Gauthier’s final day of work is set for June 30, 2021. He’s looking forward to enjoying time with his grandkids, camping and boating after he retires.
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