Town of Caledon firefighters honoured for excellence, bravery, and service

CALEDON, ON (November 10, 2025) – Caledon Fire & Emergency Services recognized the outstanding achievements of its members during its annual service recognition ceremony held on Saturday, November 8. The event celebrated firefighters who have reached milestones in service time, recent retirees, and those who have gone above and beyond in service to their community, including three members who received the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal — one of the highest distinctions awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to public service, their community, or the Crown.

Fire Chief Dave Pelayo, Deputy Chief Jeff Fairbarn, and Firefighter Brandon DiMonte were recognized for their extraordinary commitment and courage:

• Chief Pelayo received the medal for his dedicated work supporting firefighter mental health and wellness.
• Deputy Chief Fairbarn and Firefighter DiMonte were honoured for their heroic actions while off duty, when their quick thinking and bravery helped save a life during a motor vehicle collision in 2024.

“The presentation of these medals is a powerful reflection of the effectiveness and professionalism of Caledon Fire & Emergency Services,” said Mayor Annette Groves. “Their ongoing commitment to safety, community, and innovation directly supports the Town’s strategic priorities of building safe, caring, and connected communities. We are incredibly proud of Chief Pelayo, Deputy Chief Fairbarn, and Firefighter DiMonte for the leadership and compassion they bring to their roles and the example they set for all of us.”

In addition to the Coronation Medals, several other awards were presented recognizing excellence and leadership across Caledon Fire & Emergency Services:

• Fire Chief’s Award – Firefighter Matthew Morton was recognized for his creativity and leadership in designing Caledon Fire’s 100th Anniversary Challenge Coin, a symbol of pride and unity within the department.
• Public Educator of the Year Award – In its inaugural year, this award was presented to Firefighter Christine Martel and Firefighter Linda McGowan for their passion and innovation in fire and life safety education.
• Valour in Rescue Award – Firefighters from Stations 303 and 305 were honoured for their bravery and teamwork in responding to a fiery motor vehicle rollover, where their quick actions and courage directly saved lives.
• Firefighter of the Year Awards – This peer-nominated award recognizes members who exemplify leadership, teamwork, and service excellence. This year the recipients were:
  • Jordan Thompson
  • Austin Kent
  • Karl Gadde
  • Doug Dixon
  • Kaaren Densham
  • Steve Nelson
  • Justus Vilella
  • Victor Wood
  • Matthew Aquino

“This event is always a highlight of the year and a reminder of the dedicated people who make up Caledon Fire & Emergency Services,” said Judith D’Souza Soares, Commissioner of Community Services. “Their professionalism and teamwork are commendable as is their collective commitment to keep Caledon a safe and resilient community.”

As part of the ceremony, 29 firefighters were recognized for their years of service, including:

30 Years

• William G. Brimblecombe
• David Currie

25 Years

• Dan R. Van Amelsvoort
• Anthony Staniscia

20 Years

• James Arnold
• Ronald Hughes
• Breck Nordheimer
• Daryl Roy
• Christopher Teeter
• Kevin Wilson

Caledon Fire retirees over the past year were also honoured, including 11 with over 20 years of service:

• Paul Bebbington (46 years)
• Mike Denreyer (44 years)
• Roy Hostrawser (41 years)
• Bill Davis (34 years)
• David Currie (30 years)
• Brian Corbett (29 years)
• Wayne Everitt (29 years)
• Dennis Anselmi (29 years)
• Colin Berry (27 years)
• Randall Macey (26 years)
• Ronald Hughes (20 years)

The Town of Caledon and Caledon Fire and Emergency Services thanks all of them for their dedicated service and wishes them well in retirement.

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Media contact:

Communications
905-584-2272 | communications@caledon.ca
www.caledon.ca | @TownofCaledon

About Caledon

Caledon is home to close to 80,000 residents and 4,000 businesses and is well-known for its natural attractions, rural charm and vital role in the economic engine of the Greater Toronto Area. It will soon be one of Ontario’s fastest growing communities as it prepares to become a city of 300,000 residents and 125,000 jobs by 2051. Under its current strategic plan, Caledon’s priorities remain environmental leadership, community vitality and livability, enhanced transportation and mobility, and service excellence and accountability. For more information, visit Caledon.ca or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.