Two firefighters from Hanover have been recognized for their years of service.

The Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs (MAFC) has awarded Dave Plett and Kevin Toews with exemplary medals for their 25 years of serving as firefighters.

Hanover Fire Chief Paul Wiebe says this medal, established by MAFC, recognizes the long service commitment of members to their community. He notes normally these awards are handed out at their annual conference. However, the conference was cancelled in 2020 and with no guarantee that the conference will happen in 2021, the decision was made to hold a short presentation in Hanover Council chambers.

Wiebe says Dave Plett started back in 1994. He began his career in Kleefeld, where he continues to serve today. Plett started as a frontline firefighter, served with pump operations, briefly held the role of Deputy Chief and today is Acting District Chief for Kleefeld.

"He's a great firefighter, great leader within his group," says Wiebe. "And very deserving recipient of this."

Wiebe says Kevin Toews started at the same time as Plett. Toews began his career in New Bothwell and is still there today. He has served as Captain, Instructor and is currently Deputy District Chief for New Bothwell.

"(He) puts in an awful lot of time just training, not only his own guys but guys from across Hanover," adds Wiebe.

Wiebe says both Plett and Toews have shown huge commitment in serving their departments.

According to Wiebe, serving 25 years as a firefighter is rare, though he says Hanover has a handful of those firefighters. In fact, there are currently three firefighters at 30 years of service. He notes Hanover has a deep bank of experienced firefighters.