THE City of Surrey announced on Tuesday that the Surrey Fire Services (SFS) has been recognized with two prestigious national awards from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) recognizing outstanding leadership and innovation in firefighter health and safety.
In the weeks following his retirement, recently retired Fire Chief Larry Thomas was honoured with the CAFC’s Career Fire Chief of the Year Award, and the Surrey Fire Services received the Firefighter Cancer Prevention Award. These awards were celebrated by Surrey Council at Monday’s Regular Council Meeting.
“On behalf of Council, I want to congratulate recently retired Fire Chief Larry Thomas and our Surrey Fire Services for these well-deserved honours that reflect the department’s dedication to protecting our growing city,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke. “Through his 36-year career in the Surrey Fire Services, Chief Thomas has not only helped shape the department but provided leadership to improve the fire service right across the country. These awards reflect the values we hold as a city: innovation, compassion and excellence in public service.”
CAFC’s Career Fire Chief of the Year Award recognizes Thomas’ leadership that has helped set the standard for excellence in the Canadian Fire Service on issues including fire prevention, community safety and support for vulnerable populations. Thomas has held leadership roles at the local, regional, provincial, and national levels, including serving as Chair of the CAFC Interoperability Committee and Past President of the Greater Vancouver Fire Chiefs’ Association. His research and advocacy have helped shape public safety policy across Canada.
The Firefighter Cancer Prevention Award recognizes Surrey Fire Service’s collaboration with the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Association Local 1271 in providing firefighter teams with a preventative health screening program which includes baseline blood testing, clinical cancer prevention education and sleep and nutritional guidance aimed at lowering cancer risks.
“Chief Thomas’ legacy is one of integrity, innovation, and service,” said Surrey Fire Chief Jason Cairney. “His leadership has guided Surrey Fire Services through transformative initiatives supporting public safety from improving emergency planning to opioid crisis response. These awards also recognize our department’s commitment to firefighter wellness, including our cancer prevention program developed in partnership with the Surrey Firefighters’ Association Local 1271. We are proud to continue building on this foundation to serve Surrey’s growing and diverse population.”
Canada’s Fire Chief of the Year Awards are presented by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and Fire Underwriters Survey. It recognizes the contributions of fire chiefs that go above and beyond the expected role. The CAFC Award in Firefighter Cancer Prevention recognizes individuals and organizations that advance cancer prevention in the fire service.
