The La Broquerie Fire Department is entering a new chapter as it welcomes a new fire chief while also recognizing the dedication and service of two retiring members.
After 34 years with the department, Rheal Gagnon is stepping into the role of fire chief and says he is excited to take on the responsibility.
“We have a very good group in La Broquerie. It's a great bunch of people that we have, and just keep on working with them. We want to change a few little things, but that's always the case when you have different new opinions coming in. I hope everything works well and we can all work together like we did before and go from there.”
For Gagnon, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a firefighter has been the strong bonds formed within the department.
“You have your ups and downs with different calls, but we're always there to support each other. It's one big family, so that's what I like about it the most, being around that crew."
Gagnon succeeds former chief JC Normandeau, a longtime colleague who he first joined the department with in 1992.
“We've been together through all those years and it's been great. There’s been great memories that's for sure. He's been a great leader for us the past two years. He's did quite a bit of good work there, so that's kind of nice to have that set up.”
The department is also saying goodbye to Darren Dundas, who is retiring after 21 years of service.
“Darren is a really good guy, hard worker, and had some very good memories with him also,” Gagnon says. “Life changes and they want to move on, so I'm happy for them that they'll have more time for their families, but it's been very great memories serving with both of them.”
As he prepares to lead the department, Gagnon says he hopes to carry forward lessons learned from both Normandeau and former chief Alan Nadeau.
“They took their time to observe what's happening at the scene and go as planned after that. And their leadership, they were both two great leaders. [There is] some big shoes to fill. So hopefully I'll do my best to fill them up and leave another legacy behind.”
Gagnon says the calm and measured approach demonstrated by both former chiefs is something he hopes to emulate as he guides the department into the future.
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