The Campbell's Bay-Litchfield Fire Department unveiled a new award in memory of three of their comrades who passed away in recent years. The award was presented at the organization's annual ball on Saturday May 6.

The Firefighter of the Year award goes to a promising young member of the department with less than 10 years of service, and was named in memory of Keith Racine, Todd "T.J." Vibert Jr. and Maurice Beauregard. Racine, a captain and veteran of the department for 32 years, passed away from cancer in 2019. Vibert Jr. served for 5 years and died in a car accident in 2020 at the age of 23. Beauregard, the former mayor of Campbell's Bay as well as a lieutenant and 15-year member of the department passed away in 2022 from cancer.

Chief Kevin Kluke and assistant chief Gerry Graveline spoke fondly of their late comrades.

The first winner of the award was Christopher Romain, who Kluke said had shown an interest in firefighting before he was old enough to join the department.

Several other members of the department were recognized for their years of service as well:

Scott Laporte, Scott Tubman, Cory Dubeau - 10 years

Assistant Chief Gerry Graveline - 20 years

Denis Dubeau - 30 years

Pat Shea - 35 years

Chief Kevin Kluke - 40 years