St. Marys Fire Department's Firefighter of the Month for April comes from a long line of firefighters, as both his father and grandfather volunteered for the role.
Justin Dundas joined St. Marys Fire Department as a firefighter in 2009.
Lieutenant Dundas was selected as Firefighter of the Month for his 14 years of loyal service to the department, said Fire Chief Richard Anderson in a news release.
“Over the years, Dundas has demonstrated his dedication to not only the St. Marys Fire Department but also to the men that have worked with him. This dedication is evident in the way those under his leadership are willing to jump in behind him.”
Through the fire officer program, Dundas obtained fire service instructor Level I and fire officer Level I accreditation. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2019.
The SMFD serves St. Marys and Perth South.
“It’s a privilege to be recognized as Firefighter of the Month around the same time as my father, Brent Dundas (retired Deputy Fire Chief), was honoured with his retirement after serving 40 years,” Lieutenant Dundas said.
“I am lucky to serve with my brother Brandon as well and who knows, one day maybe even my two children will carry on the tradition.
“I knew going into high school that firefighting was something I was interested in doing," Dundas said. "Watching my dad do it for so many years made me want to be a part of the department in town as well."
"Putting water on fire achieves the same result it did 60 years ago. What has changed are the materials that burn, the tools, and equipment used in the response. Better gear, better tactics, increased knowledge of fire behaviour, and an understanding of the link between firefighting and physical and mental wellness have helped to create a safer work environment.”
Justin and his wife, Steph, have two children, daughter Kaydan, 3, and son Chase, 9 months. He has been employed as spare assistant control room operator at the St. Marys Cement plant for just over two years.
"Justin is one of the finest firefighters I have ever had the pleasure of working with," said Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Edwards.
"He is a respected leader, an incredibly hard worker, and he has a great attitude towards helping those around him. You can tell he cares about making a difference and he is most deserving of Firefighter of the Month recognition."
