After 37 years volunteering with the Drumheller Fire Department, and serving under three of four fire chiefs, Deputy Fire Chief Luigi Vescarelli has resigned with regret from the department, and was honored by his fellow firefighters last Saturday evening.
Luigi joined in 1977, and, in his words following a number of presentations, was grateful to the members of the department, calling them all “brothers”, and saying he had tremendous respect for each and every firefighter in the room.
He prefaced his remarks by saying, “If I get a little emotional tonight and cry, allow me that because I’m Italian and we cry when we miss the bus!”
Luigi, who works with Encana Corporation as Community Relations Advisor for this area, told the crowd he wanted to leave on a good note, and that “the timing was right”. He recounted the good working relations he had with the other officers and firefighters during his time with the department.
Mayor Terry Yemen presented Vescarelli with a plaque from Town Council and the citizens of Drumheller, citing the dedication one has, to serve with such distinction to residents.
Fire Chief Bill Bachynski made a couple of presentations to him on behalf of the department, and then aided by Deputy Chief Bruce Wade, presented him with the Rollie Yavis Award, which is presented to firefighters who “go above and beyond”, giving extraordinary service to the Drumheller Department. This award was initiated by former Department Captain Rollie Yavis, who wanted to recognize members who had given more than what was expected to the betterment of the department. It is not given annually, but only when deemed appropriate by the officers.
Luigi was joined by his wife Charlene, sons Danny, Brady and Tony, and his father-and-mother-in-law, Roger and Barb Ouellette, at the celebration.
With Luigi’s retirement, some changes were made in the department’s officers. Former Captain Duane Bolin was promoted to Deputy Chief, joining current Deputy Chief Bruce Wade. Merv Smith and Steven Wade were promoted to Captain, joining Captain Rick Schinnour.