A local firefighter was recognized for the long hours he spent teaching new recruits how to drive the fire trucks.

The special recognition award was presented at the Pitt Meadows Fire & Rescue Service awards banquet on March 2, and firefighter Bruce Edwards was picked as the worthy recipient.

Edwards fulfilled a need to make the fire department better, said assistant fire chief Brad Perrie,

"Every member puts in a lot of hours but he stepped up and put in a lot of extra time training new drivers on how to operate the apparatus," Perrie explained.

The Firefighter of the Year was also crowned. That honour went to Brent Hannah, while officers of the year distinctions were given to captain Dave Biggin and assistant chief Rob Chatton.

The Heart in My City award was given to firefighter James Harcus.

Firefighters receiving City long service recognition pins, including Sean Staples who was thanked for five years and Stephan Drolet for his 10 years of service.

Retirees Peter Hamming (16 years) and Bill Mitchell (19 years) were also recognized.

The banquet was sponsored by City council to recognize past and present fire service members for their service and accomplishments in 2012. The awards were presented by Mayor Deb Walters and fire chief Don Jolley.

smclaren@mrtimes.com