lifenow

Airdrie firefighter awarded Exemplary Service Medal

Story by Jim Zang

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Photos by Chad Eklund

Winter 2022

Airdrie Firefighter, Marc Helton was presented with an Exemplary Service Medal last week by his father, Chief John Helton of the Lamont Fire Department. Marc’s mom, Marian, was also on hand for the celebration.

The Exemplary Service Medal recognizes 20 years of dedicated service in which ten years were served in the performance of duties involving potential risk.

“It was an honour and pleasure to celebrate a fellow firefighter’s many years of dedicated service to the community,” said Deputy Chief, Garth Rabel. “Witnessing father and son sharing recognition and tradition was very special. Congratulations Helton family!”

Firefighter Marc Helton has proudly served in the fire service since 2000, starting his career as a Volunteer Firefighter in Lamont, Alberta. He served under his father, Chief John Helton, whose fire service career began in 1966 and has spanned over forty-nine years.

In 2007 Marc joined what was then Airdrie Emergency Services as an Emergency Medical Technician/ Firefighter (EMT/ FF). Currently, he serves as a Senior Firefighter and Acting Captain with the Airdrie Fire Department. Marc is also a member of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local #4778 executive team.

Although Chief John stepped away from his position as Lamont Fire Chief in 2019, he remains actively involved with his department in the role of Assistant Deputy Chief.