Firefighters recognized by Fort St. John for decades of service

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Deputy Chief Dan Simpson and Lieutenant Alyn Stobbe stand alongside Mayor Lilia Hansen and other members of city council after receiving their Long Service Award certificates. Captain Marco D’Agostino was unable to attend in person. (Caitlin Coombes, Energeticcity.ca)

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Three longtime Fort St. John Fire Department firefighters have been recognized for their service by the city.

Deputy Chief Dan Simpson, Captain Marco D’Agostino and Lieutenant Alyn Stobbe received Long Service Awards during the regular council meeting at the Fort St. John City Hall on Tuesday, October 14th.

Simpson was honoured for 25 years with the department, having first joined on March 15th, 2000. Rising through the ranks to captain in 2011 and deputy chief of operations in 2019, Simpson has been a “steady driving force” within the department, city staff noted.

According to the city, Simpson’s leadership has been especially visible through his involvement with the BC Wildfire Service, where he’s deployed numerous times as a task force leader to assist communities across the province.

“Your leadership, your dedication and your impact over the last 25 years have truly made a difference,” the nomination letter read.

D’Agostino, also celebrating 25 years of service, was recognized for his leadership in fire prevention and safety education.

Hired as a career firefighter in 2000, D’Agostino was promoted to suppression captain in 2014 and became captain of fire prevention two years later.

According to his nomination letter, the city’s fire prevention branch expanded its inspection program and outreach initiatives under his leadership.

D’Agostino currently serves as president of the Fire Prevention Officers’ Association of BC, advocating for fire safety across the province. He was unable to attend Tuesday’s meeting in person.

Stobbe received recognition for 15 years of service since joining the department in 2010. Now part of the fire prevention division, Stobbe plays a key role in inspecting buildings and educating business owners and residents about fire safety.

City officials commended Stobbe for his “passion and commitment,” noting his work has made a lasting impact on both the department and the community.