West End firefighters honoured at event

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West End firefighters honoured at event

Gordon and Gore Bay honored local firefighters on May 22, celebrating their milestone years of service, promotions, and achievements as Manitoulin Island's first provincially certified department.

Tom Sasvari

Jun 14, 2026 - 3 min read

Gordon-Barrie Island Reeve Lee Hayden, left, presents a 30-year service bar to Gore Bay Fire Chief Mike Addison.

West End firefighters honoured at event — Gordon-Barrie Island Reeve Lee Hayden, left, presents a 30-year service bar to Gore Bay Fire Chief Mike Addison.

GORDON—The communities of Gordon/Barrie Island Township and Gore Bay paid tribute to its firefighters during a special awards presentation held May 22.

“I thanked all the firefighters for their tremendous dedication, commitment and effort they provide for our two communities, and for the tremendous efforts required to have all its members receiving (provincial) certification,” said Lee Hayden, reeve of Gordon/Barrie Island. “Our fire department is the first certified fire department on Manitoulin Island. We are very proud of them attaining this level.”

In introducing Mike Addison, Gore Bay Fire Chief, Reeve Hayden told The Expositor, “I provided some background in regards to the fire department that includes both Gore Bay and Gordon/Barrie Island and voiced my accolades to Mike (Addison) along with former fire chief Mike Steele for getting the two communities together to amalgamate the fire department. Both of these men had approached the two communities on this proposal and were instrumental in the formation of this joint fire department.”