Monday, Nov. 5 was an emotional night for Lake Cowichan firefighters as they officially said goodbye to colleague and friend, Tom Padjen, who is retiring after 30 years.
Padjen received his 30-year-award from Chief Doug Knott, but was also given a special plaque from the Town of Lake Cowichan, and a painting, signed by all the members of the department, to celebrate his decades with them.
Padjen didn’t say much in response, but thanked everyone for the send-off.
He was not the only firefighter who received an award that evening.
Doug Callsen, who joined the department on the same day as Padjen, also received his 30-year-award while Greg Smith was recognized for 25 years and Mark Johnson for 20 years of service to the community.