Sylvan Lake

Town of Sylvan Lake Deputy Fire Chief Steve Scanland was honoured with a pair of awards during Monday night's regular meeting of Council.

The long-time Sylvan Lake firefighter was recognized with the 20-year Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada and the 22-year Alberta Emergency Services Medal from the Government of Alberta.

"In preparing for tonight, I reached out to several fire department members and their families and asked them to share with me some words to describe Steve," Mayor Megan Hanson said on Monday. "Response after response made it clear that he is more than just the Deputy Fire Chief – he's a cornerstone of support, a fountain of knowledge, and a true family man. The accolades he is receiving tonight are not only a testament to his over two decades of service but also a recognition of the positive impact he has had on the lives of those around him."

Below is the full excerpt from Mayor Hanson during Monday's presentation:

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Tonight, I am excited to present our Deputy Fire Chief, Steve Scanland, with not just one, but two awards that highlight his outstanding commitment to the fire service.

The past handful of years have had some extraordinary circumstances, and it is because of that that we find ourselves here today to finally honor Deputy Chief Scanland with the 20-year Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada and the 22-year Alberta Emergency Services Medal from the Government of Alberta. Due to pandemic-related delays, these well-deserved accolades are being presented together, adding even more significance to tonight.

In preparing for tonight, I reached out to several fire department members and their families and asked them to share with me some words to describe Steve. Response after response made it clear that he is more than just the Deputy Fire Chief – he's a cornerstone of support, a fountain of knowledge, and a true family man. The accolades he is receiving tonight are not only a testament to his over two decades of service but also a recognition of the positive impact he has had on the lives of those around him.

I will quote “Steve is not only a wealth of knowledge, but I appreciate his willingness to share what he knows and help us all grow”. Steve is the go-to person when it comes to seeking guidance on how to preform the duties of a fire fighter, but also on how to be a better person. In a world where information is abundant but wisdom is scarce, Steve's approachability and openness have made him an inspiration to many.

Beyond his official duties, what truly sets Steve apart is the sense of family he has cultivated within the fire department. In times of lockdowns and uncertainty, he was not only focused on keeping the team safe but also on maintaining the fellowship that makes the fire department a family. He has become so much more than just a colleague … he is a confidant, a friend, and, as another firefighter put it, "more like a brother than a Deputy Chief." It's this sense of genuine connection that makes our fire department a community that supports each other through thick and thin.

As we reflect on Steve's two decades of service, it's impossible not to acknowledge the support he has received from his own family. Behind every dedicated firefighter is a family that makes tremendous sacrifices, and I would like to take a moment to express our gratitude to Steve's wife, Chrystal, and their sons Callen and Tyson for lending their dad to the town. I know that this has meant many missed football games, school concerts, and holiday dinners, along with maybe being left at the grocery store a time or two over the years when the alarms went off, but your support and understanding during those countless hours of duty have not gone unnoticed, and we appreciate the sacrifices each of you have made to keep our community safe.

So, today, as we present these well-deserved medals, let us not only acknowledge Steve's years of dedicated service but also express our gratitude for the mark he has left on our community. Steve, your service is an inspiration to us all, and I am immensely proud to honor you today.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!