Tribute to former Fire Chief Gordon Hawco

Letter to the Editor

For the second time in 2018, the town of Avondale has lost another outstanding citizen and volunteer worker. Fire chief, Gordon Hawco, has resigned.

He has been with the Avondale Volunteer Fire Department for 32 years and Fire Chief for 23 years. With his dedicated team, they took control of the fire hall, modernized it, bought new equipment and state of the art vehicles and worked tirelessly to keep the community safe from fire and worked diligently and swiftly to quench the fire when there was one.

In spite of all the public services done by Gordon, family always came first. He is a devoted son, brother and husband to his wife, Donna, their children and grandchildren. Gordon has dedicated all of his spare time for the betterment of his family and his community. What a wonderful role model, difficult to follow.

Over the years, Gordon has worked cooperatively with all groups in the town. Members of his team have always been on duty at every official community event and they were also ready to respond immediately to all calls for the use of the jaws of life, etcetera. He set high standards for himself and encouraged his team to keep getting more education and training. Safety was always his major concern. This he constantly promoted everywhere, in the school, in the community, etcetera.

Gordon has displayed excellent leadership and managerial qualities. This is evidenced by his outstanding successful years as fire chief. This success depended on him putting his team first and the himself last.

He is a very brilliant, respectful and humble man. His managerial skills were wisely used for making and spending money made by bingo games and fund raisers to make so many changes to the department and purchase very modern, expensive and important equipment.

Gordon began his volunteer work, before and then full time after his retirement. It began in earnest in 1985 when he helped set up the Avondale ball field. In 1998 the CBC Volunteer Fire Department Association was formed and he has been President for 20 years. In June 2001 Gordon received a certificate of recognition for his volunteer services and in 2002 he received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal.

His life of service reflects the beautiful motto, “Give to the world the best that you have and the best will come back to you.” Thank you, Gordon, for your dedicated service.

Gordon has now become Chairman of Assumption Parish Finance Committee, Avondale.

Mary Lyons Hicks