CBS fire chief’s call to duty earns royal salute
By Mark Squibb
Conception Bay South Fire Chief John Heffernan was recently named a recipient of the prestigious King’s Coronation Medal.
The medal, which commemorates the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada on May 6, 2023, celebrates those who have made a significant contribution to their country.
“It’s quite humbling,” allowed Heffernan of the medal, which he received at the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs Fire Rescue Canada Conference in Montreal in September.
The nomination came through the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, and Heffernan said that in itself was its own reward.
“There’s a bunch of different ways people are nominated for awards and recognition, but when it comes from your peers, that makes a big difference,” said Heffernan, who sits on a number of the association’s committees, including the Firefighter Mental Health Committee, which he co-chairs with Association President, Fire Chief Ken McMullin.
Heffernan, a longtime mental health advocate for first responders, said physical injuries are often easily treated, while a person’s mental health troubles may go undiagnosed.
“It’s not a one size fits all,” said Heffernan when it comes to addressing mental health. “What works for me may not work for you, and vice versa, and so we try and put as many tools in the toolbox as possible, and share as many resources as we can, and hope that people find the things that work best for them.”
Conception Bay South Mayor Darrin Bent extended his congratulations to Heffernan during the most recent public meeting of council.
“That’s the best compliment you can have, that your peers see you as someone worthy of such a high honour,” said Bent.
Heffernan hails from Chamberlains and joined the department first as a volunteer firefighter in February 1990, while also serving in the military, a role he continues to maintain to this day.
This February will make his 35th anniversary with the department.
Conception Bay South Fire Chief John Heffernan was recently named a recipient of the King’s Coronation Medal. Pictured is Heffernan (left) with Fire Chief Ken McMullin, Fire Chief for the City of Red Deer, Alberta and President of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. Heffernan and McMullin co-chair the Firefighter Mental Health Committee. Submitted photo