First-class Rama firefighter Barry Denne is hanging up his boots after a 44-year career.
Originally, Denne was planning on celebrating his career with friends, family, and colleagues from past and present at Kelsey’s in Orillia. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those plans were put on hold.
As a result, Denne’s wife Deb decided to organize a drive-by in which members of Rama Fire Rescue, Paramedic Services of Simcoe County in addition to police services and other fire departments could drive by his Zachary Crescent home to congratulate and thank him for his service.
On Saturday afternoon, around 30 emergency response vehicles sounded the air horns and saluted the 64-year-old veteran firefighter.
“It was a total surprise. I’m really overwhelmed and at a loss of words. I truly got emotional,” Denne said.
“I can’t express my gratitude enough and I’m very honoured that they thought so much of me to take the time and do a drive-by," he told OrilliaMatters. "It made my day and I still can’t really believe it.”
Denne was even more emotional when he found out it was his wife who organized the surprise salute.
“She’s my 100% supporter. My wife backed me no matter what because she always understood my feelings for my job,” he said.
Denne dedicated his life to being a firefighter, and sometimes that came with a cost for his family.
“Sometimes I put the firefighting in front of family. There were lots of dinners that got cold and a few suits and dress clothes that have gotten ruined,” Denne admitted.
Denne’s career started in 1976 when he begged the fire chief in what was then Orillia Township to take him on and give him a chance.
He said the job "taught me a lot of respect, honour, and about protecting our community."
Looking back on his career, Denne has no regrets.
“I wore the uniform proud. Firefighting is in my blood. I would do it all over again without giving it a second thought,” he said.
Denne offers a piece of advice to new firefighters who will take over the reins.
“You’re a professional, you have a chance to make a change within the community to help people. When you're called upon, you are reacting to the worst day of someone’s life, you have to relate that and step up to the plate," he said.
Originally, Denne and his wife were going to spend the first part of retirement on a trip to England, Scotland and Ireland. However, due to COVID-19, they have cancelled their trip but look forward to rescheduling if for next year.
For now Denne plans on doing some work around the house and vows to continue to add to his collection of over 2,000 model fire trucks that he has on display in his basement.
