NEWS RELEASE
TOWNSHIP OF SEVERN
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On Wednesday, Feb. 28, Mayor Burkett and council were honoured to recognize the 150-plus years of collective service of the Cranney family to Severn’s fire and emergency department.
This request was brought to council by Heather (Cranney) Breckles.
Members of the Cranney family served the former township of Orillia, which eventually became the Township of Severn in 1994, and others moved on to various communities.
Many members of the Cranney family have served with Severn fire including Joe Cranney, the family patriarch who was a volunteer firefighter before there was a formal fire hall in place within Severn.
Additional dedicated service by the Cranneys includes:
- Jack Cranney: 35 years and a founding member of Station 2
- Mike Cranney: 25 years and a founding member of Station 2
- Keith Cranney: 19-and-a-half years
- Bill Cranney: four years prior to joining the City of Orillia
- Pat Cranney: over 25 years and a founding member of Station 1
- Ted McIntyre: a founding member of Station 1 prior to moving from the area
- Jason Cranney: 13 years of fire service, two with Severn fire
- numerous other cousins that are or have been volunteers in other districts
“We are so grateful for the contribution of the Cranney family and for their service and dedication. The Cranneys have played a major role in forming the strong foundation that has resulted in the exceptional service provided to our community by Severn fire. On behalf of council and the community, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Cranneys and in respect and appreciation have retired No. 12 from service.” — Mayor Mike Burkett
After 38 years of municipal service, Fire Chief and director of fire and emergency services Tim Cranney announced his retirement in December 2023. To recognize both the remarkable service of Chief Cranney and the extraordinary sacrifices by the Cranney Family, council was pleased to support the request by Mrs. Breckles to retire No. 12, the number worn by Pat Cranney, and most recently by Chief Tim Cranney until his retirement.
“Throughout Chief Cranney’s tenure, Severn fire has effectively responded to transformative changes across the municipality, not only significant population growth, but also while experiencing complex challenges never before seen by many municipal professionals. I’m very honoured to have worked alongside a leader who was not only extremely dedicated, but also passionate about the safety and well-being of our community. Council would like to send our sincere appreciation to Chief Cranney for his service, and we wish him all the best in his next adventure.” — Mayor Mike Burkett
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