A long-time member of the Conquerall Bank Fire Department is being recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Martin Bell will receive the award during a ceremony August 17 in Wolfville by the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association.
The award honours an individual whose achievements in the fire service and community exemplifies outstanding performance.
Bell joined the department in 1973, rising through the ranks to become chief for 15 years.
He says he’s met some previous winners of the award from across Canada.
“And, I was always impressed by these other individuals and I just always said ‘I’d like to be like them’ and then all of a sudden here I am getting the award. I’m really quite humbled by it.”
Bell helped build a new fire hall which included apparatus storage and a recreational hall in one building.
He also helped the department become one of the first to provide medical first response services outside of HRM.
“I’ve always had my foot in the door trying to do what I can, where I can. Usually, if there is a committee that needs work I put my hand up and say ‘How can I help?”
Bell has also served as councillor in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg since 2000.
The award is a hand cut crystal vase trophy.
The association will also provide a legacy package to Bell and the fire department that includes 200 First Alert smoke alarm units and a donation to a local Food Bank or Benevolent Fund.
