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‘Dedicated and devoted’ Penticton firefighter celebrates retirement

Captain Wayne McKenzie served with the Penticton Fire Department for over 27 years
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After over 27 years with the Penticton Fire Department, Captain Wayne McKenzie is hanging up his helmet. (Penticton Fire Department/Twitter)

After over 27 years with the Penticton Fire Department, Captain Wayne McKenzie is hanging up his helmet.

His final day with the fire department was Friday, May 8. Ahead of him now is a long-awaited retirement.

Before his 27-and-a-half years as a career firefighter, McKenzie served for years as a paid-on-call firefighter. Deputy chief Chris Forster said McKenzie was a very valuable member of their team.

“(He is) a very committed individual,” said Forster.

READ MORE: Long-time Penticton firefighter, Mike Richards retires

In addition to being one of the key components of their first responder training, McKenzie was very active in fire department fundraising efforts and initiatives.

However, his work didn’t stop with the fire department.

For years, McKenzie taught CPR in the community, and was also an active member of the Apex Mountain ski patrol.

“Wayne is just a really dedicated and devoted firefighter for the citizens of Penticton, he had an excellent career and he says he’s enjoyed every minute of it,” said Forster.

The next two months, before McKenzie officially retires in July, will be spent using accumulated vacation time.

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Phil McLachlan

About the Author: Phil McLachlan

Phil McLachlan is the editor at the Penticton Western News. He served as the reporter, and eventually editor of The Free Press newspaper in Fernie.
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