COMMUNITY

Pictured below is Tom with his son Nick, whose high school co-op placement ignited a passion for fire fighting, prompting him to follow in his father’s footsteps.

He is currently a 4th Class Firefighter with the City of Oshawa and Waldschmidt said he is incredibly proud of his determination and accomplishments in the fire field

Waldschmidt’s story starts in 1989 as a newlywed who had just moved into their family home (one they would raise all their kids in over the next three decades) on Charlotte Street. He vividly remembers watching the town of Paris Fire Department battle an explosion and blaze at the Broadway Manor not far from where he lived Their response piqued his interest. A few months later when the department put a call out for new recruits, he figured since he was self-employed his schedule would allow the flexibility to respond to calls, but he also knew it would be a great way to give back to the community.

In that moment, he likely didn’t realize just how much he would give back over the next 36 years. He joined the Paris Station in May 1989.

He eventually transitioned to the County of Brant Fire Department during amalgamation in 1999/2000 and relocated to the new brand-new Curtis Ave fire hall.

His thirst for knowledge only grew with time. He took all the courses that were offered and before long he was certified in auto extrication, ice water rescue, fire suppression and as a pump operator. In 2001 he decided he would acquire more schooling to become a Fire Prevention Officer. In 2003 he began working on day per week doing fire inspections in community centres and gradually completing larger and more complex occupancies. In 2008 he received his Fire Prevention Officer certificate and started his FPO career in January 2009

His Fire Prevention Officer days lead him on some memorable and rewarding journeys. In the earlier days he could be found visiting schools, daycares, County of Brant camps, Canadian Tire Days, Sobeys Family Days and Five Oaks Day camps among other community events.

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Tom with his family in 2008 at the Ontario Fire College where he received recognition for graduating from the Fire Prevention Officer program.