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Friday, November 19, 2010 - The Morning Star A7
News
Fire chief ready to retire
Bring It On . . .…
JENNIFER SMITH
“Everybody looks up to him. He’s definitely a crucial point in our operations,” said the five-year After 27 years of answering the call to his com- firefighter, who is still in denial that Lecavalier is munity, Coldstream fire chief Leo Lecavalier is leaving. signing off. “I tried to get him not to go.” “It’s been a tough decision,” said Lecavalier, Along with all of the necessary firefighting skills whose last day of duty is Jan. 7, 2011. he’s learned, Sturgeon credits Lecavalier for helping Still working full-time and trying to keep up him turn his life around in the right direction. with an increasing amount of admin“Without him, I think I wouldn’t be at istrative duties in the fire department, the same point I’m in. I was on a pretty Lecavalier says it’s time to dedicate himgood downward spiral. And I think he’s self to his family. done that for a lot of people. “It’s time for a break. I’m not as young “He can be a tough guy on the exteas I used to be,” said Lecavalier, who will rior but when you need him, he’s always be celebrating his 60th birthday shortly. there.” His decision to retire has nothing to As deputy chief, Sturgeon can relate to do with events two years ago, when he the often heavy burden of expectations Leo Lecavalier was fired and then re-hired by council. put on the fire department. “There’s no connection. This has been “You get a busy season and you’re not coming for a long time,” said Lecavalier. home very much,” said the expectant father. “It “There’s certainly no bitterness.” definitely spreads you pretty thin.” Just in the last week, Lecavalier is the second fire Therefore he credits Lecavalier for being able to chief the North Okanagan is losing. Vernon chief do it all, meanwhile looking after the community Jeff Carlisle announced last week he will be leaving and working to save taxpayers money when posfor a position in Kelowna. sible. Lecavalier says it is just a coincidence and “I just want him to know the difference he’s Carlisle’s announcement had no impact on his made in the community.” own. For Lecavalier, watching the members grow as a Considering the amount of work involved, solid team has been the highlight of his firefighting Lecavalier isn’t sure if anyone will be willing to step career. up to fill his shoes. “It’s kind of like a family. I get real pride out of “It’s a huge job and my hat’s off to anybody who that,” said Lecavalier. “I couldn’t do it without them can do it.” either.” Deputy chief Dave Sturgeon has been working He credits his wife for making his firefighting hand in hand with Lecavalier, learning the opera- career possible and family for all the time sacritions, but isn’t sure if he will step up. ficed. “I don’t know at this point,” said 28-year-old Lecavalier also thanks residents of the comSturgeon. “I have a lot to learn too.” munity for always stepping up to support the fire One thing he is sure of is how much Lecavalier department, whether it was donating for fireworks will be missed by his second family at the depart- or rallying behind the department when political ment. matters took over. Morning Star Staff
Spallumcheen skull likely centuries old ROGER KNOX Morning Star Staff
A human skull found by a work crew in Spallumcheen is possibly between 100- and 200-years old. Crews working for BC Hydro unearthed the skull and mandible (jaw bone) in the 200block of Emery Road on the morning of Nov. 8. “Police and coroner attended the scene and, after examining the skull, we’ve been advised it is from a historic burial,” Gord Molendyk, spokesman for the RCMP detachment. “The skull is likely several hundred years old.” The remains were handed over to the coroner service. The Okanagan Indian Band was notified and Molendyk said band representatives came out to have a look at the skull.
A provincial archaeological centre has also been notified.
No other bones were found at the scene, and Molendyk said there’s
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