MOOSE JAW — After more than three decades of dedicated service and bravery in the line of duty, the Moose Jaw Professional Firefighter’s Association IAFF Local 553, the Moose Jaw Fire Department (MJFD), and the City of Moose Jaw announced that 35-year veteran firefighter Captain Bill Howes is hanging up his helmet and retiring from the service this June.
Howes will work his final shift to complete his 35-year career with the MJFD on Sunday, June 30.
“Whether working as a firefighter, officer, or union executive, Bill’s work ethic was exceptional, and he fulfilled these roles with passion and dedication,” announced Chief Rod Montgomery.
“Bill’s many years as a firefighter (and then) as an officer were outstanding and were evident in the respect he had from the MJFD administration and his fellow members,” Montgomery said.
Howes’ career with the MJFD began when he was hired on April 3, 1989.
On Oct. 1, 2016, Howes was promoted to shift captain and on June 26, 2020, he moved into his current position as senior captain, which he will hold until his final shift with the service.
Based on a statement from Howes' colleagues and Chief Montgomery, Howes consistently demonstrated exemplary conduct and leadership throughout his career. His role as mentor – most notably to new recruits at the department – has been “unwavering,” and his colleagues instinctively followed his lead on the fire ground and stood behind him in each role he served.
Extending beyond the call of his active duty, Howes' dedication encompassed every aspect of his work including the conduct of property inspections, engagement in training exercises, and through maintenance on equipment and the fire halls themselves.
Howes' generous nature wasn’t confined to his professional life. On his days off, his colleagues said he’d always be the first to offer assistance to his family, friends, and neighbours. This readiness to help others – both on and off the job – has made a lasting mark in the community and will be one of the strongest traits that everyone who has known and worked with Howes will remember him by.
“Senior Captain ‘Billy’ Howes’ easy-going personality and big welcoming grin will be missed by all of us,” Montgomery concluded.
As Howes transitions into his well-deserved retirement, the community is left with a sense of gratitude for his many years of service. While the crew at the MJFD will surely miss his presence, his legacy will no doubt continue to guide and inspire Moose Jaw’s future firefighters.
“The (Moose Jaw) Fire Department and the City of Moose Jaw would like to thank Bill for his many years of service and wish him all the best in his retirement,” concluded an official statement announcing his retirement.
