Cochrane firefighters and community members continue to mourn the loss of Captain Huw Jeffries, who passed away last Thursday.
The Town lowered flags to half-mast at all municipal facilities on Friday in recognition of Jeffries years of service.
"Captain Jeffries has been an integral part of the Cochrane Fire Services team for nearly 32 years and will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of working with him," the Town said in a statement released on its website. "As one of the first full-time firefighters, Huw helped Cochrane Fire Services transition from a volunteer to a full-time fire department. As a training officer, Huw mentored and trained many members of the Cochrane Fire Services team as well as firefighters from other surrounding and regional departments"
The Cochrane Firefighters Association also spoke about the impact of his loss.
"Captain Huw Jeffries-- a devastating loss to his family and ours @cochranefire4819. Rest easy Huw."
Cochrane firefighter Jay Weiliczko also spoke about the leadership and mentorship Jeffries brought to the job on a Facebook post.
"RIP Captain Huw Jeffries," said Wieliczko. "I had the honour of working with him for more than 25 years. He loves helping people and keeping Cochrane safe. He also love(d) to teach and educate us. Rest easy, Huwie. We have it from here. I'll miss you. "Engine 151, AQ,"
Among his notable professional achievements, Jeffries won the Governor General of Canada's Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal in 2013. He won his 30-year service medal back in 2022.
Jeffries joined the Cochrane fire department when he was in his late teens, and started out as a volunteer before becoming one of Cochrane's first professional firefighters.
