Flags at Township of Leeds and Thousand Islands facilities are flying at half-mast today in memory of longtime volunteer firefighter James Wallace Gardiner, who passed away May 15.
Gardiner dedicated 50 years of service to the Seeley’s Bay Fire Department, later known as Leeds and the Thousand Islands Fire Service. Township officials say his commitment to the department began as a teenager, when he would run from the family farm to assist at the station whenever he heard the sirens.
At age 21, Gardiner officially joined the department and served for four decades, including several years as Deputy Chief. Even after stepping away from active firefighting duties, he continued supporting the department as an auxiliary member, operating trucks and pumps for another five years.
Township Council and staff extended condolences to Gardiner’s family while thanking him for his decades of dedication and volunteer service to the community.
(By: Tim Baltz)
