Firefighter Connor Byers named Firefighter of the Month for October

This October the St. Marys Fire Department is pleased to announce Connor Byers as its “Firefighter of the Month”. Byers joined the St. Marys Fire Department as a firefighter in 2021.

“Firefighter Connor Byers was selected as Firefighter of the Month for his tenacious drive to better himself though continuing education,” said Fire Chief Richard “Andy” Anderson. “He takes every opportunity to learn and develop into a top performer as a firefighter.  He is a member of the Ice/Swiftwater Rescue “Go Team.” It’s a very important position to hold because of its unique challenges and technical training that is required to perform the duties and responsibilities under extreme conditions.”

“I became interested in becoming a firefighter while looking for a great career with near unlimited learning potential. After going through one of the fire academy programs in Texas, I decided that it is what I'm looking for,” says Byers.

“Firefighters train on average four times a month for a total of eight hours, in addition they attend scheduled department weekend training,” says Byers.” “Firefighters are also provided with the opportunity to attend Regional Training Centre’s, hosted by neighbouring municipalities to further their interests in Fire Prevention, Public Education, Company Officer and other specialized (e.g., water/ice rescue) programs.”

The department's Fire Chief develops a strategic training plan for each calendar year focusing on the components set by the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office and the Ontario Fire College firefighter curriculum. 

“Over the last few years, we've seen a lot of new technology and tools coming into the fire service,” said Byers. “We are now entering a new era of the next generation of firefighter safety tools. With these changes we learn to accept and adapt from our old ways of doing things.”  

Connor grew up in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and has been living in St. Marys for three years. Off duty, Byers spends a lot of time at the gym, trying out new cooking recipes, seeing friends and family, and walking his dog, Mia.

“Byers is a hardworking firefighter you can always count on to take care of members of the community as well as other members of the department,” said Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Edwards. “He is a great guy to have on our team.”

- 30 -

For media inquiries:
Richard “Andy” Anderson, Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief
519-284-2340, ext. 201 | randerson@town.stmarys.on.ca