Firefighter Curtis Downham named Firefighter of the Month for June

This June the St. Marys Fire Department is pleased to announce Curtis Downham as “Firefighter of the Month”.

"Firefighter Curtis Downham was selected as Firefighter of the Month due to his high level of technical competence and developing a strong camaraderie among the team members,” expressed Fire Chief Richard “Andy” Anderson. “He displays an exceptional ability to learn new methods and shares his experience with his peers.”

Downham joined the St. Marys Fire Department as a firefighter in 2018. Prior to joining he had obtained his National Fire Protection Association “NFPA” Firefighter Level I and II certificates through the Lambton College Pre-Service Firefighter Program. He also graduated from Lambton’s Fire Science Technology Program receiving an Advanced Diploma. Since then, he has acquired his Technical Rescuer, Pumper Operations, Hazardous Material Operations, Advanced Auto Extrication, and Ice Water Rescue Awareness certificates.

Downham has been an integral part of the low slope rescue operations team. With his working knowledge of rope rescue he can perform basic rope rescue tasks, identify specific equipment, proper inspection and maintenance procedures, and victim management.

“You always have to be prepared to drop what you’re doing at any moment of the day when the pager goes off”, said Downham. “That’s why our training is so important for all aspects of the job. You need to know how to get the job done quickly and efficiently in the middle of the night without thinking twice.”

Downham was born and raised in Stratford where he attended Hamlet Public School and Stratford Central Secondary School. He realized towards the end of high school, when deciding on a career path, that his main priority was to be able to help people. “I chose to pursue a career in firefighting because I knew I would be able to help people and have a sense of purpose and fulfillment at the end of the day.” Says Curtis, “In my five years of firefighting I have had countless opportunities to use my skills to help several members of the community.”

One of his favourite memories since joining the department is his first real fire call. “It was a brush fire, and I was full of adrenaline gearing up to knock down a giant fire,” said Downham. “When we arrived on scene, I was handed a fire broom by a senior firefighter and told to start knocking it down. It wasn’t what I imagined as my first fire fight, but I was happy to help and get the fire under control.”

When asked what some significant changes he had seen over the last five years he said, “There have been many significant changes in a relatively short amount of time including the new firehall, aerial ladder truck, numerous rescue tools and equipment and a new pumper.”

Off duty, Downham devotes his time to his wife Jenny, his two children, Zac, and Maeve. Curtis is employed at Ruby360 as an electrician.

Curtis is the first in his family to become a firefighter and is confident he will not be the last. “Having two children of my own and being integrated into the St. Marys Firefighting family, will no doubt play a significant role in their lives.” He proudly states, “I can barely drive by the fire hall without Zac wanting to go see the trucks and sit behind the wheel of one of the big rigs. Maybe one day, I’ll get to guide them through the process of becoming a firefighter.” 

“Downham is consistent, dependable and accurate in carrying out responsibilities to a successful conclusion,” said Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Edwards. “He continues to strengthen and refine his professional effectiveness through educational and professional improvement programs.”

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