Lieutenant Chris Primeau named Firefighter of the Month for January

This January the St. Marys Fire Department is honoring Lieutenant Chris Primeau as its first-ever “Firefighter of the Month”.

Primeau became a firefighter in 2015 and was promoted to Lieutenant on September 1, 2019.
On top of earning a Level II Firefighter certification, he has had to continually upgrade his education and attend specialty training.

“I love it,” said Primeau. “This has to be one of the coolest jobs one can do. Every day is different.”

As one of 24 firefighters entrusted with operating the Fire Department’s Rescue Apparatus - a large truck that carries rescue and first aid equipment – Primeau has responded to many serious emergencies.

"We don't get called out to your average fender benders," he said. "The majority of calls that require the rescue apparatus are vehicle extractions when every minute counts. That could mean a car wedged under a big rig, an SUV that's gone over the side of an embankment or a nasty vehicle rollover. We also see our fair share of farming or industrial accidents and physical limb injuries."

As the person responsible for cutting crash victims free, his message to residents this month is simple: “Always wear your seatbelt.”

The London native resides in St. Marys with his wife Crystal. He is employed at Canadian Cart Sales. Off the clock, Primeau enjoys wood working and small engine repair.

Fellow St. Marys firefighter Captain Kevin Edwards has only good things to say about his colleague: “Lieutenant Primeau is a hands-on kind of supervisor. His attitude and work ethic are outstanding. This honor is well deserved.”

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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