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Friends, colleagues celebrate Orillia firefighter's retirement (7 photos)

Drive-by celebration recognizes Bo Balkwill's 32-year career with City of Orillia

Bo Balkwill’s 32-year career with the City of Orillia is coming to a close, and friends and colleagues showed him how much he was appreciated during a drive-by celebration Sunday.

More than 50 vehicles went past the firefighter’s house as people honked and wished him a happy retirement.

Balkwill watched as members of the fire department’s honour guard stood with their flags while pipers and drummers performed.

“It’s pretty special,” said a surprised Balkwill, who worked for five years with the city’s parks and recreation department before joining the fire department. “I had a really good career. It was the best job in the world.”

His cousin, Jeff Balkwill, a captain with the fire department, came up with the idea for Sunday’s celebration. He checked with Bo’s wife to make sure they’d be home and had no trouble getting the OK from Chief Brent Thomas.

“I’m happy with the turnout,” Jeff said, thanking everyone who took part. “The sheer number of people who came out on a Sunday shows how much he is appreciated. He’s had a long and great career with the city and we couldn’t let it go by without it being acknowledged.”

The fire department typically celebrates a retirement with a get-together, but a drive-by party had to suffice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When this passes, we’ll get together for a roast and toast,” Thomas said.

The chief described Bo as “a leader in the fire department right from the start of his career.”

“He’s been passionate about learning and heavily involved in mentoring,” he said. “He’s always been a go-to guy. If we need something, he’s always first in line.”

Bo had planned to travel with his wife, but that plan is on hold, so he’ll settle for celebrating with a round of golf for now. Some of his golf buddies tossed a handful of balls out of their vehicle.

Asked how it feels to be retired, he said, “I’ll tell you tomorrow.” He’ll officially be off the job at midnight.


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Nathan Taylor

About the Author: Nathan Taylor

Nathan Taylor is the desk editor for Village Media's central Ontario news desk in Simcoe County and Newmarket.
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