Acting Captain Jarod Regan of Oshawa Fire Services has received the Durham AM Kiwanis Firefighter of the Year Award at a recent breakfast ceremony. The award is given annually to a firefighter who shows excellence both on the job and in mentoring others in the department.
The Oshawa Professional Firefighters Association, also known as IAFF Local 465, announced the honour. In a social media post that drew hundreds of reactions and comments from the community, the association praised Regan’s commitment to keeping Oshawa safe and his work supporting other members.
“Whether he’s stepping up in the line of duty or mentoring those around him, Acting Captain Regan embodies the very best of IAFF Local 465,” the association said. “Jarod, thank you for your unwavering commitment to keeping Oshawa safe. We are incredibly proud to stand beside you, and we couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”
Regan joins a list of recent recipients that includes Brian Hoard in 2019, Mike Barlow in 2018, and Chris Leslie in 2023. Barlow was recognized for bringing the Canadian FireFit Championships to Oshawa and later became a deputy fire chief.
Oshawa Fire Services operates six fire stations with about 192 front-line personnel. The department has deep roots in the city, dating back to 1856, and became a full-time career service in 1868. Fire Chief Stephen Barkwell, who has led the department since August 2023, was not quoted in the announcement but has been with the service since 1999.
