WESTLOCK – Drew Beattie, a dedicated member of the Clyde Fire Department and long-time Busby area resident, has been awarded the prestigious Glenn Latimer Award in recognition of his outstanding service to the community.
Beattie, who has served in the Westlock County fire departments, is now at Station 4 in Clyde and was nominated for the award by Clyde Fire Department Chief James Hoetmer. Despite his long career in firefighting, Beattie was surprised at receiving the honour.
“It was a surprise—you never know if you’re going to be nominated or picked.”
Hoetmer said it was a privilege to bestow this legacy award on Beattie.
“He goes above and beyond what is expected of a volunteer firefighter.”
Hoetmer said Beattie quietly makes significant contributions to his community. Among his many achievements, Beattie spearheaded a Make-A-Wish Foundation event that helped make a child’s wish come true. Additionally, he played a key role in establishing the County of Westlock Firefighter Facebook page and has been instrumental in visiting schools to educate children on fire safety through the Glenn Latimer Fire Safe House initiative. His efforts have helped to ensure that children in the county are aware of the importance of fire escape plans and safety procedures.
Beattie is not one to shy away from the difficult tasks that come with being a volunteer firefighter, said Hoetmer. Whether it’s cleaning up after a fire or accident, or helping maintain ice rinks for community recreation, Beattie’s commitment to service is unwavering.
“He consistently demonstrates a bar set high in both attitude and actions,” said Hoetmer. “His attitude is that of a dedicated professional, thinking and striving to improve his skills and craft to better serve those impacted by his care. He doesn’t hesitate to express his concerns related to anything that may impede county residents from receiving exemplary fire services.”
Hoetmer added that as a member of the Westlock, Busby, and Clyde fire departments, Beattie has demonstrated leadership and a willingness to mentor younger firefighters including on the importance of proper use of personal protective equipment. He consistently works to maintain the fire hall and county fire equipment.
While Chief of Station 3, he oversaw the growth of the membership from just three volunteers to a team of 15. Under his leadership, Station 3 became one of the busiest stations in the county. He was also instrumental in the acquisition of the county’s first brand new fire truck, which he personally drove from Winnipeg to its new home at Station 3—a truck that is now housed at Station 4.
The Glenn Latimer Award was created after the passing of Glenn Latimer, a longtime volunteer firefighter in the County of Westlock. It was established in 2008 to honour the lasting legacy of a dedicated volunteer firefighter and recognize those who exemplify what it means to be a volunteer firefighter and serve one’s community.
Hoetmer said Beattie's selfless service is an example to those who follow in Latimer's footsteps.
Beattie remembers the late Glenn Latimer, the award’s namesake, fondly.
“I lived in Westlock when Glenn passed away. We were almost next-door neighbours, two houses down. I would go over to shovel his walk, cut his grass, and help him just before he passed away.”
As a firefighter, Beattie knows the importance of physical preparedness.
“There’s a sense of physical capability we have to be in. We have to be able to do quite a few things,” he said. “We just work to our abilities and hope that when the time comes, we’re able to do what’s needed.”
While Beattie’s role in the fire department can be physically demanding, he plans to continue his service as long as he is able.
“I will do it as long as I’m physically able,” he said. “As long as I can help in any capacity, I’ll continue to serve.”
Despite the challenges, including the difficulty of balancing work, family, and emergency calls, Beattie remains dedicated to the cause.
“The hardest part of the job is leaving family time to go to calls,” he admitted. “It’s demanding, especially when we don’t have many members available. Even though it might be tough for me to leave, somebody else could be having the worst day of their life, and it’s really hard to say no when I might be in the area and able to help.”
Beattie also offered advice to those considering joining the fire department.
“Don’t do it for the money,” he said. “Do it because you want to help the community, not for recognition. It’s never been about recognition for me. It’s always been about what needs to be done and getting it done.”
When not responding to emergency calls, Beattie runs his own construction business. He stressed the importance of commitment within the fire department.
“We’re always looking for more members, but we need people who are dedicated—dedicated to training, dedicated to responding, and dedicated to helping where it’s needed. We can’t have members who are here just to say they are on the department. We need people who will answer the call.”
For Beattie, the best part of being a firefighter is the camaraderie within the department and the satisfaction of helping others.
“For me, the friendship we have within our department is the best part,” he said. “I went to school with a few of the guys, and it’s a feel-good feeling to know you’re helping people in need.”
