By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
Following a 27-year career as a member of Haldimand County’s Fire Department, Al Krajcir has officially retired from his role as the Fire Training and Health and Safety Co-ordinator, but he will continue on for the time being in his other role as a Captain at Station No. 9 in Dunnville.
“Al has been a vital part of the Haldimand County Fire Department,” said Deputy Mayor Bernie Corbett in an address to Council recognizing Krajcir’s significant commitment to the citizens of Haldimand over the last 27 years. “Al has been a dedicated firefighter, officer, and trainer for many years.”
Corbett commended Kracjir for improving the County’s fire training program to the point where it now exceeds NFPA standards, with a recent review pre-retirement fully updating the curriculum to current certification standards, which will assist the County in meeting provincial targets over the next three years.
“Al has taken our recruitment training to the next level, providing certification to new recruits for the past four years, ensuring they get the best training possible to be certified,” said Corbett. “He is a very passionate professional. He cares about every firefighter in the department and treats everyone as if they were family. In his retirement, Al plans to do some travelling, enjoy the outdoors, and is staying on a few more years at Station 9 in his current role as Captain.”
Kracjir took the opportunity to share some words with his assembled colleagues, stating, “I just want to express my gratitude to the members of this Council, and everybody seated here today. I’ve gotten to know many, many people over the years; they truly are my friends, and they truly are good, good individuals.”
He continued, “I’ve been serving as a public servant for some 27 years, and it’s been an honour and my privilege to serve the members and residents of Haldimand County for so many years. The Emergency Services staff has many challenges ahead of them, but the people that are in place there right now are outstanding individuals that deserve a lot of recognition from all residents here in Haldimand County, especially all 274 volunteers that continue to serve as public servants for Haldimand County.”
Krajcir admitted that retirement snuck up on him, noting, “I never thought this day would be coming my way when I was a lot younger. The profession has changed in many different areas.”
Krajcir reflected on his career, which began with manufacturing safety footwear for a family business before transitioning to a successful broadcasting career, and finally to his many roles in the fire department over the years, including many terms as a Fire Prevention Officer. This work included assisting The Press with this annual section.
“I thank you for the opportunity to serve, and I am grateful for the friends, the friendship, the people I’ve met, especially here within Haldimand County. I’m so proud of this County and I appreciate everything everybody has done for me, and for the fire department.”
Krajcir’s last day at the County was September 30, 2022. The Haldimand Press wishes Al all the best in his retirement. Thank you for your many years of dedicated service, and for making Haldimand County a better, safer place to live for all.
