• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Local Hero

  • Home
  • AWARD SPONSORS
  • Community Partners
  • Rules and Categories
    • ANIMAL AMBASSADOR
    • ARTS AMBASSADOR
    • COACH(ES)
    • COMMUNITY BUILDER
    • COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER
    • COURAGE & BRAVERY
    • EDUCATOR
    • DIVERSITY & INCLUSION ADVOCATE
    • EMERGENCY SERVICES
    • ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
    • HERO OF THE YEAR
    • SENIORS’ CHAMPION
    • UNSUNG HERO
    • YOUTH VOLUNTEER
  • Submit Nomination
  • Winners
  • 2020 Finalists

2020 Emergency Services: Lawrence Burns

October 11, 2020 By susan Leave a Comment

Former Courtenay fire chief and member of the City of Courtenay Heritage Commission Lawrence Burns has been recognized by Heritage BC. Photo: McKinnon Photography

Long-time Courtenay Fire Chief Lawrence Burns is this year’s Emergency Services Local Hero.

Lawrence served as a Comox Valley firefighter for 46 years, 28 of those in the capacity of Fire Chief. He joined Courtenay Fire Department in 1950 and was appointed chief in 1968 – a position he held until he retired, in 1996. 

And although officially retired, Lawrence is still heavily involved with the department.

He continues to serve as fire department pastor for all Comox Valley Fire Departments – a role not often spoken about, but very important in the well being of the fire department culture.

Lawrence also serves the community in other significant and important roles – most notably he is chair of Heritage Advisory Commission.

One anonymous nominee said it best:

“I have never a negative comment about his actions and he undoubtedly set the foundation (for) a solid fire department that has been able to continue to succeed long after he retired. He has always conducted himself with integrity and moral high standards.”

The City has previously recognized Burns for his contributions to the community through its highest honour, the “Freedom of the City” in 1995. He was a ‘Citizen of the Century’ award winner during the 2015 Courtenay centennial.

Now he adds Comox Valley Local Hero to his list of accolades.

Sponsored by

Filed Under: Winners

Previous Post: « 2020 Diversity & Inclusion: Lori Mazey
Next Post: 2020 Educator of the Year: Charlotte Hood-Tanner »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Winners:

  • 2020 Unsung Hero: Terri Odeneal
  • 2020 Senior Champion: Mike Corkish
  • 2020 Hero of the Year: Dave Talbot
  • 2020 Environmental Leadership: Jennifer Sutherst
  • 2020 Educator of the Year: Charlotte Hood-Tanner
  • 2020 Emergency Services: Lawrence Burns
  • 2020 Diversity & Inclusion: Lori Mazey
  • 2020 Courage and Bravery: Bob Plumb
  • 2020 Community Volunteer: Annette Bowden
  • 2020 Community Builder: Pat McKenna
  • 2020 Coach of the Year: Randy James
  • 2020 Arts Ambassador: Carol Anne Parkinson
  • 2020 Animal Ambassador: Shannon Colthorpe
  • 2019 Local Heroes Award Ceremony

Copyright © 2025 · LOCAL HERO · COMOX VALLEY RECORD