Two firefighters with the Tofino Volunteer Fire Department have been honoured for their long service.
Duane Bell and Donny Collins have both served with the department for 25 years, Tofino VFD Chief Mark McKeough said. "They joined up in 1999 together."
Bell is president of the Tofino Fire Society and has spearheaded numerous fundraising initiatives alongside his duties as a firefighter. He also owns and operates Rhino Coffee Company in Tofino.
"He's been a major part of the department for a long time" and has been instrumental in the work being done by the Tofino Fire Society, McKeough said.
Bell was nominated Firefighter of the Year in 2019, McKeough added.
Collins spent a decade working on call with BC Ambulance while also volunteering for the fire department and running a construction business. Born and raised at Arrowvale Farm and Campground in Port Alberni, Collins often returns to the farm to assist with operations. He is also father to two sons.
Collins was nominated Firefighter of the Year in 2003 and named Tofino's Volunteer of the Year in 2013, McKeough said.
"Both firefighters are community-minded and have contributed in countless ways over the last 25 years," he added.
The awards were handed out during a department gathering in late December 2024 at the Royal Canadian Legion in Tofino.
