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31| The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,July 19,2018 theifp.ca One of John deHooge's most memorable days as a firefighter was attending a call where a home had been completely decimated, and the lady who lived there was trying to find her en- gagement ring. At a time when someone had lost everything, de- Hooge and his team were able to find the precious item. "The rest, to her, didn't matter," said deHooge. "It's the most rewarding career. At people's worst moment, you're there." The Town of Halton Hills is bidding farewell to fire Chief John deHooge, who spent two years at the helm of the Halton Hills Fire Department. The Toronto native spent over 35 years in fire services across Ontario, starting as a firefighter in Oakville in 1979. As a young man enter- ing a career in policing, de- Hooge heard that Oakville Fire was hiring. "I jumped at the oppor- tunity," he said, where he spent the majority of his career, before moving to Waterloo, where he spent five years as fire chief. His ability to lead fire departments took him across Ontario, moving to Ottawa in 2010 to serve as fire chief in the country's capital. He came to Halton Hills in 2016 and played an in- strumental role in having the department accredited with Fire Accreditation In- ternational. DeHooge also intro- duced key mental health policies in the department following a tragedy in No- vember 2015, where fire- fighter Trevor McNally murdered his wife and took his own life after struggling with mental ill- ness. "We deal with a lot of tragedy," said deHooge, adding that the depart- ment has worked hard over the past two years to re- duce the stigma around mental illness and open up a dialogue about available services. "I commend them for embracing the opportuni- ty," he said, adding that the aim was to help firefighters heal from previous trau- matic incidents. "Ask more targeted questions," he said, talking about different approaches his staff take when they see a co-worker down and struggling. "Keep a better eye on your brothers and sisters." He says like any fire chief, his hope is to leave the department better than when he got there. "Halton Hills has a great fire family," he said. In his retirement, de- Hooge is moving to Thorn- bury, Ont., and plans on spending more time with his older parents and three grandchildren. He will be succeeded by Harry Oliveiri. His last day is Aug. 10. NEWS Fire chief retires after 35-years ALEXANDRA HECK aheck@metroland.com KNOWLEDGE IS KEY According to the book of Hosea 4:6 the Lord said "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children." God wants us to have knowledge of Him, His words and His kingdom. He wants us to have good knowledge of His promises and that with Him nothing is impossible. Without the understanding of a problem, solution may be far. The solution to the challenges you are currently going through can be found in Jesus. Are you facing challenges in your marriage, health, job? The word of God to you today is that, that situation will end in joy. John 15:11 and John 16:24 says that your joy may be full. 1 Timothy 1:7 says He has not given us the spirit of fear but of love, power and soundmind. Have faith in Him, His word, His name and in His promises, trust Him and He will make a way for you. You are blessed. Rejoice. Unit 5 - 332, Guelph Street Georgetown, ON. L7G 4B5 houseofgracegt@yahoo.ca 416-826-4204 SUNDAY Celebration Service, 10am - 11:30am Should you have any question or comments, please feel free to contact us at the address below, and we also invite you to worship with us. Thank you, and God bless you, amen. Save more on your weekly grocery bill VISIT SAVE.CA TO GET YOUR GROCERY COUPONS EVERY WEEK! SAVE MORE WITH THE FREE Save.ca MOBILE APP Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC. Register and Get Coupons FREE Make Room for Family Adventures. Buy and Sell Locally. or foom RekMa es.ruentvdy AlimaF .yllaoc Llle Snd aBuy Chat Call orText CampingTent Posted by MikeToolGuy $70 Buy and sell in your neighbourhood. Visit www.Tradyo.com