The men and women of the Winkler Fire Department were honoured for decades of sacrifice last night, protecting citizens and neighbours in their greatest need.

Winkler Firefighter Captain Ike Dyck was honoured last night for 50 years of service.

Fire Chief Richard Paetzold notes that's nearly half of the entire 110 year existence of the Winkler Fire Department.

"He's a very good model to look up to," Paetzold says.

Dyck says the relationships and important work has kept him going.

"It's the family, the camaraderie that we have. You get to know people and learn to work with them," he says. "But the service, helping people in need is the number one thing."

He says even after decades of service, the adrenaline hits you when the call comes in.

Marvin Plett has been with the service for 30 years, and like Dyck, gave his wife a rose for her support throughout his career as a firefighter

"We've been trained, we've gone through different situations and experience helps you develop a sense of what to do," he says.

Over the decades Dyck says fighting fires has changed as construction materials have shifted from wood to materials and fuel that burn hotter.

"Wooden furniture has changed to something much different," he says.

Every year the department honours the spouses and families for their sacrifices. This year firefighters presented a rose to their significant others.

"The family has been very understanding, very encouraging and it's made it easier for me to continue," he says.

His wife Agatha says she loves seeing Dyck as a firefighter because "I know he enjoys it."

Dyck joined the department shortly after getting married.

"Our children, that's all they know," she says. "Their dad as a fireman... always willing to help others that are in need."

Many others were honoured last night for 20 and 30 years including Marvin Plett for 30 years, Peter Neufeld for 35. Exemplary Service Medals were also handed out to Gary Reimer for 30 years, Ray Doell for 30 years, and Gary Klassen for 40.

Left to right, Myron Derksen, Marvin Plett, Peter Neufeld, Ike Dyck and Chief Richard Paetzold

The retention rates are extraordinary compared to the average of three to seven years of experience on departments in Manitoba. In the Winkler Fire Department the average is 17 years.

"We need to be grateful for that," Paetzold says.

Before this summer the department had gone six years without needing to recruit.

Even retirement doesn't mean the loss of valuable experience. Paetzold notes a number of past fire chiefs, Gary Klassen, John Elias and Abe Suderman (all present at the banquet) continue to be instrumental sounding boards.

"It's humbling to follow in their footsteps," Paetzold says. "I owe them a debt of gratitude."

Related Article: New Recruits Join Winkler Fire Department For The First Time In Six Years

Winkler Mayor Martin Harder and City Manager Barb Dyck thanked Captain Ike Dyck for half a century of service