Owen Sound and Georgian Bluffs Firefighters Recognized with OPP Commissioner’s Citation for Heroic Rescue

Owen Sound and Georgian Bluffs Firefighters Recognized with OPP Commissioner’s Citation for Heroic Rescue

The City of Owen Sound and the Township of Georgian Bluffs are proud to congratulate Firefighter Jay Gow of the Owen Sound Fire & Emergency Services, along with two members of the Inter-Township Fire Department, on receiving the prestigious Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Commissioner’s Citation for Lifesaving. The award was presented on June 5 in Jarvis, Ontario, in recognition of the group’s courageous and unconventional rescue of three men following the collapse of a grain silo in 2024. The Inter-township Fire Department was also recognized for their part in the rescue; Deputy Chief Andy Redmond and Fire Chief Jeff Gautreau received commendations as well.

Jay Gow has been a Firefighter with Owen Sound Fire & Emergency Services for 28 continuous years. His years of experience and dedication to training have provided him with the skills required to save lives, particularly in high-stress and hazardous situations.

Chief Gautreau marked 30 years in firefighting in 2024, including 12 years with the ITFD, and has demonstrated strong and inclusive leadership with the fire service. Deputy Chief Redmond has served with the ITFD for 27 years, with exceptional commitment to both the department and the community.

The OPP Commissioner's Citation for Lifesaving is a prestigious award bestowed upon individuals, including both OPP members and civilians, for demonstrating extraordinary acts of bravery and compassion in situations where lives were at risk. 

Jay was also recognized by City Council on June 16, 2025. Jay is a valuable member of the City’s Fire Departments.

For more information, please contact Phil Eagleson, Fire Chief, at 519-376-2512 or email peagleson@owensound.ca

Quotes:

“This is an incredible honour, and we are extremely proud of Firefighter Gow and our colleagues in Georgian Bluffs for their quick thinking, bravery, and teamwork in what was a highly dangerous and unpredictable situation. Their actions exemplify the best of our emergency services and the strength of regional cooperation.”

-      Mayor Ian Boddy, Owen Sound

“The courage shown by all of our firefighters that day is nothing short of extraordinary. Jeff and Andy have been pillars of the Inter-Township Fire Department, and their leadership has helped shape a team that is ready to respond when it matters most. We are proud to see them, and all those involved, recognized for their heroic efforts.”

   -     Mayor Sue Carleton, Georgian Bluffs

Quick Facts:

• Jay Gow has been a Firefighter with the Owen Sound Fire & Emergency Services for 28 continuous years.
• The OPP Commissioner’s Citation for Lifesaving is a provincial award presented once a year to members of the community who perform outstanding deeds in regard to lifesaving. 
• The award was a group award and was received by members of the Inter-Township Fire Department as well.  The 2 fire departments worked closely together to effectively rescue the 3 men. 

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