Fort Providence (Jan 12/07) - During the past 20 years, Gilbert Matto has seen a lot of changes while driving the water truck in Fort Providence.

Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo Fort Providence Mayor Maggie Levavasseur, left, and deputy mayor Tina Gargan present Camilla Sabourin with an award for her service with the volunteer fire brigade during a recognition ceremony. Years of service Gilbert Matto - 20 years Albert J. Lafferty - 20 years Albertine Canadien - 19 years Susan Christie - 17 years Robert Tanche - 14 years James Minoza - 14 years Theodore Matto - 13 years Bernie Bonnetrouge - 11 years Sylvia Nadli - 9 years Lawrence Thom - 9 years Clifford McLeod - 5 years Louie Constant - 4 years Peter Canadien - 3 years

There's always something new and different, said Matto. He was one of the hamlet employees honoured at a recognition awards ceremony on Dec. 21. The members of the volunteer fire brigade were also recognized.

Staying in the same job for 20 years hasn't been a problem for Matto because of the constant changes. When he started, water tanks were in the basement and water was brought upstairs in pails. Things are easier now with water pressure systems, he said.

The truck Matto drives has also changed. His current 2,500 gallon tank truck is a big improvement from the old 1,000 gallon model. The extra water comes in handy because Matto also has more houses to deliver to.

Matto plans to be in his job for awhile yet.

"Until they throw me out of the truck I guess," said Matto with a laugh.

Staff like Matto are appreciated by the hamlet, said Albert Lafferty, the senior administrative officer.

Offering municipal services at the community level is generally recognized as the most challenging amongst all levels of government, said Lafferty at the ceremony.

"As frontline workers, our staff interacts with the public we serve on a daily basis at a level that matters most to our local residents," he said.

The ceremony also recognized the contributions of the volunteer fire brigade members.

"They provide a valuable service to the community," said Mayor Maggie Levavasseur about the firefighters.

There have been a number of fires recently and the firefighters have provided a vital service, said Lafferty.

Their job isn't always on the forefront of people's minds but their volunteer work and dedicated effort is certainly appreciated, he said.

"It's nice to see we have strong leadership and dedicated people," said Lafferty.

Members of the volunteer fire brigade include: Andy Sapp, Kelvin McLeod, Camilla Sabourin, Scott Young, Larry Major, Malcolm Tosh, Jimmy Nadli, Jonathan Minoza, Greg Reardon, Micky Gray, Noel Bonnetrouge and Robert Larson.