06/22/2026
With the passing of each day, we all grow closer to retirement.
Recently, we had the chance to celebrate one of our own. Paul Gridzak - after 42 years, has decided to hand over the fire pager to the next generation. We did some quick calculating that in those 42 years, that's in excess of 1,000 practice nights (twice per month), and likely as many fire calls. To Paul's wife and family, thank you for sharing him with us over the years. That's a lot of missed family dinners and special occasions.
The work isn't glamorous, nor will it make you wealthy, but it certainly will make you rich with experiences, camaraderie, and a sense of community like nothing else. Why else would you wake from a sound sleep to go and help a stranger, on closed roads in the middle of a snowstorm?! Paul has been a constant force for everything good in our community. Never the loudest voice in the room, but one with tremendous heart and dedication to his fellow man.
Now Breakfasts! Paul says not to worry, you will still see him at breakfast with his friendly smile. It's true - you can never take the firefighter out of the individual. It's why you may notice a couple of familiar retired faces in our group picture below. We wouldn't have it any other way.
CONGRATULATIONS, Paul! Keep smiling, we'll take it from here.
Municipality of Bluewater
Bluewater Fire Services
