NAIRN-HYMAN—Saying it is the great team around him with Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) and the volunteer fire department teams he has served on, Trevor McVey is a remarkable firefighter and volunteer for MDA. This is exemplified in the fact that this year, for the third time, Mr. McVey, who is originally from Little Current and born and raised in Espanola, has been named the Muscular Dystrophy Canada Fire Fighter of the Year.
“It’s a great honour. I’m surrounded by great people, with MDC, fire departments, family and friends,” stated Mr. McVey. “Being surrounded by this great team is something I’ve had my entire career.”
Mr. McVey was recently named by MDC as the fighter of the year award for 2023, an award he also won in 2009 and 2017.
“The MDC Dr. David Green Firefighter of the Year Award” is presented to a remarkable firefighter who has demonstrated overall excellence through the past year in the areas of advocacy, services, fund development and volunteer engagement. Trevor has been, and continues to be, a champion for MDC and those affected by neuromuscular disorders. He is a committed volunteer that goes above and beyond in attending required meetings, responding to staff in a timely manner, completing tasks or outreach when requested, and includes clients in meetings, presentations and events where appropriate,” stated MDC.
“In addition to Trevor’s previous contributions with the Espanola Fire Department, he led a successful ATV drive fundraiser (in Espanola) that raised $15,900, an astonishing 34 percent increase. So far this year, seven departments in his area have hosted events or made donations totalling $72,298,” continued MDC.
Mr. McVey is currently a member of MDC’s National Firefighter Relations Committee, Ontario Provincial Lead Chair and MD Chairperson for Nairn-Centre Fire Department.
Mr. McVey a member of the Nairn-Hyman Volunteer Fire Department has been, “active with MDA for over 20 years. being named chair of MDC in Espanola in September 1999.”
“Volunteer firefighters certainly don’t do this work for the pay, they do it to help the community,” said Mr. McVey. “I’m the lead for Ontario and sit on a board of about 20 people in the province,” Mr. McVey told The Expositor. “I support fire departments in helping to host events like boot drives, ATV drives, supporting fellow firefighters who are taking part in things like stair climbing exercises and other activities.”
“For me all of this is a simple thing because I enjoy it,” said Mr. McVey. “I don’t know anyone in my family or friends who have or have had MD. But for over 20 years I have had the pleasure, honour of getting to know people who do. Muscular Dystrophy is our (firefighters) charity of choice.”
“I really appreciate being nominated and selected for this award,” said Mr. McVey. “I work with MDC because I enjoy it.” He is also a deputy mayor of Nairn-Hyman council and works at his full-time job with Brokerlink Insurance.
“At the ATV ride in Espanola (held earlier this month), the Espanola Volunteer Fire Department raised roughly $15,000,” he said, noting he is one of a committee of three that organize the annual event. “About 17-18 (Espanola) firefighters show up to help out which is a terrific turnout, and everything runs seamlessly. We also have 10 of us from the Nairn-Hyman fire department on hand.”
He works with 11 fire departments in the area encouraging them to host fundraising events. “Once they do, I will help them with what is needed.”
“You will never join something as cool as this, working with MDC and the fire departments,” said Mr. McVey. “It’s been excellent. And as I said I get excellent support from everyone. They all make me look good.”
