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Town of Penhold Mayor Mike Yargeau presented Fire & Protective Services Manager Sean Pendergast with the Alberta Emergency Services Medal for 12 years of service on June 27. (Town of Penhold Facebook)
Community Service

Penhold Mayor and Fire Chief receive recognition

Jul 7, 2022 | 2:31 PM

*Editor’s note: The original version of this story stated that Mayor Yargeau had received the award. However, at this time, he has been nominated for it.

Two of Penhold’s top public servants are being recognized for their work in the community.

Shared at the June 27 town council meeting, Mayor Mike Yargeau recently received a nomination for the Alberta Municipalities Association’s Award of Excellence recognizing outstanding civic leadership by a municipal elected official.

Mayor Yargeau was a councillor for one term prior to becoming mayor, now for the past two terms. He says he became hooked to politics at the age of 12, helping his mother deliver pamphlets door to door and meeting people along the way, and today serves on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities board representing Penhold and Alberta on the national stage.

Growing up in Penhold, Yargeau has a passion for serving the community, and assisting residents of all ages, he says.

“It’s been fascinating to see the type of impact you can make when you get involved in your community, your province or your country,” he said.

When asked about long-term plans, Mayor Yargeau says that while his parents taught him that “every politician has a shelf life,” he doesn’t see his work coming to an end anytime soon.

“As long as I don’t feel I’ve reached that shelf life, then I’m going to stay involved and stay active. I still love it and I’m still having a lot of fun doing it.”

Chief Sean Pendergast was also recognized, being presented the Alberta Emergency Services Medal for 12 years of service.

“The community I work in is just so passionate about our emergency services, so it’s really good to be recognized that way,” said Chief Pendergast, who took over from father Jim, following his passing last year.

The medal honours emergency services personnel who are involved in supporting emergency prevention, preparedness, and response in Alberta.

“We are very fortunate that Chief Pendergast has served all 12 years in Penhold and appreciate the work he and his team do in playing such an integral part in helping to keep Penhold a safe and healthy community,” said Mayor Yargeau.

Chief Pendergast began volunteering as a firefighter in Penhold as a break from his job in the oil and gas industry. He said it quickly grew into a passion and expanded across many fields.

“It’s been a lot of intense moments and just helping the community in whatever way we can,” he said.