Former West Carleton Township Fire Chief Terry Kelly has passed away at the age of 87. Terry was a longtime, dedicated member of the West Carleton Fire Department, post amalgamation OFS member, and in 2012, was named to the Order of Ottawa.
The Retired Ottawa Firefighters Association posted the following biography on Terry's career on their website.
Date of Birth: January 12, 1936
Joined Huntley Township Fire Department: September 6, 1972
Retired: September 30, 2014
Died: March 9, 2023
Terry was first hired by the Huntley Township Fire Department in 1972. In 1974, the Township of West Carleton was formed when the townships of Huntley, Fitzroy and Torbolton amalgamated. Terry held the ranks of firefighter, Captain, District Chief and was the Fire Chief of the WCFD for many years, until the hiring of the first full time Fire Chief, Charlie Snider, in 1988. Under Terry's leadership, the WCFD saw many changes and improvements to training, apparatus and equipment. The WCFD grew from it's initial 4 stations to 6 stations while Terry was the Chief of the department. Terry remained as an active volunteer firefighter, in the WCFD, after he was replaced by the full time Chief.
Terry was called upon by his community to act as interim, full time Fire Chief (numerous times) in the years that followed, a role which he accepted, every time.
When the new city of Ottawa was amalgamated, Terry remained an active volunteer firefighter, serving the OFS until 2014.
In 2012, Terry was awarded the inaugural Order of Ottawa, for his, then, 40 years of dedicated service to his community.
The Kelly family has requested privacy at this difficult time.
They have graciously allowed member David Burke to serve as a point of contact for those who may want to share a thought. Condolences, memories, and stories can be forwarded to David Burke, by email, with simply "Terry" as the subject to toy.box@sympatico.ca
Dave will print, compile and present the family with all the emails received.
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Terry's exemplary firefighting career spanned over 40 years but his tireless dedication to our community also extended to countless other community initiatives throughout the years. We extend our sincerest condolences to Terry's family and friends.
2012 Recipients of the Order of Ottawa. Terry Kelly is pictured, back row, sixth from the left.