Terry Saelens

Terry Joseph Saelens

Terry began his fire service career at the age of 19 and was mentored by ‘the old guys’. Terry served the Tillsonburg Fire Service for 47 years as a rookie volunteer, moved up the ranks until he achieved his goal of becoming a devoted and respected Deputy Fire Chief for seven years. He served as acting Fire Chief in 2020 thus achieving his final goal before work related cancer forced him to retire. Terry was instrumental in developing a program called JTAG in our area with the help of a colleague. The program taught rookie firefighters firefighting skills but especially the necessary skills to fight fires safely. Rookies from all over North America attended this program and were taught by the best of our Fire Service Instructors.

While working as a volunteer firefighter, Terry and a business partner co-founded Tillsonburg Royal Glass and Mirror and worked 24/7 to build a business that was trusted and well respected by the whole community. In between those hours, he and another business partner co-founded S&S Fire and Hose in Tillsonburg selling and maintaining fire extinguishers and teaching the community the importance of fire safety.

Terry and his wife Susan of 29 years enjoyed family time, travel, building hot rods, attending car shows, NASCAR races, boating at Long Point, antique collections and more.

Terry was described as an ordinary down to earth person confronted by extraordinary circumstances with his cancer. His innate wisdom served him well as he demonstrated compassion, dedication, commitment, courage and honour throughout his whole life.