Passing the Badge: Canton's Most Senior Firefighter Receives Badge of Honor

The honored its most senior member at a ceremony earlier this month.

As a longstanding tradition in the CFD, the most senior firefighter wears badge number one. Canton Firefighter , who retired in May, presented Donald Lester with badge number one on November 9. Lester is now the most senior member of the Canton Fire Department. He has served as a Canton firefighter for the past 23 years, according to Canton Fire Chief Charles Doody.

Podgurski is a longtime Canton resident, U.S. Army veteran, father of three and grandfather of five. He was honored with a . The department recognized the longtime firemen on his last day with cake, goodbyes and a ride home on the fire engine.