A pall fell across Hastings and Prince Edward Counties last Tuesday as a shocked and saddened community mourned the sudden passing of firefighter Jim Young. Flags at municipal buildings across Quinte flew at half mast.

A career firefighter who had moved across the Norris Whitney Bridge to become the City of Belleville’s Deputy Chief in 2023, Mr. Young’s impact was immeasurable. Prior to his post in the Friendly City, the Picton native spent over three decades with Prince Edward County Fire and Rescue, dutifully and ably serving his home community.

Alongside his trademark handlebar moustache and knowing smile, Mr. Young was a highly skilled rescue worker. During the kind of chaos at a fire or rescue call that could overcome even the most seasoned first responders, Jim Young, with his steeled resolve, and quiet and calming demeanour, always met the moment.

“Jim leaves behind a legacy forever remembered and treasured within our community. The Prince Edward County Fire and Rescue family hearts are heavy with grief,” reads Fire & Rescue’s statement. “Our condolences, prayers and love extend to Jim’s personal and fire service family and the countless members of the community that are grieving the loss of Jim.”

Mr. Young started with the Picton Station in 1992 as a volunteer. After honing his skills and training, he was hired as a professional firefighter in 2003. Just two years later, he became an instructor with the Ontario Fire College and provided firefighter skills training to hundreds of area firefighters at the local Regional Training Centre. 

County Deputy Fire Chief Tim Kraemer took to social media and remarked on Mr. Young’s passion for firefighting and the development of firefighters in his home community.

“I will always remember Jim’s satisfaction after winning a hard fought fire battle with his team and the joy he experienced when he witnessed his students achieve success. Jim had a way of lighting up our training nights with smiles and laughter through his humour, charm and wit,” he wrote.

“I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude for the time that Jim invested in my development and I am forever grateful. I offer my condolences and prayers to Jim’s family at home and throughout the fire service.”

While he had only been with the Belleville Fire service for two years, Chief Dan Smith called Deputy Young a “driving force” in making Belleville’s fire service best in class. 

“He is remembered for his sense of calm during times of distress, his passion for firefighter development and his dedication to improving the fire service,” said Chief Smith.

“He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Our hearts go out to his loved ones, his fire-family and everyone he has impacted in life along the way.”