As Oliver deputy fire chief Rob Graham hit another coveted milestone, he couldn't help but think of his father's more than three-decade legacy of community service.

Graham was recently honoured at an annual awards dinner for reaching 20 years of service at the Oliver Fire Department (OFD).

His milestone came just less than a month after his father, Bob Graham, retired as Oliver's fire chief after 33 years of service. The father-son duo served the community together for two decades.

"It has been a little strange walking into the station or the fire office and not having him there working away," the deputy fire chief said about his father. "I hope to be able to work as effectively and as dedicated as he was."

As he accepted his 20-year service award, he got the opportunity to present his father with the Life Member Award.

Graham, while reflecting on his dad's legacy of service in the community, also shared his fondest memories of the now-retired fire chief.

Speaking in front of a large crowd at the Flealess Hound Pub, Graham said hosting the department's annual spring training seminar and deploying to Vernon for the White Rock Lake fire in 2021 are among his most cherished memories over the last 20 years.

"I was immensely proud to have been able to be one of the deputy chiefs and work alongside my dad this past year of 2024 and as a captain prior to that," Graham said, adding that he's also got the chance to serve with two brothers in the department.

Several other awards were also handed out by OFD at the event, held on Jan. 25.

Crew members Glen Smith and Mike Ferreira were honoured for reaching five years of service. Ryan Encina and Kai Kaplan, meanwhile, received their Interior Level Firefighter qualifications.

Jason Schafer was named Oliver's "Firefighter of the Year."

"This is an evening where we give thanks to our firefighters for the continued dedication to the department and to give recognition to achievements throughout the year," OFD said in a statement.

"We thank everyone for their exceptional work throughout 2024 and are encouraged by their continuing support and dedication to the safety of the town and rural district of Oliver."