MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 5, 2023

Town of Smiths Falls to fly flags at half-mast in mourning of retired Smiths Falls Fire Chief Joel Gorman.

Smiths Falls, ON – It is with great sadness that the Town announces the death of retired Fire Chief Joel Frederick Gorman who passed away on June 2, 2023 at the age of 68.

Retired Chief Gorman “Joe” served his community with loyalty and dedication as a member of the Smiths Falls Fire Department for over 35 years where he finished his career as Fire Chief.

“The Town of Smiths Falls mourns the loss of our former Fire Chief. Chief Gorman’s dedication to the Fire Service and our town was admirable and we will be forever grateful for his dedication and leadership”, said mayor Shawn Pankow. “We extend our sympathy to his widow Debbie and the Gorman family and express our thanks to them for the support they provided to Joel over his 35 years of service with the Town.”

Family was everything to Chief Gorman and his family was always present at Fire Department and Town events offering their help or simply support.  After his retirement, Joe spent his time doing things he loved the most (hunting, fishing, farming, and producing maple syrup) and with those he loved the most – his family.  The Town of Smiths Falls’ Mayor, Council and Staff offer their deepest condolences to his beloved wife Debbie.  He was a very proud father of Nicky, Michelle (Chris Lewis), Allan (Apryl) and Dani (James Lacombe).  His grandchildren Cassidy, Maizie, Aynslee, Freddy, Timmy, and Everett brought him much joy.

Flags at all Town of Smiths Falls sites have been lowered to half mast in honour of Retired Fire Chief Joel Gorman and will remain so until his graveside service on Wednesday June 7, 2023.

Those wishing to pay their respects are invited to the Blair & Son Funeral Home (112 Beckwith St. N.,) on Tuesday June 6, 2023 from 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. A graveside service will be held at White’s Cemetery in Poland, Ontario on Wednesday June 7, 2023 at 11 a.m. A celebration of Joey's life will take place on Saturday June 10, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #475 in Toledo (320 County Rd 8, Toledo).

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Media Contact

Esther Njuguna

Communications and Marketing Coordinator

77 Beckwith Street N, Box 695

Smiths Falls, ON K7A 2B8

613-283-4124 ext. 1137

enjuguna@smithsfalls.ca