Gaétan Prégent, who has accumulated sixty years of volunteer work with various organizations in the Suroît region, was recently rewarded for his commitment. He was one of the recipients of the Quebec Lieutenant-Governor's medal at a ceremony held on December 1 at the Saint-Hubert military base. Interview with a man who has no intention of stopping giving of his time to others, even at 76. 

Mr. Prégent's candidacy was submitted to the office of the Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec by Pierre Lefebvre, a former lieutenant in the navy and long-time acquaintance of the principal interested party. 

 “There were about twenty recipients from the region gathered that morning to receive this honor, which, for me, marks my 60 years of volunteer work in the community. It's a wonderful recognition. I've received a lot of congratulations since the presentation. We don't do this for distinctions, but it's very much appreciated. It's the highest distinction you can receive from the Quebec government. I'm privileged to be among those who have received it,” he says over the phone. 

The medal will be proudly worn on his Champlain Guard uniform, which he dons a few times a year. Mr. Prégent's candidacy was submitted to the office of the Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec by Pierre Lefebvre, a former lieutenant in the navy and long-time acquaintance of the principal interested party. 

In addition to this award, Mr. Prégent was also presented with a bronze lily by the Member of Parliament for Salaberry-Suroît, on November 30 at a Garde Champlain dinner.

“The lily was handcrafted from recycled metal by the Cercle des Fermières de Saint-Timothée. Ms. DeBellefeuille told me it was only the fifth one she'd given out since taking office as an elected official,” he says. 

In 2014, Mr. Prégent also received the Diocesan Medal, another distinction that few people receive in Quebec. It was also intended to highlight his years of involvement in the community. It takes the form of a cross or circular medal, attached to a ribbon, and is accompanied by a diploma signed by the bishop. In the past, he also held the position of churchwarden for 12 years at Paroisse de Bellerive in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. 

Involvement spanning six decades 

Since the age of 18, Gaétan Prégent has been involved in a number of organizations in the region. He was involved with the Cadets for 27 years and with Ambulance Saint-Jean, which he set up with his brother in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, as an officer for 10 years in the mid-1990s. 

 “It was the forerunner of first responders, as we came to the aid of people injured in arenas or city parks,” he recalls. 

But it's his volunteer involvement with the Champlain Guard, as a colonel adviser on duty, that is most impressive for its 54-year duration. Mr. Prégent is still an active member of the Guard, donning his uniform a few times a year when necessary. 

For the past 18 years, he has also been a member of the Community Emergency Response Unit, which assists firefighters during major fires in the region. He holds the position of divisional lieutenant officer for the Rigaud to Beauharnois territory. 

Where does his love of volunteering come from? ”From my father and my uncles who were also members of the Champlain Guard and wore the uniform. That's where the desire to help comes from,” he confides. 

At 76, is Mr. Prégent thinking of retiring from volunteering? ”Not at all,” he says. ”I'm still involved with the Champlain Guard and UCMU, because it keeps me in shape. I can't see myself being inactive and sitting on my couch all day long. If I stop, I'll wither away. It keeps me alive. You should never stop getting involved in your community,” he concludes.