Sgt Jean-Francois Rousseau, CD

    • Sgt Jean-Francois Rousseau, CD

    After more than 23 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the National Defence Fire Service, Sgt Jean-Francois Rousseau, CD (bio attached), will retire 3 February 2017.  An informal Depart with Dignity Ceremony will take place at the Mandarin Restaurant, 28 Fairview Rd, Barrie, at 1300h on 17 February 2017. Anecdotes or retirement wishes may be sent to the OPI by e-mail.

    OPI:  , Sgt Lacasse  or by phone at 705-424-1200, ext 7775.

    Sgt Jean-Francois Rousseau was born 20 October 1973, in Montreal. He enrolled into the CAF (Reserve unit 51 Svc Bn) as 935 MSE Op 20 Feb 1993 in St-Hubert Qc. In 1995, he participated in Op Cobra with the Quick Reaction Force in response to the Canadian POW in Bosnia. In 1996, he was deployed to assist the efforts to the floods in the Saguenay Area. In 1998 he was called to duty on Op Verglas and Op Recuperation for the Ice Storm in the region of Montreal to support the local authorities. For this effort, he was awarded the Commendation for Exceptional Professionalism during the Ice Storm.
     
    In 1999, he deployed with the NSE to Op Palladium Roto IV in Former-Yugoslavia where he received a Commendation from the Canadian Contingent Commander for having provided critical care to the local population during a motor vehicle collision. In January 2000, Sgt Rousseau transferred to the 5 Svc Bn in Valcartier. During the summer of 2000 he served with the Unit Shooting team and competed in both the Regional and National event. In 2001 he participated in Op Quadrille for the American summit in Québec city. In Jan 2004 after 15 months of training, he deployed once again with the NSE on Op Athena Roto 1 in Afghanistan. During this mission he received a Canadian Contingent Commendation for the implantation and training on the G-Wagon for the entire contingent, including the Allies. After his mission overseas he was posted to CFB Bagotville where he served in the Training and Permit Cell.
     
    In 2007 Sgt Rousseau decided to do an occupational transfer to the Fire trade. Sgt Rousseau was posted to CFB Bagotville for his first firefighter assignment. In 2010 he had the opportunity to serve as a Crewman at the Coalition Fire Hall on Op Athena Roto 10 in Camp Mirage. During his journeys in CFB Bagotville, he completed several tasks in Iqaluit and an exchange with the North Carolina Air National Guard. In 2013 he was posted to the CFFCA as an Instructor and Course Director.
     
    He has a wonderful spouse Marie-Josée Dupont, four superb daughters Sara, Audrey, Maude & Naomie, a dog Maya and a cat Winnie. Sgt Rousseau has accepted a position with the Training Division (FESTI) at the Greater Toronto Airport Authorities as a Fire Service Instructor and will remain in the Angus area.