WO J. R. McGregor has decided to hang his military fire fighter hat on October 8th, 2010. He completed 25+ years serving the Army, the Air Force and the Navy.

He joined the CF as infantryman and went to London, Ontario to serve with 1 RCR. After spending 5 years with the Regiment, he requested an occupational transfer to fire fighter. Cpl McGregor went to Shearwater Fire Department for training following QL-3 training. In August 1994, he had his first contact with the Navy. He went to MARLANT Ships Personnel List and had the pleasure of sailing on 6 different warships for short and long deployments until July 1997.

After the exposure to humid maritime climate, the time came for Jeffery to go on and try a drier province of the country, one preferably ‘‘landlocked’’. Since he knew little about fighter jets, he ended up in 4 Wing Cold Lake from 1997 to 2003. While in Alberta, he deployed to Aviano, Italy as a trade’s helper with CE troops. As well, he completed the CFS Alert tour as a MCpl.

To achieve all goals and objectives, MCpl McGregor was transferred to the Canadian Forces Fire Academy in January 2004. He was assuming the responsibilities of course director as a Sgt for several QL-3 & 5 courses, was involved in Haz Mat training as well. He finished his posting as a Fire Protection & Life Safety instructor. As he enhanced his general knowledge of the trade, he returned to the Navy in July 2006 as a Senior Fire Fighter on board HMCS Montreal. A year later, he was posted to HMCS Charlottetown. He finally made it back to Ontario by taking a promotion to WO and moving to 8 Wing Trenton as a Platoon Chief on Orange Crew in August 2009.

WO McGregor, his wife Catharine and daughter Katerina will move to Wasaga Beach, Ontario as elected place of residence for a second career; Jeffrey will join the CFB Borden Fire Department as an FR-01. We wish him and his family the best of luck in all future endeavours.

WO McGregor opted not to have a depart with dignity function at this time; anecdotes and comments can be forwarded to MWO J.C.J. René, 8 Wing Deputy Fire Chief for his retirement book.