Wayne Wells joined the Dauphin Fire Department (DFD) in 1970 and became captain in 1979.
He spent four years in that position before being promoted to Deputy Fire Chief in 1984, a position he held with great pride for seven years until 1991. Wayne stepped down from that position, however, he remained a firefighter until 1994.
As life became busier than normal for Wayne and his family, he had to step back from his duties as a firefighter, but his story of serving and protecting was far from over. He re-joined the department in 2005 as a Safety Officer and remained in the position until 2007. Wayne made the tough decision to again step away from the department and he did so until his return in 2017.
Then on January 10, 2025, Wayne officially closed the firefighter chapter of his book. That was his last shift as a firefighter for the DFD.
Wells was honoured to have been allowed to serve and protect and while leaving the department was bittersweet, he is proud of what he was able to accomplish and knows the current firefighters work tirelessly to keep our community safe.
"I really enjoyed the camaraderie of the firefighters and being a part of the special group," said Wells. "It makes you feel good to help out the citizens of Dauphin and the surrounding community."
In a Facebook post, the Dauphin Fire Department thanked Wayne for his service and wished him the best in retirement. Speaking highly of all the firefighters, Wayne shared especially high praise for Cam Abrey, Dauphin's Fire Chief.
The two shared a special bond and already have made plans to get together moving forward.
"He is one of the best Fire Chiefs that we have ever had in Dauphin, there's no doubt about it," ended Wells. "I'm proud to be called a friend by him and be a friend to him."
In retirement, Wayne plans to spend lots of time outside fishing at Lake of the Prairies and Manipogo while also spending plenty of time camping.
