SATURDAY SUNDAY DECEMBER 6, 1986 Archie Kidd receives national award Gillian Thomas Photo Archie Kidd wears his silver fireman's hat as he opens gifts, he received recently at at party in appreciation of the 40 years he served the Sundridge and Strong Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Kidd was also honored with the National Fireman Exemplary Award. His wife, at his side, admires a picture, which was one of the paintings from various groups and organizations of the village. The hall at Sundridge Arena was decorated with balloons and large comic-strip type murals. One banner read: "Thanks Arch. Man of Many Hats. Fireman, Hockey player, Legionaire, Baseball player, Lion, Church elder, Honorary Guild member, Master Pump Fixer, Part-time husband." On Saturday, Nov. 22, Harold Kidd was the guest of honor at the appreciation party held in his honor by the Sundridge and Strong Volunteer Fire Department, his family and friends. Harold Kidd, better known as "Archie", has been a volunteer fireman for 40 years, 25 of them as fire chief. It is of special significance that he was honored in this way. Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the National Fireman Exemplary Award to Mr. Kidd by MPP Ernie Eves, representing the Governor General. Engraved on the medal were the symbols â€" axes, hydrant, Maltese Cross against the background of the maple leaf. The colors red and gold represented fire and the quality of service and individuality, respectively. At the head table were Mr. Kidd's wife, Nikki, Parry Sound MPP Ernie Eves and Mrs. Eves, the Reeve of Strong Township Leslie Kent and his wife, Caroline, Reeve Elgin Schneider of Sundridge and his wife, Myrna. As the master of ceremonies, Ivan Percival, called upon the various speakers, it became obvious that Harold Kidd was known for his sensitive insight, friendship, dedication, positive attitude and sense of fun. The first of many gifts for Mr. Kidd was a silver fireman's hat, which was presented by the present fire chief, Frank Rogers, who recalled the time the fire siren rang in the middle of a masquerade party that Mr. Kidd attended as a ballerina. He is said to have reported for duty in his tutu. Mr. Rogers also spoke of the guest of honor's unique qualities as a friend and fisherman; and described the problems involved in maintaining the party's element of surprise for the guest of honor. Reeve Kent said Mr. Kidd played a key role in attaining the union between the Sundridge Village and Strong Township fire departments. At the time of the union debate, Mr. Kidd said: If we all want it and work together, it will be sure to succeed. His foresight has since been proven in the smooth running of the combined fire departments. Reeve Schneider stressed that Mr. Kidd was a fine example of the type of person needed to work on a volunteer fire team. Indeed it took a special family, he said. His presentation was a token of thanks from various groups and organizations of the village and township â€" a beautiful collection of paintings. The master of ceremonies read letters of congratulations from friends who could not be present for the party. Mrs. Kidd also received appreciation for answering calls, organizing refreshments on fire drills and for coping with the unpredictable and dangerous aspects of life as the wife of a volunteer fireman. Lunch was served by Harry Pearce, assisted by Alf Molnar, and the balance of the night was spent dancing and visiting.