ESTEVAN — The Estevan Fire Rescue Service held its fourth annual awards banquet on March 16 at the Beefeater Plaza.
The department gathered their staff and members, accompanied by their significant others, to recognize and celebrate their achievements and dedication.
"We started this tradition a few years ago as a more formal way to recognize the contributions to the fire department from our members," said Estevan Fire Chief Rick Davies. "We celebrate in a group setting with a nice supper. We present different awards for different things, hand out service awards at five-year interval.
"Any medals or awards we can get for our people provincially or federally we will get and present. And then through the fire department, … we have Firefighter of the Year, Officer of the Year and now Driver of the Year awards that are presented to someone for the year past, all voted on by their peers.
"And then there's a few of those goofy awards by the association [Estevan Firefighters Association]. And we just thank everyone for doing what they do every year."
Davies noted that it's nice to have that celebration as it may help them work better as a team.
"It's nice when you can recognize individuals within your group. And, they can take the bugging or the cheering all along that comes with those awards. It does help [in team building]," Davies said.
The department has recently hired a couple of new recruits, and they are currently at 27 members, most of whom were able to attend the event, Davies noted.
The night started with the introduction and welcoming of the department's newest group of firefighters. Dave Hackett, Darson Gunnlaugson, Nathan Rae, Brandon Schopp, Colby Wainman and Tanner Weger-Brandow all started with the department at the beginning of 2024.
Next, the EFRS recognized their last group of recruits. Andrew Barr, Annie France Bizier, Ben Brokenshire and Cam Sharp passed probation and were each able to achieve the 1001 Level 2 training standard, which is the professional firefighter's qualification. They were presented with their certificates.
Next, the department presented years of service awards. Justin Herod, Tyler Stead, Mike Wock, Stephen McLaren and Amanda Minchin were recognized for five years of service. And Mike Olson was saluted for 15 years.
The EFRS also thanked their two outgoing members. Mallory Cappelle was recognized and thanked for her 12 years of commitment to the department. Chad Perrault was recognized and applauded for his 26 years of service to the department. Perrault was also presented with a Saskatchewan Protective Services medal, which is a provincial recognition for at least 25 years in service.
The night also saw the presentation of awards, which were voted on by the members in recognition of qualities shown throughout the year.
Officer of the Year for 2023 went to Wock. Firefighter of the Year 2023 went to Brokenshire. And Driver/Operator of the Year 2023 was presented to Jeff Kuchinka.
