Firefighters recognized

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 05, 2009 12:00 PM

Veteran Vernon firefighters have been awarded with a prestigious honour. Seven members of the fire department received federal and provincial fire service medals during a special ceremony Thursday. “These are significant milestones and as an organization, it is important to recognize firefighters for their exemplary service,” said chief Jeff Carlisle. The federal government’s fire exemplary service medal is awarded to an individual who has completed 20 years of service, 10 of which while performing duties involving risks. B.C.’s long service medal goes to firefighters who have completed at least 25 years of paid or volunteer fire service.The recipients Thursday were Chris Kulak (20 years), Reinhard Mann (30 years), Wayne Little (30 years), Dean Wakefield (20 years), Jim Bieber (30 years), Doug Kuhn (30 years) and Kim Bolton (30 years).

While other professions also have longtime employees, Carlisle believes firefighters are distinct because of the risks they face. “Every time you leave the station on an emergency, you’re not sure what you will be dealing with,” he said. “For a firefighter, there is no such thing as a routine day.” To date, Vernon’s firefighters have been called out 2,589 times this year. And while most people only think of battling fires or responding to motor vehicle accidents, 60 per cent of all call-outs are first medical responders. “In two cases where our members did CPR, they saved two people last year,” said Carlisle.

Thursday’s ceremony was presided over by Mayor Wayne Lippert. “I was delighted to present our firefighters with these decorations, as they represent the achievement of a career milestone for these firefighters and their dedication to serving the citizens of Vernon,” he said.