the broken typewriter

At last week’s city council meeting, Mayor Lilia Hansen and Council gave out awards to several staff members, both in recognition of their years of service, and for their dedication to public safety.

Three types of awards were given out at the October 28 meeting – Long Service Awards to five Fort St. John firefighters, the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal to another four firefighters, and the BCMSA Organizational Safety Excellence Award was accepted on behalf of the city by three members of staff.

Long Service Awards –

 The five firefighters who received Long Service Awards have each been dedicated to their roles in the Fort St. John Fire Department, and to serving in the community. Each of these men have taken on additional roles with either the IAFF, the union, or the Health and Safety Committee, sometimes more than one organization, working to support their fellow firefighters and community through these additional roles.

All their contributions have benefitted the department, their colleagues and the community, according to Mayor Hansen who read brief biographies on each recipient.

The recipients were: Matt Dawes, 10 years; Craig Faulkner, 15 years; Christopher Austin, 15 years; Aaron Tjepkema, 20 years; and Brent Morgan, 25 years.

20 Year Medal of Public Safety in Canada –

Four long-time members of the Fort St. John Fire Department were honoured with the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal, which was established in August 1985 as an award in the Canadian Honours System.

The award recognizes firefighters with at least 20 years of service, with at least ten of those years involving duties that carry inherent risks. The medal honours the dedication and exemplary conduct of fire service professionals across Canada.

Mayor Hansen presented the awards to Ryan Tancock, Simon Caughill, Tyler Ristau and Robert Norton, on behalf of the Governor General, in celebration of the vital role firefighters have in ensuring public safety.

Organizational Safety Excellence Award –

The city of Fort St. John showed outstanding commitment to organizational practices aimed at improving health and safety amongst workers. This commitment was recognized by the BC Municipal Safety Association with the Organizational Safety Excellence Award.

The award highlights the vital role that safety practices have in creating healthier and safer workplaces, enhancing employee well-being, while significantly reducing workplace injuries and insurance costs.

Chief Administrative Officer Milo MacDonald, with Jessica Bowie, Chief Human Resources Officer, and Acting Manager of Health and Safety Lindsay Bowie accepted the award from Mayor Hansen on behalf of the city.