Richard Froese
South Peace News
Fire- fighters with the Peace River Fire Department and County of Northern Lights were honoured during the annual awards night Dec. 14 in Peace River.
Regional fire chief Tim Harris says the awards acknowledge outstanding service and commitment.
“The awards represent and recognize the achievements that the members have attained over the year,” Harris says.
“While some awards are based on performance numbers, other awards are based on nominations from fellow firefighters who recognize the efforts of their peers.”
The 2024 award winners were:
- Peace River Firefighters’ Association President’s Award – Jesse Kasouf (Peace River).
- Fire Chief’s Award – Mark Owens (Peace River).
- Don Konkin Award for Officer-of-the-Year – Lt. Drew Keddie (Peace River and Weberville).
- Lee Vickery Award for Firefighter-of-the- Year – Stephanie Amor (Peace River).
- Martin Cooper Award of Merit – Capt. Patrick Connellan (Peace River).
- Most-Improved- Fire- fighter Award – Zach Krahn (Weberville).
- 2024 Rookie-of-the -Year Award – Laura Hanna (Weberville).
- 2024 Kenzie Peterson Junior Firefighter-of- the-Year Award – Aiden Archibald (Weberville).
- 2024 “Fit to Fight” Fitness Award – Lt. Tim Berger (Weberville).
- 2024 Attendance Award – Aiden Archibald (Weberville) and Capt. Patrick Connellan (Peace River).
Dixonville firefighters Cheryl Rogers and Cameron Jackson retired from the service. They officially rang themselves out at the event.
County of Northern Lights Reeve Terry Ungarian thanked them for their dedication and service to the county.
He also appreciated the special collaborative relationship the two fire departments have strengthened.
Town of Peace River Mayor Elaine Manzer expressed greetings and appreciation from council, along with councillors Shelly Shannon, Brad Carr and Byron Schamehorn.
Northern Lights Councillor Gary These also attended.
Harris also mentioned a graduation ceremony Nov. 5 to induct all new recruits who completed their training in 2024. Shane Brady, Laura Hanna, Natasha Hrynyk, James Klassen, Dawn Naumann, Rockwell Plante and Sajin Santhosh each received their membership coin and uniform apaulettes.
Both fire departments always seek to recruit more members.
Anyone interested in learning new skills and serving their community can phone Harris at (780)624-2993.