Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

Loree Duczek has found her purpose in life in a job that has her name written all over it.

But the communications manager for the RDEK was totally surprised . . . more like “blown away” when she was presented the King Charles III Coronation Medal last week.

Presenter, Kootenay Columbia MP Rob Morrison, said Duczek has exemplified excellence in her role, especially during crises and emergency events.

“Loree’s ability to remain composed and make sound decisions has undoubtedly saved lives and mitigated the impact of disasters,” Morrison said. 

Duczek told the Pioneer that she is deeply honoured by the recognition. 

When asked what drives her passion for the job, she said this: “There is an old saying that there are people who search their whole lives trying to find their purpose in life and there are others who inherently know their purpose and spend their lives sharing it with others. I think to some degree that is an accurate description of how I found my way into this incredible position at the RDEK.”

Duczek said this work was never really a conscious decision. 

Believe it or not, she was talking in full sentences at the age of 18 months, and started reading when she was  three. At age four, she had a book bag and every day she would go around the block knocking on neighbours’ doors asking if they’d like her to read them a story. Then she invited them to sit with her on their stoop as she read them a book.

“That is where my love of telling stories was born. My dad was a magical storyteller and he had such a powerful way of connecting with people through his storytelling.”

When Loree was 15, she took part in Cranbrook’s Youth Ambassador Program where she developed a strong passion for community, learned the basics of public speaking and was introduced to Toastmasters. 

She travelled throughout BC competing in various public speaking competitions, always the youngest competitor by at least 15 years and often against incredibly inspirational speakers and broadcasters.  

“Their influence led me to pursue a path in broadcast communications which turned my love of sharing stories into an official career.”

In spite of many opportunities in Vancouver working at big networks, she found her heart was most connected to community, sharing stores that were closest to home. She applied to work  for the RDEK and has been serving the public for nearly 25 years.

From town hall meetings to various events, she has met many incredible people from all parts of the region. During emergencies they tell her stories of their latest adventures.  

“I would venture to say there are not many jobs where you have the opportunity to build these kinds of relationships. I know this kind of trust and these kinds of relationships are not a given, they are earned, and I’m incredibly grateful to all of the residents who’ve been part of my RDEK journey.”

When asked how she stays calm during a crisis, Duczek said it’s all about providing people with what they need most — information.

“For people experiencing an emergency, it can be a tremendously scary and vulnerable time. My goal has always been to ensure we do our best to provide residents with as much information as we can, to ensure it is factual, that we are responsive to their needs and that all of that is delivered in a way that is conversational, personal and relatable.”

Duczek said she doesn’t just deliver information, she shares it, which is reassuring and comforting. “In the midst of crisis, you often see incredible stories of resilience, generosity, kindness, and strength.”

Another key factor that keeps her from pulling her hair out is the team working behind her.

“We have the most incredible Regional Emergency Management Program and the team that comes together in emergencies is talented, capable, and professional. They give tirelessly to support residents of our region and they are a big factor in making it possible for me to do the emergency communications side of my job . . . I could not do what I do without them and without my team.”