Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

An Okanagan fire chief who dragged an unconscious boy out of a burning RV years ago was asked by a reporter why he risked his own safety to do that at the spur of the moment without protective gear

“It’s my job; it’s what I do,” he said without hesitation.

This would likely be the response of most firefighters in the Columbia Valley, some of whom were recently honoured with awards and certificates by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK).

Members of the Columbia Valley and Elk Valley and South Country Rural Fire & Rescue Service attended their respective recognition banquets in December. 

Columbia Valley Fire Chief Drew Sinclair said on top of the hundreds of hours that firefighters spend on calls within the community, there are hundreds of hours that they devote each year to training. 

“This speaks to their incredible dedication to the communities they serve, and it is important for us to bring them together as we highlight and acknowledge how much it is valued and appreciated.”

Michael Hockley, chief of Elk Valley and South Country, said it’s important to acknowledge and thank all firefighters who give tirelessly to their rural communities and thank the family members who support them every day.

Windermere firefighter Doug Sinclair received a standing ovation in recognition of his more than 40 years of service. Sinclair, who was recognized as the RDEK’s Electoral Area F ‘volunteer of the year’ last June, is one of the founding members of the department.  

Service awards went to the following Columbia Valley firefighters: Lieutenant Steven Mcintosh (15 years), firefighter Dan Cox (15 years), firefighter Keith Andestad (15 years), firefighter Michelle Porteous (10 Years), and firefighters Darcy Elder, Sherri Cline, and Dean Kendrick (five years).

Special commendations went to firefighter Nate breeze (Edgewater), firefighters Darcy Elder, Dan Willson, and Brent Woodard (Fairmont), firefighter Cam Beaudry (Panorama), and firefighter Mieka Arts (Windermere).

New Edgewater officers (captains) are Emily Compton, Greg Zammit, and Mike Guadette.