Jackie Tegart, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Fraser Nicola, on behalf of Premier Christy Clark, will present Clayton Cassidy, a well-known Cache Creek citizen with the Province’s newest honour, the Medal of Good Citizenship.

The ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 23 at the Cache Creek Recreational Park.

Launched in July 2015 by Premier Clark, the prestigious Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes individuals who, through exceptional long-term service, have made outstanding contributions to their communities without expectation of remuneration or reward. The medal reflects their generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to community life. Nominations for the Medal of Good Citizenship are accepted year-round.

Clayton Cassidy will be honored with the medal for his extensive community leadership, and in particular, his dedicated service helping Cache Creek residents stay safe and return to their homes following the devastating flood in May of 2015. Whether it was performing back-breaking rock and mud shoveling, or assisting with the overall co-ordination of clean-up and recovery, Cassidy was there for the community and its citizens.

A member of the Cache Creek Volunteer Fire Department for more than three decades, Cassidy has taken on leadership roles in the essential service organization including Fire Chief for 10 years, from 1992 to 2002. Under his leadership the department achieved significant milestones including building a new fire hall, purchasing a new fire truck, installing a breathing air compressor, and having 10 members receive their volunteer fire fighting certificate.

His service to community and countless hours of volunteering include coaching minor hockey, soccer and minor softball; serving on a myriad of community committees including the Cache Creek Elementary school Parent Advisory Committee, and the Cache Creek Graffiti Days Committee.

Cassidy is among a select group of British Columbians who will receive the Medal of Good Citizenship.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Premier Christy Clark  –

“In an emergency, some people rise to the occasion, and others go above and beyond. Nobody had to ask Clayton Cassidy to take a leading role after a devastating flood – he simply stepped up, and made a difference when it was needed most. He continues to find ways to contribute to his neighbours and community without thought of recognition or reward.”

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, and chair of the Medal of Good Citizenship Selection Committee  – 

“There are many people who generously volunteer their time, effort and skills to make their community better and this honour acknowledges their excellence, achievement and service. The time spent reviewing nominations was inspiring, and it reinforced to me that we live in a province where each and every day citizens can make a difference through their generosity and selflessness.”

Jackie Tegart, MLA for Fraser Nicola – 

“Cache Creek is richer for having residents like Clayton Cassidy who go above and beyond to help those when their situation seemed very dire. He is a true friend to us all and it is an honour to present him with the Medal of Good Citizenship.”

Clayton Cassidy, Medal of Good Citizenship recipient –   

“I am deeply humbled and honored to be chosen to receive this honour. Many other people in our community are very deserving as well. It is gratifying to be recognized for my years of contributions although that is not why I volunteer. I consider it good karma. I do owe a big debt of gratitude to my wife Rose and my family for allowing me to donate my time to my community. It was gratifying to be able to help families clean up and get back into their homes after the flash flood hit Cache Creek on May 23, 2015.”

Quick Facts:

• The Medal of Good Citizenship was launched in 2015 to recognize individuals who, through exceptional long-term volunteer efforts, have made outstanding contributions to the well-being of their communities.
• Nominations for the Medal of Good Citizenship are accepted year-round.
• All regions in the province were represented on the Medal of Good Citizenship Selection Committee and members came from various professional backgrounds.
• More than 220 nominations were reviewed.
• Additional medal presentation ceremonies will be held throughout the province in the coming months.

Learn More:

To learn more about the medal, or to nominate a good citizen in your community, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/medalofgoodcitizenship

To view photos of recipient ceremonies, visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHskw9MKjm