Six Public Safety Lifeline volunteers are being recognized for their exceptional contributions to emergency and disaster response throughout the province.
Normally, this recognition is conducted as part of National Volunteer Week in April. Due to COVID-19, this year’s celebration will be virtual.
Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, is recognizing the award recipients via video greeting – a safe way to celebrate the achievements of each volunteer and their contribution to their communities.
“These Public Safety Lifeline volunteer award winners are shining examples of the dedication and selflessness at the centre of emergency response in British Columbia,” Farnworth said. “These are the people who ask for no recognition, but instead leave their families, their friends, their homes and their own lives at any time of day or night, regardless of weather, to help others in their time of need. These are people who demonstrate the best that British Columbia has to offer, and I want to sincerely thank them for their commitment to public safety and their service.”
These award-winners are a select few among thousands of Public Safety Lifeline volunteers who conduct air and ground search and rescue, help extricate victims trapped by serious motor vehicle accidents, set up communication networks and co-ordinate services for victims of natural disasters.
This year’s award winners are:
- Emergency Support Services – Roline Sims, Kamloops
- Search and Rescue – Ed Ehrler, Sparwood
- Radio Communications – Les Dawes, Shawnigan Lake
- PEP Air – Lynn Van Cadsand, Smithers
- Road Rescue – Don Hunt, Kaslo
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Judy Hagen, Heriot Bay
Public Safety Lifeline volunteers demonstrate a selfless commitment to the safety of B.C. families and communities during emergencies. There are more than 10,000 Public Safety Lifeline volunteers in British Columbia. Last year, they responded to more than 9,000 incidents.
Learn More:
Public Safety Lifeline volunteer award winner video greetings from Farnworth:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/volunteers/recognition/award-winner
To learn more about Public Safety Lifeline volunteers and their work in your community, or how to get involved, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/volunteers
A backgrounder follows.