Regional Firefighters Celebrated at Annual Recognition Banquets

Service awards, promotions and certificate presentations were all part of the celebrations at the 2024 Elk Valley & South Country and Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Service Recognition Banquets.

“The appreciation evening is an important and meaningful night for us as we acknowledge and thank all of our firefighters who give tirelessly to our rural communities, recognize those members who have reached service milestones, and say thank you to the families who support our firefighters day in and day out,” says Elk Valley and South Country Rural Fire & Rescue Service Chief Michael Hockley.  

In addition to the awards and certificates that were presented, there were presentations highlighting the Departments’ accomplishments and achievements in 2024.   “On top of the hundreds of hours our firefighters spend on calls within the community, there are hundreds and 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,” adds Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Service Chief, Drew Sinclair.

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 in June, is one of the founding members of the department.  Among the service recognitions In the Elk Valley and South Country departments, were two 15-year Service Awards, which were handed out to Cindy Lightburn and Willy Rayman.  It was an emotional presentation to Rayman, who is a Captain and who announced his retirement from the Jaffray Fire Department.  “In so many ways Willy has been the heart of this department, and we are going to miss having his leadership on our team,” says Hockley.  

The Elk Valley and South Country Rural Fire & Rescue Service banquet was held at the Elko Community Hall and brought the Jaffray, Baynes Lake, Elko and Hosmer departments together for one evening of celebration, while the Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Service banquet celebrated the members of the Fairmont, Windermere, Panorama and Edgewater Departments and was held at Copper Point Resort. 

-30-

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LIST OF AWARD RECIPIENTS AND TRAINING CERTIFICATES