St. Mary’s first responders honoured at awards ceremony
St. Mary’s first responders honoured at awards ceremony
By Joanne Jordan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SHERBROOKE — The Municipality of the District of St Mary’s held its inaugural First Responders Day, in honour of local firefighters, police officers and paramedics, on May 1 in Sherbrooke.
"We are so fortunate to have so many of our friends, neighbours and family who give selflessly to the community by volunteering as firefighters and medical first responders,” said Deputy Warden James Fuller in an email regarding the first-time celebration, noting that some have served for more than 40 years.
“They stand ready to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, yet receive no pay. There are also police and paramedics who, although maybe only stationed in our communities [for] a short time, have integrated themselves, not only as emergency responders, but also as neighbours. As a municipality, we are happy and honoured to recognize the sacrifice and contributions that all of our first responders make.”
Fuller, a first responder with a long history in fire and police services, understands the incredible value and sacrifice that they provide to the community. He designed and initiated the St. Mary’s first responders’ recognition program and led the awards ceremony, which was attended by Guysborough-Tracadie MLA Greg Morrow.
Designated federally and provincially, First Responders Day recognizes and acknowledges the acts of bravery and the dedication of the people who contribute selflessly to their communities, often risking and sacrificing their safety and well-being for the sake of helping others.
During the ceremony, 107 first responders from St. Mary’s received awards.
The time in service award was presented to 19 first responders with more than 49 years of service, 16 people with 30 years and 46 with 10-29 years.
There were six recipients of the award of valour, which recognizes first responders who, at the risk of personal danger, committed an act – either attempted or successful – of rescue, aid or other lifesaving procedure within the scope of their duties.
Nineteen first responders were recognized for outstanding service, which recognizes those who go above and beyond the normal scope of their duties. This can involve community service, special programs, and other community activities outside of first responder service.
The life of a first responder often involves shift work, exposure to traumatic events, high-stress environments, dealing with people who have mental health issues and more. Such things can have a severe impact on the health and well-being of these critical members of our society; some may develop depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.
“It has been our honour as a municipality to thank the many first responders who do so much to keep all of us well and safe,” said Warden Greg Wier. “On behalf of myself and all of council, we are truly humbled by the dedication of our local first responders. St. Mary’s simply would not be the amazing place it is without you.”
Joanne Jordan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Guysborough Journal
