Lac La Biche County firefighters recognized at annual awards event

LAC LA BICHE - The work and commitment of firefighters in Lac La Biche County was celebrated during the annual Firefighters Ball and Awards Ceremony, held on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Bold Centre.

The awards portion of the evening took place following a dinner for invited guests. Service pins and medals were awarded to 10 Lac La Biche County Fire Rescue Service members, marking various years of service. One of these awards was a 40-year federal service medal bestowed to regional fire chief John Kokotilo. The event also included a dance and door prizes.

Kokotilo, who spent three decades as a firefighter in Edmonton before coming to the Lac La Biche area, addressed the large group in attendance comprised of local firefighters, family members, guests, and representatives of Lac La Biche County.

"I look over the crowd and see faces I know well; County councillors, administration, mutual aid partners, County co-workers, friends, family, and most importantly, fellow firefighters...all here to support our members receiving milestone awards tonight," Kokotilo said. "Again, we thank you so much for your support."

The regional fire chief continued by saying that Lac La Biche County firefighters have daily opportunities to make a true difference and positively impact the public in which they serve.

This is done by responding to motor vehicle collisions, medical emergencies, structure fires, wildfires, and countless other situations that bring firefighters to the aid of the community as first responders.

"We often see people on their worst day and do whatever we can to make it even a little better," he said.

Prior to the awards being given out, Kokotilo told those firefighters who were about to receive medals and citations that they should be worn with pride.

"Be honoured in accepting this award on behalf of Lac La Biche County Fire Rescue, the fire service as a whole, and lastly, the citizens you so proudly serve," he said. "Congratulations to all of you."

One of the significant milestones that was recognized during the awards ceremony was a 22-year provincial medal given to Shane Bair. Bair, who is also fire chief for Beaver Lake Cree Nation, felt honoured to receive a blue bar to put on his uniform marking just over two decades of service.

Being able to help in the community, Bair said, has meant a lot to him. He added that firefighting is a passion in his life, one to which he has dedicated a lot of time and effort.

"It's over half my life I've been on the fire department here. When I started, I really wanted to give back to community that supported me through hockey, sports, and other activities when I was a teenager and a kid," Bair told Lakeland This Week.

In October 2019, Keiran Walker went through the training program to become a member of Lac La Biche County Fire Rescue Services. Both her father and grandfather had been members of the local fire department in Hylo, and she was eager to carry on a family tradition.

Walker, along with four other members of the fire service, received her five-year pin during the ceremony.

"The five-year mark is exhilarating...it's been very exciting," Walker said, explaining that over the past five years as a firefighter, she has enjoyed being involved with her community and lending a helping hand.

Brad Semeniuk, a captain with Lac La Biche County Fire Rescue Service, marked 15 years of service during Saturday's event.

Semeniuk, who described the feeling of receiving the pin as "awesome", received assistance from his fellow firefighters this past January when they responded to a fire that occurred at his own home.

"They came out and they put out my fire... I can't thank them enough," he said.

Near the end of the awards ceremony, Kokotilo received his 40-year federal medal from Lac La Biche County Mayor Paul Reutov. The medal is issued by Ottawa and is awarded to Canadian firefighters for exemplary service.

The regional fire chief stated that receiving an award marking four decades of service for something he is passionate about is an honour.

"It's not a job to me... it's a calling... I love it," he said about firefighting.