(Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Honouring Emergency Workers

‘It’s about community service’: eight P.A. emergency workers receive prestigious medal

Sep 24, 2021 | 10:00 AM

After more than two decades of work serving Prince Albert as a firefighter, the love for the job hasn’t left for Kris Olsen.

The community’s fire chief was among eight local emergency workers who received the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal on Thursday directly from Lieutenant-Governor Russ Mirasty.

It’s an annual recognition given to those who serve at least 25 years in their field.

Some find it hard to pick just one field they want to focus their career on; however, for Olsen, being a firefighter was the one and only job for him.

“I consider myself very fortunate for the fact I’ve always found great, great job satisfaction and that isn’t from what the job can give to me but as you serve your community… you get that job satisfaction,” he said.

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Receiving the medal also had Olsen reminiscing about his entire career.

From the time it was just a dream, to his years serving as a firefighter, and now the chief for an entire city.

“At the beginning, you’re drawn to it because of fighting fires and the action but as you grow in your career it becomes more about community service,” he explained.

Olsen says he doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon.

He was one of two firefighters given the medal, along with Inspector Bradley Antonson.

Five police officers were also honoured: Chief Jonathan Bergen, Constable Cara Court, Staff Sergeant Lawrie George, Inspector Brent McDonald, and Sergeant Rhonda Meakin.

For George, being an officer is an award itself.

“Lots of demands being a police officer and I enjoy it; you give back to the community,” George said.

He also remembers times during his career when it seemed like he was destined to be a police officer.

This usually happened when he was able to solve a case and give a grieving family some much-needed positive news.

“That’s what the job is all about, knowing that you helped them… seeing their reaction makes it all worthwhile,” he said.

Also given a medal was Coralee Dutchak with Parkland Ambulance Service as well as Captain Allan Rishchynski and Chief Warrant Officer Ramsay Bellisle with the North Saskatchewan Regiment.

Two local members of the Search and Rescue Saskatchewan Association of Volunteers: Dori Jardine and Robert Smith were also honoured at the ceremony.

Along with the medals, each received a certificate signed by Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty, Premier Scott Moe, and the provincial secretary.

In total, 166 emergency workers from across Saskatchewan were honoured.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow