Representatives from the province and other local dignitaries were on hand for the presentation of the Premier's Commendation Award to members of the St. Louis Fire Department, Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (Image Credit: James Brake)

By paNOW Staff

2025 wildfires

Members of St. Louis Fire Department receive Premier’s Commendation award

Mar 25, 2026 | 4:13 PM

It’s a feel-good story about people in Saskatchewan taking care of people in Saskatchewan.

That’s how the chief of the St. Louis Fire Department described a ceremony Tuesday night that honoured him and fellow firefighters for their service during last summer’s wildfires in northern Saskatchewan.

“We’re firefighters first. That’s how we operate – we take care of others when in need, and if we have the opportunity to go and help others, other firefighters, other communities… it’s just natural for us to want to do that,” said Fire Chief James Brake.

The Premier’s Commendation Award recognizes those whose actions exemplify courage, responsibility and service to others. Premier Scott Moe presented medallions to firefighters from across Saskatchewan at a ceremony in Regina last December. At the time, he said, “Those honoured responded decisively in moments of great need, demonstrating the strength of character and commitment that upholds the values of our province.”

Brake was unable to attend the ceremony due to illness, so representatives from the province made a special trip to St. Louis.

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From left: Bruce Driedger, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Community Safety and Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency Michael Weger and Deputy Fire Chief Dan Whaley, and St. Louis Fire Department Chief James Brake. (Image Credit: James Brake)

Brake, alongside Deputy Fire Chief Dan Whaley, Captain Stephane Henoux, safety officer Gene Markowsky and firefighters Bruce Driedger and Paul Davidson received the commendation. Minister of Community Safety and the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency Michael Weger, MLA for Batoche Darlene Rowden, and SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard attended the presentation, along with the reeves for the local rural municipalities and the mayor of the village.

From left: Captain Stephane Henoux, firefighter Paul Davidson, and safety officer Gene Markowsky.

Brake said the crew from St. Louis was contracted to help fight the fires around La Ronge.

“We fought the fires at the Rona store and the Robertson Trading building, along with Prince Albert and some other departments. And we went up north of La Ronge and did some fire work up there in the bush near Sucker River,” said Brake. “Then we came home for about a week and then went up to La Loche and we were housed up there awaiting the wildfires to come into the community and our primary abilities were structure protection.”

They ended up bringing two vehicles to La Loche – an engine for structure protection and a pickup wildland utility truck.

Members of the St. Louis Fire Department were stationed in La Ronge and La Loche during last summer’s wildfires. (Image Credit: St. Louis Fire Department/Facebook)

Brake said his crew knew of the losses residents in the north were facing, including those in Denare Beach, and wanted to do whatever they could to help.

“Because we’re all Canadian and we’re all in Saskatchewan and that’s what I would assume others would do for me if we were in need.”

In total, the Premier’s Commendation Award was presented to 64 volunteer and municipal fire departments, and tribal council partners.

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 panews@pattisonmedia.com