There was no emergency at the Uniplex on February 3, though there was a brand-new fire truck parked outside.
The truck, which was delivered to Humboldt last week, was the centrepiece of the sixth annual Humboldt Emergency Services Charity Event.
About 300 people attended the event this year, including 41 members of the Humboldt Fire Department (HFD), Humboldt and District Ambulance Service (HDAS) and Humboldt RCMP.
Between ticket sales, raffles, and auctions, a total of ..... was raised for charity at the event.
The night of recognition for the emergency services, designed to raise funds for charities like the HFD equipment fund, the Humboldt Skate Park and the Spray Park, is also a chance for the services to meet and mingle with the public, and for the public to say thanks for the work these services do.
"This huge crowd... is a testament to how everyone feels about every group that puts this on," said master of ceremonies Lambert Stumborg at the outset of the evening.
"The new fire truck is a pretty one," said Mayor Malcolm Eaton, when giving his remarks. "You guys deserve a piece of equipment like that, and I know you're going to make good use of it."
Eaton recognized the work of Humboldt Fire Chief Norbert LeBlanc in making the case for purchasing the truck.
Eaton also recognized a longtime member of the HFD, Joe Dutchak, who was named Citizen of the Year this year.
"It's only through... an opportunity like the Citizen of the Year program... that we really get to know the service that individuals like Joe offer to the community," Eaton said.
Eaton then offered his thanks to all of the emergency services for what they do.
"Most citizens never need your services... but all citizens are very glad you folks are there. When we need you, we are very happy you are there."
The mayor also spoke of the special relationship that exists among the services in Humboldt, who not only organize this event together, but who work well together in their professional duties. It's something, he said, that doesn't exist in every community, but something "that's been part of the history and culture of our community for a long time... It's a credit to the people who work in these organizations, especially the leadership."
Eaton thanked the services for their good working relationship, their professionalism, and for the generous spirit they show in supporting the community.
The Humboldt Fire Department was the first service to have its 27 members and their spouses introduced that evening.
Fire Chief LeBlanc also made three presentations of awards. Firefighter Bernie Crockett received his pin for 10 years of service, and firefighter Matthew Schidlowsky was presented with an award for perfect attendance to the HFD's 26 practice sessions per year.
Then, amid a standing ovation, Crockett was called up to the stage again, to receive the 2011 Firefighter of the Year award.
This award, LeBlanc explained, goes to a firefighter who gives a lot of time to the department, and who does a lot of extra work without expecting anything in return.
The recipient is chosen by the firefighters themselves.
Crockett is a very devoted member of the HFD, LeBlanc said, and gets along very well with everyone.
This is the second time he has won the award - he also took it home in 2004.
After introducing the nine members of their staff, Rhonda Mortensen of HDAS had some explanations to make about the centrepieces for each table.
Made by HDAS staff and featuring a slice of wood, each centrepiece carried a word that was felt to symbolize something special to the ambulance service, fire department and police.
Words like "dedicated" and "courageous" were among the 50 or so that were chosen.
Long-term service awards were presented to five-year employee Terry Hastings, 10-year employee Amanda Zelle, and 20-year employee David Mortensen.
Paramedic Derek Dagenais also presented Joe Dutchak with a special award. An EMT since 1982, Dutchak has never been employed by the HDAS, but he has always been a part of their team, always available to assist whenever needed.
The award acknowledged Dutchak's 30 years of service to the community as an EMT.
Finally, Zelle announced that a scholarship has been created in the name of HDAS owners, Ian and Nyla Larocque, in recognition of their 20 years operating HDAS, and their emphasis on continuing education for their staff.
The $750 prize will go to a student of the intermediate care paramedic course offered by Carlton Trail Regional College in Humboldt.
Members of the Humboldt RCMP were introduced by Cpl. Randy Wittig, then two presentations were made by Safe Communities Humboldt and Area to key contributors to their programs, including the Agriculture Safety Day held each fall, and the Preventing Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth (PARTY) program, put on for driver's education students every year.
Hergott Farm Equipment was presented with the Ambassador for Safety business partner award, and Brenda Shrader with an Ambassador for Safety volunteer award.
