NIPAWIN — The provincial government has released the 2020 Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal recipients with members from 26 rural and urban communities across the province.
Three long-serving members of the Nipawin Fire Department – Mark Bothorel, Bob Hosaluk, and Kevin Lockwood – will be receiving their awards following 25 years of service.
Nipawin Fire Chief David Balding said Nipawin is blessed to have many long-term firefighters, including these three members, who are invaluable to the community and their fellow firefighters.
“These three gentlemen have committed for 25 years an incredible amount of selfless giving to the community and not only giving to the community but this is a business where you need to be on your game and you need to be there for each other.”
In a time of double-income families and dropping volunteerism, 25 years is no small feat. The department invests in firefighters for the long haul, Balding said, with hours of training and equipment required to keep the firefighters on their game. These members are paying that back immensely with their dedication to Nipawin, he said, and new members are receiving those benefits as well.
“These three members continue to pay back and the community and the department frankly reap the rewards. And now, these members are clearly senior and are passing on their skills and knowledge to up and coming members.”
Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty announced the 103 recipients on Sept. 14. Especially in these challenging times, said Mirasty in a provincial press release, it is important to honour these people for their dedication and service.
“I wish to thank each medal recipient for their outstanding service to our province and I congratulate them on this well-deserved honour,” Mirasty said.
COVID-19 has restricted the usual annual ceremonies in Regina and Saskatoon so each of the 26 nominating entities will be sent the medal and be able to internally present the recipients with their awards.
