The annual Humboldt Emergency Services Charity supper, awards ceremony and dance was a party that could rival any one of the current runs of Hollywood's awards spectacles. A near-capacity crowd gathered Saturday, February 2 to support and pay tribute to the employees and volunteers of Humboldt's three emergency services - Humboldt Fire Department, RCMP and Humboldt and District Ambulance Services.
Over $6,000 was raised from the evening and this year's event had a special component to it as the career of recently retired Fire Chief Norbert LeBlanc was honoured.
Dave Hill emceed the gala charity event. Hill welcomed the guests.
The formal portion of the evening began with City of Humboldt Councillor Larry Jorgenson bringing greetings on behalf of the mayor and council and extending congratulations to the many award recipients.
Humboldt MLA Donna Harpauer, Minister of Crown Investments Corporation, SGI and Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority took her turn at the podium.
"It is a great honour to be here at this event," she said. "We as a society do not recognize our emergency personnel enough.
"We don't like to have to call upon them, but when we do, we are extremely grateful that they are there when we need them."
Harpauer closed by offering Premier Brad Wall's gratitude for the services provided by the many volunteers and employees who are there when communities and their residents find themselves in a time of need.
With the formal greeting completed, it was time to introduce those who provide the essential services to the city and district.
Dave Mortensen of the Humboldt and District Ambulance Service took to the microphone first.
He opened by extending gratitude to the organizing committee for all the hard work they did to put on the event and to those who made the choice to be in attendance.
"I would like to thank the other two agencies for all their help over the past year," he said.
"We have three agencies who work well together. That is not always the case in many communities."
Mortensen then introduced nine members of the Humboldt and District Ambulance Service (HDAS)and their significant others.
During the introductions, he called up employees Mandy Herman and Derek Dagenaisto receive service awards, five-year and 20-year respectively, from Ian LaRocque, owner of HDAS.
Mortensen noted how in Dagenais' 20 years of service, his professionalism, attitude and dedication to the association has positively impacted the industry as a whole. Dagenais is presently serving as president of the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics, a term that runs from 2012-2014.
Mortensen and Larocque closed out the ambulance services portion of the evening by presenting retired Chief Norbert LeBlanc with a gift of appreciation for his 30 years of service, 22 as chief.
Corporal Randy Wittig of the Humboldt detachment of the RCMP introduced both his civilian staff and current members to the community. Also in attendance were out of town and retired members of the force.
A very special presentation was made by Wittig to Humboldt RCMP's Auxiliary member, Russell Kemper, for his 15 years of service.
"This is a volunteer position and for 15 years, Russel has been a part of the Humboldt detachment," said Wittig.
Rounding out the introduction of the evening's honoured guests was current Humboldt Fire Chief Mike Kwasnica. Each member was brought to the front and service awards were presented to Norbert LeBlanc, 30 years; Darcy Leonew, 30 years; Marcel LeBlanc, five years and Pat LaClare, five years.
The annual Firefighter of the Year award, which recognizes above and beyond dedication to the department, was presented to Darrell Wickenhauser by Kwasnica.
Then, Captain Joe Dutchak took the opportunity to gently roast the department's retired chief.
Dutchak shared how LeBlanc moved to Humboldt to start a new life working in the shoe repair shop. On top of his cobbler work, LeBlanc began making renovations to his home/shoe store. As is often the case in a smaller community, people took notice and began hiring him to do similar work for them. He began driving a school bus and then driven by a desire to give back to the community, LeBlanc made his way to the volunteer fire departmet.
Dutchak believed this venture is what solidified LeBlanc in the community as well as creating an ever- widening social circle for the transplanted Easterner.
Eight years after LeBlanc joined the department, the chief's position came open when Rodger Nordick accepted a full-time position in Melville.
LeBlanc was chosen as Nordick's successor and so began his 22 years at the helm of the department.
During his tenure, the town grew into a city and the chief's position became full time. Neighbouring communities began requesting help in keeping their own departments well trained and ready to meet the needs of their towns and villages. LeBlanc stepped forward and offered training and advice when called upon.
"Let's see if I can review a few of Norbert's achievements," said Dutchak, "Fire chief, first responder, building inspector, carpenter, bus driver, gardener, shoemaker, harness maker, ice maker, father, husband, leader and a real friend, just to name a few. I know these qualifications are surely going to make replacing him a difficult task. It may be compared to losing your favourite pet and trying to replace it with a new one. And sure enough, it doesn't take too long before a new and warm relationship starts to form."
With that, Dutchak publicly welcomed Kwasnica to the chief's position.
Dutchak presented LeBlanc with a commemorative collectible fire engine statue from the department, followed by a presentation from the event's organizing committee.
LeBlanc took a few minutes to express his gratitude to the department for their support that was earned over time and reminded all that he was still going to be around, only this time as a volunteer and not as chief.
LeBlanc then was called upon to announce and present the Partner Awards for Safe Communities Humboldt and Area of which only recipient Dave Mortensen, Ambassador for Safety volunteer was in attendance.
Despite hoping he was done for the evening, LeBlanc was recalled to the front to receive a gift from Jorgenson on behalf of the City of Humboldt and the program concluded with LeBlanc being honoured with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal presented to him by Saskatchewan Fire Commissioner Duane McKay.
