It was a sold out event on the night of Feb. 1, an evening filled with a snappy jokes, emotional tears, awards presentations, great music, delicious food and lots of drinking and dancing.
The Humboldt Emergency Services charity ball has come and gone for another year but there are many who left the dinner with not just full stomachs and sore legs from dancing, but a few trophies in hand.
The prestigious Firefighter of the Year Award was given to Graham Hall, and in recognition of her 20 years of service with the Humboldt and District Ambulance Service, Rhonda Mortensen, wiping away tears, graciously accepted the plaque given to her by husband and colleague, David Mortensen, on behalf of HDAS.
The Saskatchewan Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal, which recognizes members of fire service who've completed 20 years, was given to Norbert LeBlanc and Darcy Leonew (30 years) and Darrell Wickenhauser and Matthew Schidlowsky (20 years); Schidlowsky was also given the City of Humboldt gold watch for 20 years of service.
The Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal, established in 2003, "recognizes exemplary long service for individuals working in a direct capacity to protect people and/or property [] these individuals set high standards and strive for excellence in their duties so everyone in Saskatchewan can live safe and secure lives".
These medals were awarded to James Huber and Francis Kunz for their 25 years of service with the fire department.
Other various plaques of recognition were given out, including one to Niamh Menz from Safe Communities Humboldt and Area, in honour of her tireless effort not just with the organization, but with helping to better the safety of Humboldt's children, such as revamping school zones.
Former Journal editor Keri Dalman has been with the EMS charity event planning committee since its foundation seven years ago and has been instrumental in its organization every year; because of this, Dalman was awarded a plaque from the EMS services in recognition of her work.
"You should see our meetings," David Mortensen told the crowd during a speech at the dinner. "All I can say is that what happens there would get a thousand, maybe even a million hits on YouTube. If it wasn't for Keri, we wouldn't get anything done," he said. "She really reels us in and gets us focused."
Before and during the awards presentation, guests noshed on the yummy buffet, courtesy of the Bella Vista Inn, such as roast beef, seasoned chicken, mashed potatoes and broccoli salad; copious amounts of dessert cakes were on hand as well and a later lunch was served after a few hours to curb the late-night hunger pangs.
Guests sipped on alcohol at the bar, including Jell-O shooters, beer and hard liquor and the entertainment of the evening, The Capitals, played a wide variety of oldies and contemporary tracks, while partygoers, even wallflowers, broke it down on the dance floor.
All in all, it was a fantastic night and a great reason to get off the couch on a chilly February night and honour our emergency services personnel who work so hard, day in and day out, night after night, at keeping Humboldt a safe place to call home.
