TISDALE — The province’s premier came to thank local first responders for their efforts in dealing with the collision at the Armley corner.
“You are so special to us and I want to, on behalf of a very grateful province, to extend our most heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you in this community and the surrounding communities as well,” said Scott Moe at a public barbeque organized by the Town of Tisdale May 19.
The premier also had words for the other citizens at the event, which saw approximately 150 come to the town square to munch on some burgers donated from local businesses.
“I want to thank the citizens that have been there for all of their friends that have dealt with this accident or come across this accident in any way,” he said.
“I want to encourage all of us, whether you’re involved directly or indirectly, to stand beside one another and not hesitate to reach out and lean on your friends, lean on the people in your community, lean on us, as your provincial and federal representatives.”
Moe added that if there was a service or support the province could offer to help first responders deal with the incident over the days, weeks, months and years, he gave his word that they would offer that.
Al Jellicoe, Tisdale’s mayor, said they decided to have the event three weeks ago, after confirming that Moe would be able to make it. He said it was important to thank the first responders.
“They stepped up into something that nobody should have to go through,” he said.
The mayor said he was pleased with the turnout the event saw.
Michael Behiel, a Humboldt city councillor, also spoke at the event. He said when the collision happened, his phone started ringing right away, asking what was needed.
“I think what we really needed at that time was you the first responders and we are extremely grateful for that because it’s what made the difference.”
The councillor said he kept hearing the death toll go up, from two to four to six to 12 to 15. At some point, it stopped, all because of the efforts of the first responders.
“I’m certain that none of you anticipated to encounter such a horrific incident in your careers, nor did you expect to become the unsung heroes of a community and a world grasping to remain strong and find some sense to what happened, but you have become those heroes,” he said. “It is through your selfless efforts that we have been blessed to remain Humboldt strong and for that we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Carrot River MLA Fred Bradshaw also thanked the first responders, saying the province has the best volunteers in the world and we saw them come out that day.
Prince Albert MP Randy Hoback said when traveling the riding after the collision, he was told by constituencies the first responders reacted so fast, saving lives as a result.
“The other thing they would say is that they are concerned about you. They want to make sure that you’re well taken care of, they want to make sure that you’re receiving the support you desire and need to move forward because they care. They’re your neighbours – and I care.”
