The first annual First Responders Gala, hosted by the Rotary Club of Osoyoos, celebrated and recognized local police, fire and ambulance services. (Vanessa Broadbent photo)
By Vanessa Broadbent
Osoyoos Times
Local first responders were celebrated and recognized for their service to the community at a new fundraiser hosted by the Rotary Club of Osoyoos.
The first annual First Responders Gala took place at Spirit Ridge on Thursday evening, featuring dinner an awards ceremony and live music.
“The purpose of this event is to recognize the tremendous work of the Osoyoos RCMP, fire and ambulance departments and their exemplary service and commitment to making Osoyoos a safe place to live, do business in and raise our families,” host and Rotary Club president Jeff Duguid said.
Recipients of two awards, volunteer of the year and officer of the year, were judged by their peers on innovation, commitment, contribution and perseverance.
The paramedic volunteer of the year award went to Sarah Bender, who was acknowledged for her above-average clinical knowledge and caring nature.
Bender has been a volunteer for two years, providing paramedic support services for the Paramedic Ride in the Okanagan, which raises funds for the Paramedic National Memorial Foundation.
Sarah Bender won the paramedic volunteer of the year award. (Vanessa Broadbent photo)
Todd Kunz was named paramedic officer of the year. Along with teaching CPR courses public safety drug awareness and working as a community paramedic, Kunz is also a volunteer firefighter.
Todd Kunz (left) won the paramedic of the year award. (Vanessa Broadbent photo)
Eileen Varga recieved the fire departments volunteer of the year award for her over 40 years of service with the department. Varga works with Emergency Social Services, is also a member of the Osoyoos Elks and Legion, and does payroll for the department.
Eileen Varga took home the fire department volunteer of the year award, presented by fire chief Ryan McCaskill (centre). (Vanessa Broadbent photo)
The fire department officer of the year is Lt. Christopher Parker, a member of the department since 2007. Parker organizes the annual Oyster Feed Dinner and Dince, raising over $40,000 for charity annually. He’s also a local business owner and is involved in local hockey, curling and golf.
Christopher Parker (left) won the fire fighter of the year award, presented by Ryan McCaskill. (Vanessa Broadbent photo)
Retired RCMP chief superintendent Kevin Harrison was named RCMP volunteer of the year. After 35 years as a member, Harrison joined the RCMP Veterans Association in 2015 and is the area director for Osoyoos for the South Okanagan Division. Harrison is currently a conduct adjudicator in the RCMP’s internal conduct process.
Kevin Harrison (centre) pictured with wife Lois and Sgt. Jason Bayda, received the RCMP volunteer of the year award. (Vanessa Broadbent photo)
Cst. Jody Rausch is the RCMP officer of the year after serving the detachment for 14 years. When a woman entered an Osoyoos home with a knife in 2018 and asked to see the homeowner’s baby, Raush was the first officer on scene and quickly identified the suspect, leading to the arrest.
Jody Rausch received the RCMP officer of the year award. (Vanessa Broadbent photo)
Osoyoos musician Diane Ball performed live during the First Responders Gala. (Vanessa Broadbent photo)
