By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
First responders in Osoyoos were honoured recently at the 2023 First Responders Awards Gala Dinner & Dance which returned to Spirit Ridge Resort after a two-year pandemic absence.
Organized by the Rotary Club of Osoyoos, the annual event on January 26 is a departure from Rotary’s typical fundraising, with this event solely aimed at thanking the various first responders for their service to the community.
“It’s one evening where we can come together to honour and show our appreciation for these four responder groups (RCMP, paramedics, fire department, and search & rescue) that work diligently to keep our community safe,” said Rotary Club President Susan Cran.
“The Rotary Club of Osoyoos is proud to make this an annual event so the community can show them we care and give thanks, and thank you to all our generous sponsors who supported this great event.”
Each organization chooses one of their members who receives a plaque commemorating their achievement.
Osoyoos RCMP detachment commander Sgt. Jason Bayda and Cheryl Ash.
Before presenting the RCMP’s award winner, commander of the Osoyoos detachment, Sgt. Jason Bayda thanked Rotary for holding the event, particularly given what has become an increasingly thankless environment for police across the country.
“When I started this job over 20 years ago, what I remember from back then was that we had a lot of people saying thank you for what we do and I’m sure our other first responders still get those thank-yous daily.”
He added that there hasn’t been much appreciation expressed lately “with the negative press not just of the RCMP but policing in general, we only hear thank-yous from a very few. So this really means a lot to us being invited to something like this, so I would like to thank Rotary and everyone attending tonight.”
In announcing the 2023 award recipient from the Osoyoos RCMP, Bayda noted that the choice was a unanimous decision amongst the members. Cheryl Ash, a victim services employee with the detachment “has done a tremendous job this past year and before that really,” he said.
Bayda noted that in this role she assists victims of crime through various means, whether it be simply comforting them through a loss, assisting them through the court process, or guiding them to further community support services.
“Although part time, she puts in late days, often volunteering her own time when the provincial funds do not allow for further pay. She’s dedicated herself to helping victims immediately, after either a crime or a loss they have suffered. She continues to assist them through the various processes whether they are processed through court or dealing with the loss of a loved one.”
“She’s dedicated, and although she is a part-time employee, she’s really there full time. She’s put a lot of hours in on her own, and we all recognize and thank her on behalf of the Osoyoos attachment,” Bayda said.
Kyle Fossett team lead of the Oliver/Osoyoos Search and Rescue and Melba McGeachy.
Kyle Fossett, team lead of Oliver/Osoyoos Search and Rescue (OOSAR), awarded their choice for volunteer of the year to Melba McGeachy who joined the team just shy of 13 years ago as a ground search volunteer.
“She has been more than just a SAR volunteer but at times our team mom,” said Fossett. “She is willing to jump out of her comfort zone by taking on tasks and roles.”
Fossett added that depending on the callout, “she is quite often one of the first ones to the hall where she either takes care of our communications or heads out into the field.”
Troy Clifford, Paramedic Station Unit Chief BC Emergency Health Services and Patricia Costa.
Troy Clifford, Paramedic Station Unit Chief of BC Emergency Health Services similarly thanked Rotary for the event and also thanked fellow first responders from the other organizations. “I really want to thank you for all the support that you give us. It’s been a challenging time for us and we just appreciate the opportunity to be here.”
This year’s recipient of Paramedic of the Year is Patricia Costa, who recently received her 25-year certificate of service. “Her commitment to the well-being of her community has been exemplary and we are very proud to honour her for her remarkable accomplishments. Her passion and hard work are a true testament to her dedication, and we are grateful for the positive impact she has made in the lives of many,” Clifford said.
He added that Costa joined BCAS in 1996 and has been recognized countless times in her career by the RCMP, other agencies and BCEHS for her professionalism and actions on calls.
Corey Kortmeyer Osoyoos Fire Rescue (OFR) Chief and Gurvir Singh Gill.
For the Osoyoos Fire Rescue (OFR) it was a double header, with Gurvir Singh Gill awarded Firefighter of the Year and Colin Lancaster awarded for long service.
Gill joined OFR in June 2021 as a probationary firefighter and obtained his NFPA 1001 Firefighter I & II credential in record time, thanks to what OFR Chief Corey Kortmeyer described as the team’s “energy and support.”
“This firefighter is able to manage his career and all of his volunteer work while making time for his family and makes it appear effortless. He appears relaxed and ready to take on the day,” Kortmeyer said.
This was most notable during the Nk’ Mip Creek wildfires where Gill “sacrificed his personal time to ensure the community we call home was protected and safer with his contributions.”
Osoyoos Fire Rescue Chief Corey Kortmeyer with firefighter Colin Lancaster who was awarded a second bar to his Federal Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal in recognition of 40 years of loyal service to public safety in Canada.
Meanwhile, Lancaster was awarded his second bar to his Federal Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal in recognition of 40 years of loyal service to public safety in Canada. In paying tribute to Lancaster, the fire chief said: “He is passionate, dedicated and driven. He exemplifies what it means to selflessly serve a community with passion and honour.”
“His attendance to emergency callouts and practices is remarkable. During which his smile is contagious among the crew. His drive illustrates the love he has for the fire service and it shows with every ounce of his being.”
Noting that the Osoyoos Fire Rescue has adapted and evolved over the years, Kortmeyer said these changes can often result in some firefighters hanging up their bunker gear. “This gentleman has adapted, evolved and overcome to be a professional in the service.”
During the Nk’ Mip Creek wildfire of 2021, Lancaster “stood brave weathering the unknown that faced the Town of Osoyoos, its residents and visitors with bravery and courage,” Kortmeyer pointed out.
More photos of the 2023 First Responders Awards Gala Dinner & Dance
