Emergency Management BC has formally recognized the Cariboo Regional District and Central Cariboo Search and Rescue for their efforts through the 2017 wildfires.
During the CRD regular board meeting Friday, July 13, EMBC regional manager Genevieve Fox presented plaques to both organizations.
“I’m here to recognize the Cariboo Regional District, all its residents, staff and board of directors for the incredible efforts they put forth in light of a very unprecedented and catastrophic event,” Fox said.
“It touched all of us in some way and for those of you who stayed behind, you left no stones unturned.”
On July 21, 2017 Fox visited the CRD’s emergency operations centre and said she was “blown away” by the passion, dedication and leadership, humility and willingness of every single person to save lives, limit suffering and protect critical infrastructure and to make sure everyone was accounted for.
“There was a real team in this room and it was incredible to witness that,” she said.
Board chair Margo Wagner said the CRD was honoured to receive the recognition, but added she would like to say that it really takes an entire community to respond to an emergency.
“Our residents, volunteer fire and search and rescue departments, Emergency Support Services volunteers, partner agencies, First Nations governments, BC Wildfire Service and the many other first responders and agencies involved all did an incredible job.,” Wagner said. “They truly went above and beyond in serving our communities,”
Read more: CRD communications manager awarded for wildfire efforts
Fox praised the CCSAR and other search and rescue groups who were part of the pre-planning for the “one of the largest” evacuations she’s ever encountered and assisted the RCMP for showing incredible effort.
“You did that with passion and love of human kind,” Fox told CCSAR Chief Rick White and Captain Don Trim, who were there to accept the plaque from EMBC.
“You take it upon yourselves 365 days a year 24/7 to be available to search for and rescue residents who come into conundrums and you are volunteers,” Fox told them.
“Your hearts are like no others. Thank you for all your efforts, both last summer and throughout the year.”
Read more: Wildfire season keeps Search and Rescue busy
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