I am so proud of our rescue teams. Oliver, BC is hosting a training weekend for firefighters and other emergency workers, including paramedics and swift water rescue teams. In this exercise, two emergency personnel had full gear on, and heavy black masks covering their faces, simulating what it would be like to rescue a full-grown adult in a fire situation. One of the workers was overwhelmed, and had difficulty breathing himself, while trying to carry the heavy mannequin, use only the fire hose, and his partner’s yelling to guide himself out, and up some steps. Tears nearly came to my eyes, as the firefighter could not go on, and when he stood up, just to catch a breath, the coach from the Oliver Fire Department warned him, “You can’t stand up! You’ll get burned!” The team allowed the firefighter to stop and take a breather, all with the realization, that in a real emergency, this would not be possible. The crowd watching broke into applause as the workers finished the drill.

Thank You all. So much respect for all You do for our communities

Jaret Blidook