Once a year, British Columbia recognizes Public Safety Lifeline Volunteer Award winners and their significant contributions to emergency and disaster response in this province.

During a ceremony today at the Legislature Buildings, the outstanding achievements of six emergency volunteers, including an Invermere resident, were recognized.

Public safety lifeline volunteers (PSLVs) conduct air and ground searches, help the victims of serious car accidents, set up networks of volunteer teams and co-ordinate services for victims of natural disasters.

Six recipients were on hand to receive their awards: Edward Jones, South East region road rescue; Emergency Social Services, Wayne Hartley, Vancouver Island region; Search and Rescue, Bridget Ann Milsom, South West region Radio Communications; Alan Mallett, Vancouver Island region Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) Air; Brian Dunham, Vancouver Island region Road Rescue; and George Merchant, South West region.

“British Columbia’s public safety lifeline volunteers are essential to the well-being of our province’s citizens in emergency and disaster response. Volunteers working in emergency preparedness and management make many sacrifices and often aid British Columbians on the most challenging days of their lives. On behalf of the province, I would like to extend a special thank you to all volunteers – and the families that support them – for placing the needs of others before your own,” stated Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness.

“As the Minister of Public Safety, I commend the individuals being honoured today for their volunteerism, courage and dedication to helping others in often dangerous and tragic situations. It’s with great passion and commitment that these people contribute to public safety in communities all across B.C. This is a vital service to those in the face of peril and these volunteers work tirelessly to bring people safely back home to their families,” added Minister of Public Safety Mike Morris.

There are more than 13,000 public safety lifeline volunteers in British Columbia who respond to an average of 6,000 incidents a year.

Public safety lifeline volunteers demonstrate a selfless commitment to the safety of B.C. families and communities with a tireless dedication and passion for helping others during emergencies.

Determination

Road Rescue – Edward Jones (South East Region)

Ed grew up in Grande Prairie, Alberta, and the small town values that came with that town have carried forward with him. After spending time living and working in Calgary, he met his wife, Holly, and they moved to her hometown of Invermere in late 2009.

Ed always had an interest in joining a fire department and in 2011 Invermere Fire Rescue had a spot for him. During his five years of service, he has enjoyed learning everything about firefighting, vehicle and heavy rescue extrication along with emergency preparedness and management. He has an especially keen interest in road rescue, and has completed courses in heavy equipment extrication and vehicle extrication. Ed enjoys being able to give back to his community through the Invermere Fire Rescue. He and his wife welcomed their first baby, a girl, in March.

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