Leslie Cholowsky
Editor
The FRESS Killam Fire Station, under Station Chief Joe Knievel, held its annual awards gala on Friday, Jan. 5,
where firefighters received certificates of appreciation and special service pins.
FRESS Regional Manager Derek Homme started off the night, saying it had been a great year for FRESS.
“I’ve been here for a couple of years, and I’ve always been made to feel very welcome here, and I appreciate that.” He referenced the recent closures of Galahad and Strome fire halls, calling these unfortunate, and also saying, “With that, this department will take more calls, from the Strome direction. You might see an increased call volume from that.”
Homme said he was looking forward to the very first FRESS awards banquet, to take place April 20 in Forestburg with a dance and pig roast. “Looking forward to 2024, have a good, safe year, and let’s do our best to respond to community needs, watch over each other, and keep everybody safe. Thank you again, you are appreciated.”
Knievel took the podium next, welcoming everyone. He said, “Initially started as a thank you to our members
and partners, we’ve been holding this event for many years, with just a few exceptions.”
Knievel recapped some of the events of 2023, noting that five members of the Killam Station assisted in wildfires burning in the province last summer, travelling to several northern communities.
The Killam Fire Station responded to 34 calls in 2023, he noted, down from the average. He attributed that to just having six calls in the first four months of the year, with the last half of the year being twice as busy as the first half.
He acknowledged those members who enrolled in courses over the year, and encouraged everyone else, particularly new firefighters, to take advantage of learning opportunities as they arise. “Safety is priority one for all of us, and a well trained service is essential to accommodate that.”
He also referenced the closure of Strome and Galahad stations. “This change will add territory for us
to respond to, and as a result will also mean changes in some equipment at the Killam Station in the future.
“Added territory will mean more work for the Killam Station, and I appreciate your commitment moving forward,” Knievel said.
“The role of a volunteer firefighter is interesting, and requires us to drop what we do from time to time; work,
family events, or an evening at home with the kids, to head off to a traumatic event – a fire, a rescue call, or to help with a medical assist, to deal with people who are having a very, very bad day.
“It requires teamwork, a skill set, and a lot of empathy from those who serve. With this in mind, I’d like to pass on a special thank you to our partners and our family; your patience and grace in allowing our members to serve our community in this way is greatly appreciated. And finally, thank you to our Killam Station members for your good effort this past year, and for continuing to serve the residents of Flagstaff.”
Knievel then got to the awards, first handing out certificates of appreciation that Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely had prepared at a special event early in 2023, but which only Knievel was able to attend at the time.
Homme presented Knievel with the first certificate of appreciation from the Provincial Legislature.
Knievel then presented certificates to firefighters Dan Gillis, Bud James, Ken Fleck, Haley Mock, Victor Waldner, Tiffany Strayer, Ian Strachan, Kyla Baranowski, and although there was not an actual certificate available, gave a nod to Cary Castagna for his service as well.
Knievel explained that these certificates were for service in 2022.
Knievel then presented some oneyear service pins to new fire members, including Kyle Andrews, Derek Kroetsch, and Stephen Nickerson. He also recognized new members Justin Krakowka and Tein Cote, who joined the department within the last year, giving the Killam station five new recruits in just over one year.
This year, Ian Strachan and Trevor Levitt will be receiving their 12-year service pins, Knievel noted, which will take place at the April FRESS gala in Forestburg.
Bud James will also receive a 22-year pin at that event.
Finally Knievel called upon firefighter Ken Fleck to come forward.
Fleck was honoured with his 45-year service pin, to much applause and a standing ovation from his fellow firefighters and their partners.
Knievel also made a special presentation of a red hat, representing a promotion to Captain, to Bud James to end the presentations.