Humboldt Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has a unique relationship when it comes to serving Humboldt and area.
And they gathered to celebrate that relationship at the 12th annual EMS Charity Event on March 3 with members from the Humboldt and District Fire Department, Humboldt and District Ambulance Service, and the Humboldt RCMP gathering together to have some fun and raise money for local organizations in need.
“It’s just a good event that gets us all together, the three emergency services and everybody else from the community that wants to get together and help us raise money for the community,” says Humboldt and District Fire Department Fire Chief, Mike Kwasnica.
This was also a night to celebrate the work that is done by the emergency services. For some that has meant celebrating years of commitment with three members of the Humboldt Fire Department and four members of the Humboldt Ambulance being rewarded for their many years of service.
Darcy Leonew says the last 35 years with the Humboldt and District Fire Department have gone pretty fast but he would not change it for the world.
The camaraderie between the firefighters is something that he cannot explain but it just becomes a part of you after a while, he says.
As long as his body is keeping up with firefighting, Leonew says he will keep on going, especially with his wife, Shirley, supporting him.
Derek Dagenais, Advanced Care Paramedic and Supervisor with Humboldt and District Ambulance has been on the job in Humboldt for the last 25 years.
It has been an interesting and rewarding two and a half decades, with Dagenais starting out as an Emergency Medical Technician. Over 25 years, he has seen the evolution that Humboldt Ambulance has gone through as they continue to advance their services.
“Somedays being part of healthcare isn’t all roses but the people that are in it and the people that we do it for is pretty rewarding.”
The event was another way that the community could thank EMS for the important job they do in keeping the community safe. Humboldt-Watrous MLA Donna Harpauer says they are often not thanked enough for all the work they do.
While the great event is a fun night out for emergency services, it gives the community a moment to realize how important EMS is, says Harpauer.
“Sometimes we take them for granted and you really shouldn’t because they’re what makes our community safe and strong. That is what community is all about.”
Since working together on the charity event for the last 12 years and as well as their EMS Charity Golf Tournament, this has been a great way for members to get together outside of emergency situations.
Kwasnica says they are pretty proud of what they have been able to do over the last decade.
“Anytime we can get together when we’re not working is a good time. Then we get to know each other on a different level than we do on a professional level. It’s always nice to be able to get to know each other a little bit better than just straight professional all the time.”
While this is nothing new for them, Kwasnica says that people coming from outside Humboldt do not see this relationship elsewhere.
Assistant Deputy Minister and Commissioner for Emergency Management and Fire Safety, Duane McKay, says this is an event that he always attends, not just as a way to celebrate the dedicated people who go out and do their jobs, sometimes putting themselves in harms way in the process, but also to celebrate this chance for these members to come together away from the chaos they can encounter together at an emergency scene.
It takes a special person to give it their all on scene and then comes to an event to raise money for the community, says McKay.
Again, this is not something that people see across the province, he says.
“It is a strong working relationship with strong social bonds as well...It’s not just business, it’s looking after each other and that keeps them safe but also does increase the service to the people of Humboldt.”
Organizations from across Humboldt, from local sports teams to Big Brothers Big Sisters to school zone speed signs have benefitted from previous events with $50,000 raised over the last 12 years.
Years of Service Awards
Humboldt and District Ambulance Service
Derek Dagenais - 25 years
Amanda Zelle - 15 years
Mandy Gerspacher - 10 years
Rebecca Atkin - 5 years
Humboldt and District Fire Department
Darcy Leonew - 35 years
Tim Keifer - 10 years
Braeden Campbell - 5 years
Paul Catacutan - 5 years
