The citizens of Humboldt were commended by the Governor General for their response to the Broncos bus crash.
“These are citizens that demonstrated solidarity, strength and resilience by offering steady support to the families of the victims,” the commendation read. “The entire community, young and old alike, are to be commended for their unity, their compassion and their generosity during a time of great sorrow, one that we know carries on to this day.”
The commendation was one of two presented by Julie Payette during her visit to Humboldt Oct. 20. The other one was presented to the first responders that responded to the April collision at the junction of Highways 35 and 335.
“This is one of the great privileges of this position, is to be able to recognize the extreme engagement and dedication of the community,” Payette said at the presentation ceremony at the Humboldt and District Gallery.
Rob Muench, Humboldt’s mayor, accepted the commendation on behalf of the city.
“Talking to her, that’s something that doesn’t happen very often,” Muench said. “It’s something usually given to individuals, so she said it’s very rare. I think it’s a big honour for our city.”
The Governor General expressed hope that something positive would emerge from the tragedy.
“We can’t go back and redo this. If we could, we would immediately,” she said. “What we can do, through, is build on that memory and make something very good and very positive out of it. I think that’s exactly what’s happening in this community.”
Seven first responders from Tisdale, Nipawin and Zenon Park representing fire, police, ambulance and conservation services came to accept a commendation for their selfless service and generous spirit.
“It’s with the thanks and gratefulness of all Canadians that I’m in the position to offer you this outstanding commendation for all of the first responders that helped in the tragedy,” Payette said.
Muench said he was happy to see them there.
“It was nice to see them come here because of what they did for the team on the highway that night. It was good to have them represented.”
After the commendation, the Governor General went to the Elgar Petersen Arena where her, Muench and Broncos president Jamie Brockman sat together, watched a Broncos game and talked about hockey.
