UNITY — Two individuals in the reading area were celebrated on a provincial level on Sept. 28 in Saskatoon.
Tom Winterhalt, a retired firefighter of the Wilkie and District Fire Department, and Pat Stang, who is currently still with the Macklin Fire Department, received medals from Saskatchewan Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty for their service for 25 years.
Both men were nominated by their fire chiefs for the Saskatchewan Protective Services medal, and they were both honoured that they were recognized among others who work or volunteer in jobs that service the communities and province.
Winterhalt initially thought, “Ok, it’s just a medal,” but once he started to hear about what he and his peers have seen and accomplished over the past 25 years he realized just how honoured he was to be nominated.
Stang said he joined to help those in the community, never really thinking about what the future would be or how long he would stay with the department. He felt honoured to be celebrated alongside 47 others across the province who have also dedicated 25 years to the profession.
After the ceremony was over, many of the recipients stayed to socialize, and many shared the same sentiments.
“We don’t do it for the medal, we do it to keep our province and people safe, and I am proud to have been such an important part of my town and community,” Winterhalt says.
“I am humbled to have the medal presented to me.”
He also added how important it is to keep these services available, and if anyone is willing and able to get involved with your local fire department, EMS or other service groups, most are looking for more members.
“It’s just one way to keep our community and its residents safe”
Don't count on social media to deliver your local news to you. Keep your news a touch away by bookmarking The Unity-Wilkie Press-Herald homepage at this link.
