Captain Derek Konga, center, is the 2020 Firefighter of the Year. (La Ronge Regional Fire Department/Facebook)

By Derek Cornet

annual awards

Konga named Firefighter of the Year

Jun 18, 2021 | 5:00 PM

Captain Derek Konga is the La Ronge Regional Fire Department’s 2020 Firefighter of the Year.

“It’s really nice to have the respect of my peers and the privilege to work alongside them,” Konga said about earning the title. “I am forever grateful for the past members that I have also had the honour to work alongside.”

Konga joined the department in 2014 after a friend suggested he come see what it’s all about. He thought it would be a good way to meet people and give back to the community.

The most memorable part about joining for Konga is the bond firefighters have for one another. He noted he’s been fortunate enough to have mentors that allowed the team to grow and better protect the tri-communities.

As a captain, Konga’s role at the fire hall is different compared to a regular member in several ways.

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“As officers, we have been mentored to always keep the safety of our fellow firefighters in mind,” Konga explained. “We take command shifts to give both the chief and deputy chief a break on weekends and on their holidays. Both captains and lieutenants take more of a leadership role by mentoring newer firefighters to reach their potential. Our role is different as other firefighters look to us to make decisions on the scene and at the hall.”

Aaron Ulriksen is the Most Active Member for 2020. (La Ronge Regional Fire Department/Facebook)

Konga, who is also an educator at Churchill Community High School, said he manages being both a firefighter and teacher because he has a supportive partner and employers. He said if it’s an absolute emergency, he will respond to a fire during classroom hours.

According to La Ronge Fire Chief Keaton Cloud, Konga is an asset to the fire department. He mentioned Konga is always taking the initiative on various events and stays positive in difficult situations.

“He is always looking at ways to improve the department,” Cloud said. “This is extremely important to myself and the deputy chief. As chiefs, it’s important to have officers that can see how the department is operating from a different perspective and provides constructive feedback to myself and the deputy.”

Also recently celebrated for his efforts is firefighter Aaron Ulriksen, who was awarded Most Active Member for 2020.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno