Saskatchewan Protective Services Medals for 2020 were presented to Darren Russell, Primary Care Paramedic, and Allison Irvine, First Responder. (submitted/Lyle Karasiuk)

By Glenn Hicks

honours

Local first responders honoured for quarter century of service

Jun 22, 2021 | 8:00 AM

If you’re unfortunate enough to have been involved in an accident or know someone who has, chances are a couple of figures may have been at the scene to give their calm and professional assistance.

Two long-serving emergency responders have been honoured for their service to the community in a medal ceremony in Prince Albert. The event, on Monday, was held over from last fall because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Paramedic Services Chiefs of Saskatchewan (PSCS) presented the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal from 2020 to Darren Russell, Primary Care Paramedic (PCP), and Allison Irvine, a First Responder in Shellbrook. The ceremony was a joint effort between the PSCS and Parkland Ambulance Care Ltd.

“I enjoy being around helping people that are in need of help,” Russell told paNOW after the presentations. ” I try to do the best I can.”

Russell said while he certainly doesn’t do what he does for the medals or the honours, it’s nice when first responders like himself are acknowledged.

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“This goes out to everyone: first responders, police and fire, EMS, for all they do,” he said.

Irvine comes from parents who were dedicated volunteers and her father was Shellbrook Fire Chief for over 40 years. Back in 1993, the fire department had dealt with many bad accidents and she responded to an advertisement she saw for first responders.

“It was to train first responders prior to ambulance arrival and I thought ‘I’ll give this a try.’ And here I am 27 years later,” she said.

Irvine, whose regular daytime job is at the RCMP detachment, said it’s very humbling to be given a medal.

“I didn’t do this alone. I had good supports and good first responder teammates and I share this with my teammates back in Shellbrook and with all first responders in this province.”

Established in 2003, the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal recognizes exemplary long service for individuals working in a direct capacity to protect people and/or property, and supervisory personnel in the public service sectors who ensure the safety, security, and protection of Saskatchewan citizens.

Recipients must be personnel with 25 years of service in Saskatchewan and actively employed in one of the eligible agencies on or after January 1, 2003.

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glenn.hicks@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow