Malakai Dirks dressed as a police officer and Tessa Schell as a firefighter Sunday morning, but they weren’t Halloween costumes.
The kids came to Club Castropignano wearing uniforms reflecting what they want to be when they grow up, which was perfectly suited to the First Responders Appreciation Day, hosted by Pastor Clint Sears of Port Robinson Community Church.
Malakai, the Pastor’s nephew, wants to be a police officer, said Sears.
Led by a piper, the children joined a procession of firefighters, paramedics and police officers, who were honoured for the second year in a row for tackling crisis situations.
When responding to an emergency, there are “No retakes; no do-overs,” said Inspector Marco Giannico of the NRPS.
“Bringing calm to chaos,” police officers are “exposed to sights most people can’t imagine, and they carry that with them throughout their careers.”
Speaking on behalf of District 1—which includes St. Catharines and Thorold—he remarked, “All first responders enjoy an unprecedented level of trust, which has been earned by serving their communities with pride and honour. Whether investigating a traffic call, responding to a person in crisis, or an armed robbery, we conduct ourselves professionally, so that if their actions are recorded on the 6:00 news, their families will see” them in a positive light, he stated.
“It’s truly an honour to serve our community, and we, too, are part of it. We live here, we work here and we raise our families here. We have a vested interest in” serving them with dignity, he concluded.
Emcee Nancy Waters of Port Robinson Proud, said her husband Mike has been on the police force for 30 years, “and my son Adam is a police officer, and was a volunteer firefighter for years.”
Last year’s event was held at the Port Robinson Community Centre, she said, and included “A parade to the gravestone of fallen police officer, Charles Richardson” of Port Robinson.
“Today, we recognize the brave men and women who make it their business to take action when disaster strikes,” said Mayor Terry Ugulini. “They risk their own lives to protect not only ours, but our community. A recent example was the accident in the tunnel,” he added. “Everybody is leaving the tunnel; they’re going in.”
The harrowing high-stress rescue missions they experience take an emotional toll, and PTSD is a common affliction among first responders, said the mayor.
“At the regional level, we’re working to address this. To all our first responders, volunteers and professionals, we appreciate your dedication and service. These efforts don’t go unnoticed.”
Speaking for Thorold’s Fire Services, long-time firefighter George Upham said, “This Appreciation Day means a lot. Many of us suffer from PTSD. We lose our direction sometimes with the trauma, and things that we see. It plays on us. Our decision-making process becomes different. But personally, I have found in the church some comfort. I lost my faith for a while, but thanks to people in the volunteer fire department and Clint, and a whole lot of counselling, have found help.”
Bryce Brunarski, Superintendent of Community Outreach EMS, said that while working with police officers and firefighters, “As paramedics, we do see people at their absolute worst. We’re the ones providing medical care and we’re very blessed at the other end of the spectrum to see the miracle of birth,” when delivering babies in various public places.
“It can be difficult, but having support like this just shows your appreciation, and it’s incredibly appreciated.”
Henry D’Angela of the Police Services Board thanked the group of first responders.
“I know we can always count on you to protect Thorold, and other parts of the community. Every day, you make a difference in our lives.”
During his five years on the board, D’Angela said he’s witnessed “Dedicated acts of heroism and small acts that make a huge difference.” He added, “It’s nice to pat people on the back once in a while. It’s better than criticizing.”
The event also included music performed by a trio, a scripture reading, sermon, and refreshments.
