City of Kamloops honours firefighters and emergency support service volunteers at annual awards

The City of Kamloops held peer-nominated awards for Kamloops Fire Rescue and a volunteer appreciation party for Emergency Support Services in December, recognising individual award winners and volunteers who logged more than 6,220 hours in 2025.

The City of Kamloops held two recognition events in December to honour firefighters and Emergency Support Services volunteers. Kamloops Fire Rescue ran its second peer-nominated awards program, and the city hosted the annual Emergency Support Services Volunteer Appreciation Christmas Party on Dec. 10. Award recipients received keepsakes and will have their names engraved on a permanent plaque at the Kamloops Fire Rescue Training Centre. The awards program, developed in 2024, highlights the service's stated values of safety, service, public trust and teamwork. Key recognitions: - Kamloops Fire Rescue named Capt. Will Harlock Fire Officer of the Year; Mark Schroeder Firefighter of the Year; Lead Mechanic Lee Johnsto Non‑Suppression Member of the Year; and Training Officer Corey Butler Outstanding Kamloops Fire Rescue Member of the Year. - Each fire award recipient received a keepsake and had their name added to a plaque to be displayed at the Kamloops Fire Rescue Training Centre. - The awards program was developed in 2024 and is peer nominated to honour initiative and service aligned with the organization’s core values. - The Emergency Support Services Volunteer Appreciation Christmas Party brought together volunteers, community leaders and special guests on Dec. 10. - About 200 people contributed more than 6,220 volunteer hours to Emergency Support Services in 2025, and the third annual Crystal Awards honoured peer-nominated volunteers including Gordon Davis (Heart of Gold), Carolynne Miller (Unsung Hero), Karen Farmer (Rising Star), Earl Skaarup (North Star), and an inaugural Award of Excellence presented to Director Roline Sims. Summary: The ceremonies recognised individual firefighters and a wide group of Emergency Support Services volunteers for their work and milestones, and several awards were based on peer nominations. Undetermined at this time.