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Thorsby Fire Fighter Honoured

Pipestone Flyer

 

 

On July 3, 2012, Paul Krawiec, a volunteer fire fighter with Thorsby Fire Department for over 32 years, was presented with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award.  The medal—one of 60,000—was created to mark the 60th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne.

MP for Wetaskiwin Blaine Calkins, who presented the award, said, “90% of Alberta’s fire departments are operating on a volunteer basis, requiring tremendous personal sacrifice, while offering the community a great financial savings.”  He added, “I know Her Majesty is most pleased to commemorate 32 years of saved lives and service given by Paul.”

Thorsby Fire Chief Osness, who nominated Krawiec, notes, “Paul is always there. He is dependable. He’s there for training nights. Even on MVC (motor vehicle collision) calls, he’s there for whatever needs attending to—directing traffic, or putting out spot fires.  He shows other members the importance of coming and doing.”

“In all, there are 20 Albertans receiving this medal,” added the Honourable Diana McQueen. She made a point of thanking the Krawiec family for the sacrifices they’ve made during call out, saying, “This medal is for you, too.”  

Whether recounting the first big fire he attended—the Thorsby Auction Mart fire—or more recently, the large brush fires at Pigeon Lake or near Warburg, Krawiec takes great pride in being on the business end of a fire hose.  He will tell you that, even after 32 years of volunteering, he is in no hurry to quit fire fighting.

Paul Krawiec, we thank you for your dedicated service to the community and applaud you on your well-deserved medal.