Two members of the Grande Prairie STARS base have been recognized for heroism displayed during the Tumbler Ridge tragedy.
On the day of the Tumbler Ridge shooting, STARS Grande Prairie was asked to provide assistance. When the crew arrived, they helped stabilize a student and prepared her for transport to B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.
The two recognized were Janice Kirkham, a nurse, and Jeremy Mandoli, a medic. Both received the Chief Ambulance Officer Accommodation for Excellence in Adversity Award.
Josh Nash, provincial director for Alberta operations for STARS, said it was encouraging to see members of his crew receive the award.
“It speaks to the skill and dedication of our STARS crews. I know I can speak for everyone at STARS when I say how proud we are of the team who responded that day in Tumbler Ridge. Our crews receiving such an award from BCEHS is very special for the crew, but we don’t forget that this was a very tragic event that took place.”
The award was presented by BCEHS, marking the sixth time it has been given.
This was the first time the award has been given to recipients outside B.C. Mandoli and Kirkham said it was an honour to receive it.
“We were able to make an impact to one kid. I think from a personal perspective it’s an honour to be presented with this award, and what it means to be the first recipients of the award outside of the province. I think it shows our layered response into B.C.,” said Mandoli.
“It’s very humbling, and it is the honour of my career,” said Kirkham.
The parents of the victim have continued to provide updates on social media about their daughter’s journey.
Mandoli added it is not often they get to see the progress of their patients.
“There is not a lot of times we get significant updates down the road of how our patient is doing. We are a small snapshot in this patient’s journey, and thankfully we were able to be there and be a part of it, and help make a positive impact.”
Kirkham said she and the rest of the crew were only a small part of the victim’s recovery.
“I think it’s incredible to think of how far she has come, and how far she still has to go. We were a part of the beginning, but we are such a small piece of her entire journey that she is going through.”
Kirkham and Mandoli received their award Tuesday, April 14 at the STARS hangar in Grande Prairie.
