CANORA – Most firefighters will tell you they are not in this important line of work for the recognition, but on June 17 at the Legion Dugout, three Canora firefighters were recognized for volunteering to help battle the raging wildfires in northern Saskatchewan during the summer of 2025.
Receiving commendations for their efforts were firefighters Mitch Krysa, Eric Sweeney and Will Dupperon. The threesome, along with firefighter Dave Sutter of Springside, headed north last July to assist with structural and community protection from the nearby Park Fire in the communities of La Loche and Clearwater River Dene Nation, located approximately 500km northwest of Prince Albert last July.
In a Canora Courier interview following their return, Sweeney described some of their work.
“Shifts were a minimum of 12 hours per day. However, we were out all night when we were tasked with applying fire resistant gel to approximately 10 structures and the grounds and vegetation at a hunting lodge approximately 60 km north of La Loche on Hwy 955. This was in response to the fire coming within a couple km of the facility.”
During the ceremony, Fire Chief Jess Harper accepted a medallion presentation on behalf of the Canora and District Fire Department.
In attendance for the award presentations was Canora-Pelly MLA Sean Wilson, who welcomed those in attendance to the special ceremony.
“Today we are joined by the Honourable Michael Weger, Minister of Community Safety and Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, to acknowledge and commemorate the bravery and support of the Canora Fire Department during the 2025 wildfire season.
“We gather here to today to present The Premier's Commendation, which recognizes those whose actions exemplify courage, responsibility, and service to others.
“The program was revived in 2025 to honour those who responded to the wildfire threats and put forth extraordinary efforts to protect our communities during the wildfire season.
“The Canora Fire Department and all recipients of this award are representatives of the unwavering commitment and strength that defines this province,” continued Wilson. “They stepped up when we needed them most and our province is immensely grateful for their actions.
"We thank you for your dedication to the safety of the province and the wellbeing of Saskatchewan people and their communities.”
Minister Weger followed by adding that many volunteer fire departments helped fight wildfires that threatened many Saskatchewan communities in 2025.
“The 2025 wildfire season asked more of Saskatchewan than most of us have ever witnessed.
By season's end, our province recorded over 500 wildfires, nearly three million hectares burned, and 55 communities impacted. By the end of the season, the scars on our landscape and in our communities were visible and stark.
“Due to the severity of the situation last summer, the province called for more resources than ever before,” continued Weger. “In a time of need, the SPSA called upon you, our firefighters, to help fight the ever-expanding wildfires.
“And that you did. On multiple occasions you worked together with community leaders, contractors and government utilities to help protect lives, homes and infrastructure.
“That is service at its finest.
“For the long shifts, the personal sacrifices and the bravery you displayed – Saskatchewan owes you a major debt of gratitude. Your sacrifices were noticed by myself, the Premier and others across this province.
“Your actions displayed courage, competence, and compassion. You and your team demonstrated resolve and reflected Saskatchewan's character: you remained steady, committed and brave in dangerous situations.
“I would like to congratulate today's honourees. May your actions this past year be an example for the seasons ahead. On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan and the people whose lives you impacted, thank you.”
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