BOYLE – A gathering of RCMP officers, firefighters, Alberta Sheriffs, community peace officers and fish and wildlife officers typically means one of two things; something has gone terribly wrong, or there’s free coffee.
Village of Boyle councillors took the time Dec. 7 to say thank you to the men and women who work in emergency services — the five councillors were up early, alongside CAO Warren Griffin, to prepare for the annual event.
“First of all, it’s community building, but it lets the people who are protecting and helping our community know that council is here for them. They’re always the last resort, and they’re called when it’s not a good situation,” said Mayor Colin Derko. “Having that connection between them and us is really important, and we just want to let them know that they’re appreciated.”
The Boyle Senior Centre hosted 28 first responders for the breakfast, including Boyle Fire Department chief Darren Hill, who oversees the 12-person fire hall.
“We don’t do it for (the appreciation), but it’s always nice to have,” said Hill.
“(The community support) is really good, if people see us downtown, they wave or whatever. We’re pretty recognizable,” added Hill with a laugh, gesturing to the neon yellow coats many of his crew had on.
The event marked the fourth time councillors had cooked for everyone, although COVID-19 disrupted the trend. Lukas Madsen, one of the district fish and wildlife officers, said the opportunity to get together and see everyone is always appreciated.
“It’s good to be able to do these things again, I know during the COVID years everyone was really isolated. We couldn’t get together and meet with the community, or with the councillors, at least not in person which is important,” said Madsen. “It’s good to be back out in the community, being visible and talking with folks.”
This year’s timing worked out nicely for the two fish and wildlife officers — if the breakfast had fallen a week earlier, Madsen said the two men wouldn’t have been able to make it.
“Our busiest time would have just ended with the hunting season, so there’s a small reprieve until January, February, March when ice fishing really kicks off.”
Other councillors indicated it was a chance to say thank you to the people who make their job easier.
“It’s important for us to do this, while we take care of the municipality, these guys are taking care of the people in the municipality — they’re keeping us all safe and that often goes unnoticed,” said Coun. Shelby Kiteley.
The only branch that was unable to attend was the local EMS. Kiteley said they had been invited but were unsure if they would be able to make it due to call volume.
