In a short service before the start of town council’s Nov. 9 meeting, Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock MLA Glenn van Dijken and mayor Ralph Leriger praised Koflick, who was presented with the Governor General’s Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal in recognition for his 30 years of loyal service to public safety in Canada — he also received an exemplary service medal in 2011. Koflick, who’s been the town’s chief since March 2010, began his firefighter career as a 15 year old in the junior fire fighter program in the Village of Wabamun.
“Firefighters play a critical role in the overall wellbeing of every community and throughout the history of Alberta, especially in rural Alberta, communities have been made stronger by neighbours helping neighbours. Firefighters dedicate their service to provide for the safety and welfare of their community through the preservation of life and property and for this we all say thank you,” said van Dijken.
“It is fitting we recognize chief Koflick’s 30 years of firefighter service during this week of remembrance. Having also served with the Canadian Forces for a period of six years, it is evident that public service, whether in the military or as a firefighter, is more of a calling for chief Koflick than a career. From the people of the constituency I say thank you and wish you all the best in the years to come.”
Leriger said that he was working in Wabamun when he first met Koflick, who was a teenager at the time.
“I’ve known you a long time and we’re so proud of the work you do for the community … you and your colleagues and the professional manner in which you conduct yourself,” said Leriger.
Ever modest, Koflick thanked town staff and council along with his fellow firefighters and his family — two of his four children and three town fire fighters were in attendance at the ceremony.
“It’s been a pleasure to serve the Town of Westlock for the last 10 years and moving forward. It’s a great community. Thank you very much, I appreciate it and I’m very honoured,” said Koflick.
