The 2026 Athabasca County Fire Services Awards and Recognition Gala took place on Friday February 27th at the Grassland Community Hall. This first annual event celebrated the dedication and service of firefighters from the six departments that make up the Athabasca County Emergency Services. A total of 35 firefighters were awarded provincial service medals in recognition for their many years of service. From 12 to 40 years of selfless commitment to their communities, these men and women have demonstrated extraordinary bravery and dedication. The event featured special guests, including Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock MLA Glenn Van Dijken; Alberta Deputy Fire Commissioner Phil Rowe; and members of Athabasca County Council.
Athabasca County Reeve Tracy Holland expressed her admiration for the County’s firefighters, stating, “You are the ones who step forward when others must step back. You answer the call at any hour, in any season, often placing yourselves in harm’s way to protect your neighbours, our homes, and our local businesses – without hesitation. Your countless hours of service and commitment reflect the very best of rural Alberta – resilience, courage, and a deep sense of community.”
Regional Fire Chief Travis Shalapay also took the opportunity to recognize the sacrifices our firefighters make for their community: “Whether it be at a structure fire, a hazardous materials incident, or the side of the highway at night in a blizzard; our volunteers without hesitation answer the call, to serve others, often at great personal risk. Their actions are a testament not only to their own service, but to those who came before, and to those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.”
The gala served as a reminder of the vital role firefighters play in our communities and the incredible support they receive from their families. Each honouree’s years of service are a testament to their unwavering commitment to public safety.
Honourees
The gala recognized the following honorees with Provincial Service Medals for their outstanding service:
12-year medal
- Jentine Ijtsma
- Willem Ijtsma
- Michael Krawec
- William Gaigneur
- Corey Gauthier
- Charles Hebert
- Paul Gaigneur
- Arlene Brown
- Darrell Brown
- George Soluk
- Carl Damour
- Jacinta Miller
- Clinton L’Heureux
- Matthew Rybak
- Jay Seymour
- Cole Plamondon
- Alex Desrosiers
- Shawna McEvoy
12-year medal plus 22-year service bar
- Marvin Sorotsky
- Terrance Krawec
- Lucas Chrusch
- Gail Sorotsky
12-year medal plus 22 & 32-year service bars
- Susan Gaigneur
- Keith Lien
- Harvey Lien
- Timothy McEvoy
12-year medal plus 22, 32 & 40-year service bars
- Mark Gaigneur
- James Henson
- Ernie Yakimchuk
Service Bars
- Tim Rebkowich – 22, 32, and 40
- Ivan Kapelari – 22, 32, and 40
- Larry Webb – 22, 32, and 40
- Denis Schryver – 40
- Bruce Bretzlaff – 40
- Murray Paches – 32
Additionally, the gala honoured firefighters with County service awards ranging from 1 year to 45+ years with the Athabasca County Fire Services. Recipients included Gabriel Cormier, Reymond Nora, Codie Callihoo, Tim Shalapay, Colby Gerk, Charles Rose-Pigeon, Chloe Schultz, Ken Clark, Chris Wheeler, Kayleigh Lien, Thai Tien, Vinh Tien, Shawna McEvoy, Anthony Walter, Sam Walter, Jerry Walter, Tom Walter, Pat Hoots, George Soluk, Mark Gaigneur, James Henson, Larry Webb, and Dennis Schyrver.
The night concluded with honouring three retired firefighters with the Long Service Retirement Award. Ivan Kapelari, Ernie Yakimchuk, and Tim Rebkowich retired in 2025, after being on the service for over 45 years.
Athabasca County thanks everyone who attended the gala, celebrating the courage and commitment of firefighters and first responders while supporting these essential causes. Together, they continue to make a difference in the community.
