BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) is recognizing two STARS members from Grande Prairie following their response to the February mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge.
Janice Kirkham, a nurse, and Jeremy Mandoli, a medic, have received Chief Ambulance Officer Commendations for Excellence in Adversity.
“The emergency response to the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge involved many courageous and dedicated first responders and support staff across multiple agencies,” BCEHS said.
The pair flew to the scene by air ambulance to assist in treating patients with critical injuries. They worked with Northern Health staff to treat patients, who were ultimately transported to hospital by helicopter.
BCEHS presented the commendations to Kirkham and Mandoli during a ceremony held in Grande Prairie on Tuesday, praising their “exceptional service” during the medical response.
Josh Nash, the STARS Alberta provincial director, says the commendations speak to the training and dedication of the STARS crew members.
“Our organization is proud of the team who responded in Tumbler Ridge, including our fellow first responders and partners in the health-care system,” Nash said.
Nash also praised the collaboration between Alberta and B.C., and the work of every first responder involved. “As first responders, we are all working toward the same goal - caring for patients and supporting communities,” he said.
On Feb. 10, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar shot and killed her mother and 11-year-old half-brother at their family home in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. She then shot and killed five children and an educator at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School before dying of suicide. More than two dozen were also injured in the attack.
BCEHS also recognized the work of 85 of their employees, including paramedics, leaders, emergency medical call takers and dispatchers, Patient Transfer Services staff, Disaster Risk, Resilience and Recovery staff, and others in support roles across the organization.
A private ceremony was held in Tumbler Ridge on April 8 to present the commendations to those individuals.