Canada Post salutes Nelson's First Responders
By Nelson Daily Staff
During the fall of 2018, Canada Post unveiled a handful of stamps honouring First Responders throughout the country — calling it Emergency Responders Week.
In Nelson, the local Canada Post outlet on Vernon Street held its own ceremony Tuesday at the Nelson Fire Hall, saluting the brave men and women within the community who boldly keep the public safe day in and day out.
“It was a true honour to be able to do this. I just wish I had more to hand out,” said Catherine McRae-Scanlon, Retail Lead Hand at the Nelson Post Office.
“If allowed, I would have also issued them for each profession on top of these individuals,” McRae-Scanlon added.
Canada Post sent out information to offices across the country wanting to pay tribute to their respective first responders as part of Emergency Responders Week.
Nelson Superintendent Jeff Lovick asked McCrae-Scanlon if she knew first responders in the area that would fit the requirements.
“I knew exactly how to choose,” McRae-Scanlon said. “My husband and I have lived in Nelson our entire lives and have experienced amazing interactions with each of the recipients.”
Presented with the Canada Post awards were Al Craft, former Fire Chief at the Beasley Fire Hall; Nelson Police Chief Paul Burkart; Nelson Police Department Const. Lisa Schmidtke and her husband, Nelson Fire Rescue Firefighter Gerry Schmidtke; retired Nelson Fire Rescue Firefighter Gord Rae; and BC Ambulance Paramedics, represented by Deb Morris.
McRae-Scanlon has a story to tell about all of the recipients.
“I had the pleasure of being Gordie Rae’s last call out with Nelson Fire Rescue when I was hurt delivering the mail and have also grown up with Al Craft and his entire family and I’ve seen all the hard work he has put into the community, starting Nelson SAR and the Beasley Fire Hall,” McRae-Scanlon explained.
“Everyone can appreciate all the hard work Paul Burkart — father, volunteer and Chief of the Nelson City Police and what his amazing line of officers do for our little city,” McRae-Scanlon added. “Then there are the paramedics whose long days and jobs never end until everyone is okay.”
McRae-Scanlon is amazed at the dedication of the other two recipients, Lisa and Gerry Schmidtke.
“Gerry and Lisa both work as first responders while raising a family,” McRae-Scanlon said. “I give them both gigantic credit.”
In early September, Canada Post released five stamps in honour of the tens of thousands of the countries’ committed first responders.
Canada Post said all five stamps reflect Canadians respect and deepest gratitude for the skills, service and sacrifices of the people who protect them — sometimes risking their own lives to save others.
Canada Post released First Responder stamps during Emergency Responders Week in September. — The Nelson Daily photo
