HEARTLAND REGIONAL FIRE HONOURS FIREFIGHTERS FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND DEDICATION

Nine Alberta Emergency Services Medals Presented and 419 Years of Combined Fire Service Recognized.

Heartland Regional Fire gathered on Saturday, November 7, 2026 in Big Valley, Alberta to celebrate the dedication, commitment and extraordinary contributions of its firefighters during a special Firefighter Appreciation and Long Service Recognition Event.

The evening provided an opportunity to recognize the men and women who selflessly give their time, skills and energy to protecting residents, families, properties and communities throughout the Heartland Regional Fire service area, including the County of Stettler No. 6, Village of Big Valley, Village of Donalda, Summer Village of Rochon Sands and the Summer Village of White Sands.

A highlight of the celebration was the presentation of nine Alberta Emergency Services Medals (AESM), recognizing an impressive 118 combined years of emergency service. The Alberta Emergency Services Medal honours emergency services personnel who have demonstrated long-standing commitment to emergency prevention, preparedness and response in Alberta. Medals and service bars recognize milestones of 12, 22, 32 and 40 years of dedicated service.

The 2026 recipients were:

12 Years of Service

• Regional Fire  Chief Troy Auton – Heartland Regional Fire

• Firefighter Kerry Hiemstra – Station 2, Big Valley

• Firefighter Dan Houle – Station 2, Big Valley

• Lieutenant Shaun Magee – Station 1, Stettler

• Captain Cam Miller – Station 1, Stettler

• Platoon Chief Jim Wasdal – Station 4, Byemoor

• Platoon Chief Ben Wiens – Station 3, Donalda

• Captain Elizabeth Wilson – Station 1, Stettler

  
  

22 Years of Service

• Firefighter Mark Rach – Station 1, Stettler

  
  

These medals represent more than years of service. They recognize countless hours of training, emergency response, community protection and personal sacrifice. Behind every milestone are years of answering the call, often at a moment's notice, to help neighbours during their greatest times of need.

In addition to the provincial medal presentations, Heartland Regional Fire recognized 50 of its current firefighters with long-service plaques honouring their individual contributions to the region.

Together, these 50 members represent an extraordinary 419 years of combined fire service. Heartland Regional Fire currently has 69 members serving its five partner municipalities. The appreciation evening celebrated the experience, dedication and strength of the firefighters who make the regional service possible.

Special recognition was extended to two longtime members of Station 2 – Big Valley:

• Firefighter Lori Gorden, a former Platoon Chief who continues to serve as an active firefighter, was recognized for an exceptional 28 years of dedicated service.

• Captain Chanse Stefanik, also of Station 2 – Big Valley, was celebrated for 25 years of committed service to the region.

  
  

Both individuals exemplify the leadership, loyalty and community spirit that are the foundation of a strong and dependable fire service.

Firefighting in rural Alberta requires tremendous dedication. Beyond responding to fires, motor vehicle collisions and other emergencies, members invest countless hours in training, equipment maintenance, public education and preparing to protect their communities. For many, this commitment is made while balancing full-time employment, family responsibilities and personal obligations. Their willingness to respond when called upon is an invaluable contribution to the safety and well-being of the region.

"The strength of Heartland Regional Fire lies in the people who serve. The hundreds of years of experience represented at this event speak volumes about the dedication and commitment of our firefighters. These are individuals who consistently put the safety of their neighbours and communities first, and we are incredibly grateful for their service. The County of Stettler extends its sincere appreciation to every firefighter, past and present, who has contributed to protecting the communities it serves.”

James Nibourg, Reeve for the County of Stettler No. 6

The November 7 celebration was not only an opportunity to recognize milestones, but also to acknowledge the families, employers and supporters who stand behind these dedicated individuals.

“To all Heartland Regional Fire members, as well as to the families who support them, we thank you for your time, your sacrifices, your commitment and your willingness to answer the call. Your dedication and support of Heartland Regional Fire makes our communities safer, stronger and more resilient,” added Reeve Nibourg.