Emergency professionals receive medals for 25 years of service

Long-serving emergency professionals were honoured today in Saskatoon for 25 years of service.

Twenty-one members of the RCMP, city police and fire department were presented a protective service medal by Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant Governor, Russ Mirasty.

Members of emergency medical services, federal and provincial corrections and the Canadian Forces are also eligible for this medal.

Among today’s recipients was police inspector Patrick Nogier who has spent all of his 25 years of service with the Saskatoon Police Department.

“It’s a great honour, it’s a milestone in a person’s career and I think that when you start you never imagine 25 years going by that quickly,” he said.

“But to be part of this today and to recognize what we’ve seen over the last couple of decades, to see the transition of policing has been quite remarkable. It’s quite an accomplishment and I’m quite proud of it.”

Nogier says there isn’t a specific time that he looks back on as most memorable from his 25 years, but there are certain things that will remain with him forever, like his time spent with the canine unit.

“There’s been so many memories throughout the last 25 years that you will be able to draw upon in years coming and look back fondly on,” he said. “I spent six years in the dog section and it was one of my favourite times. There have been so many good opportunities I’ve had within our organization but canine was the one that I always draw back to.”

There will be a total of 153 medals awarded this year at four different ceremonies. Three will be held in Saskatoon and one in Regina at the end of the month.

For RCMP officer Craig Hall, receiving his medal in Saskatoon was especially memorable despite only serving two of his 25 years in the city.

“I’ve been very fortunate to be in different places in Saskatchewan throughout my RCMP career and every place that I’ve been in and served has been special to me,” he said.

“But my family calls Saskatoon home, so it’s very special to be recognized in this great city.”