In December 2013, Bill 15, “An Act to Proclaim First Responders Day” was proclaimed by Royal Assent at the Ontario Legislature. Bill 15 designates May 1st of each year as ‘First Responders Day’ in the Province of Ontario. On this day, communities across the Province are asked to acknowledge and celebrate the sacrifices and hard work of First Responders who have devoted their lives to public service.
‘First Responders Day’ marks the commencement of a month long celebration of our emergency services. It is followed by Emergency Preparedness Week from May 4th – 10th, Police Week from May 11th – 17th, and ends with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week from May 18th – 24th.
The brave men and women we call ‘First Responders’ are typically those who arrive first at the scene of an emergency. They provide critical out-of-hospital medical care as well as protecting and preserving life, property and evidence. Those who provide these essential services come from a number of different agencies and professions, including but not limited to: police, firefighters, military personnel, paramedics, medical evacuation pilots, dispatchers, nurses, doctors, emergency medical technicians and emergency managers. “We are pleased and proud to work hand-in-hand with our emergency services partners to serve our citizens in times of crisis, and to collaboratively deal with situations that threaten the health and safety of our community” says Chief Dennis Poole. “We are proud to contribute to preserving and enhancing the quality of life in Chatham-Kent.”
While we celebrate the lives of our ‘First Responders’, we must also recognize the hardships that many of them face as a result of their work on the frontlines. Responding to traumatic situations on a daily basis does have a major impact on the physical and mental well-being of any person and their families. “It is recognized that police personnel due to the very nature of their work and personalities, do not openly seek assistance when it may be needed. We are very fortunate here in Chatham-Kent to have an active Peer Support Team available to assist our police members and their families after they’ve been involved in a critical or significant incident,” states Sgt Gabe Tetrault, Team Leader. “This peer support team offers assistance and/or personal guidance in a confidential environment in order to promote health and wellness as well as resilience, from a peer perspective.”
Today, please join us in acknowledging our local “First Responders’, the men and women who have chosen to devote their lives to the well-being and safety of everyone here in our community through their dedicated and selfless public service.
In celebration of ‘First Responders Day’, emergency personnel from Chatham-Kent joined forces to create a short video
