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“Our paths crossed many times, and I remember Manuel and Keith as dedicated paramedics with a passion for helping others. This is such a fitting tribute for both of them.” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President
Winnipeg (17 Oct. 2018) — The lives and careers of 2 former paramedics were celebrated on October 15, as 2 northern Manitoba lakes were renamed in their memory.
Tribute to former paramedics who had passion for helping others
Beausejour paramedics Manuel Cuadros and Keith Barrie were killed on July 27, 1995 when their ambulance collided with a tractor-trailer while responding to a medical emergency.
Rebecca Clifton, Component Director with the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUGPE), attended the ceremony in Beausejour on behalf of Michelle Gawronsky, President of MGEU.
“As a former paramedic myself, I know first-hand the dangers this job presents,” said Gawronsky. “Our paths crossed many times, and I remember Manuel and Keith as dedicated paramedics with a passion for helping others. This is such a fitting tribute for both of them.”
The Manitoba Paramedic Honour Guard applied to have the lakes named in memory of the 2 paramedics. The designation itself came from the Department of Sustainable Development through the Manitoba Geographical Names Program.
Both lakes are located approximately 45 to 60 kilometers northwest of Lynn Lake. Thier exact locations are:
Keith Barrie Lake — 57° 13' 54" N latitude / 101° 48' 41" W longitude
Cuadros Lake — 57° 13' 29" N latitude / 101° 50' 30" W longitude.