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11 members of the Manitoba Wildfire Service have been recognized with the New South Wales Bushfire Emergency Citation for their efforts.
Winnipeg (22 Feb. 2021) — Manitobans who helped battle wildfires in Australia last year have received the Premier's New South Wales — Bushfire Emergency Citation for their efforts.
Helping Australians was recognition enough
The citation recognizes 11 members of the Manitoba Wildfire Service for their contributions to the emergency response through various missions carried out between December 2019 and March 2020.
“These Manitobans gave so much of themselves when others were in need,” said Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President. “And while I know being able to put their very specialized skills to use to help Australians was recognition enough for these individuals, they deserve this praise for a job well done, and we thank them for representing Manitoba on the global stage.”
The members deployed last year joined professionals from other wildfire management agencies across Canada to support the wildfire suppression efforts in Australia.
Each deployment lasted between 30 and 38 days, with Canadian members assisting in a variety of positions, including roles in command, aviation, planning, logistics, and operations.