Young North Westside firefighter receives scholarship

An 18-year old North Westside Firefighter has been awarded a scholarship for his outstanding work and contributions to the community.

Nicolaas Cantryn was selected as the 2016 recipient of the North Westside Fire Rescue Society scholarship because of his outstanding talent. He began with North Westside Fire Rescue at the age of 16 as a junior fire-fighter while attending high school in Vernon. He graduated high school last spring, and to coincide with that he also completed his firefighter recruitment training at the Vernon Fire training center.

“Nic has proven to be a dedicated Firefighter and community member,” said Fire Chief Jason Satterthwaite, who added “on his days off you will often find him at the hall cleaning up and washing fire trucks. We are very proud of this young man. He has shown a talent for first medical response and serving his community.”

“Without hesitation or delay, he has quickly put the scholarship funds to good use,” said the Society’s president, Shawn Barnes. “He has recently completed his EMR certificate through the Justice Institute of B.C. We are all proud of him at North Westside Fire Rescue as he finished top of his class.”

The non-profit North Westside Road Firefighters Society mandate is to ensure the betterment of the department and community.

The group conducts fund-raising activities throughout the year. Its members decided to set up a $1,000 annual scholarship for members of the department who are considering a professional emergency services career and wish to further their education.

Candidates provide a written application to the society and must give a presentation to department members to explain why they should be selected.The recipient is chosen by all department members in a private ballot vote.

The North Westside Road Firefighters Society thanks the community and its supporters for their generosity and support, as this scholarship would not be available without them. Members look forward to seeing another strong show of community support at the 2017 fundraising events at Fintry Provincial Park and La Casa’s annual barbecue, the society’s biggest event of the year.