N.S. community honours first responders, ‘health care heroes’

First responders were honoured in the town of Amherst, N.S., Sunday.

The community held a free, all-day concert and barbecue for firefighters, paramedics, police and health care workers at the Business Innovation Centre.

“It feels great just knowing that we have the community’s support. Not just for firefighters, but for EHS, health care workers, police,” said firefighter and health care worker Kaila Occomore. “It’s just really nice to know that we have the support of our community and also our fellow first responders.”

Cumberland North MLA Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin organized the event. She said it was a stressful summer for firefighters in Nova Scotia.

“Today is a day to honour all of these amazing people. Volunteer and paid first responders, health care heroes,” said Smith-McCrossin. “Anytime we can thank them and give them gratitude, to encourage and build them up, I believe we need to do that. Every opportunity.”

While firefighters and paramedics enjoyed burgers and hot dogs prepared by volunteers, dozens of community members enjoyed the live music inside the centre.

Amherst Fire Department Deputy Chief Mark Goodwin said it’s nice to be recognized for what they do.

“Lots of times we face adversity when most people would turn around and walk away or run. It’s nice to be acknowledged for what we do,” said Goodwin. “We’re watching firefighters across the province right now. They’re dealing with that forest fire down in southwestern Nova Scotia.”

Paramedic and health care worker Mike Kemsley said it’s a demanding job with a heavy workload.

“I think we’re really valued in the community. Even when you’re out and you’re doing community events you usually have people come up and they’re talking about when you’ve helped them or helped their family in the past, so it’s really rewarding in that sense,” said Kemsley.

Goodwin said the firefighters are a close-knit group with other first responders in the area.

“We have to be,” said Goodwin. ”We know each other’s roles . When we arrive they have expectations from us and when they arrive we have expectations from them. There’s never anyone asking questions. We work as one unit.”

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