The Celista Fire Department is at the top of the ladder for the second year in a row as the Columbia Shuswap Regional District's (CSRD) Department of the Year for 2023.
In a media release announcing the recognition, the CSRD said that with this award, Celista is the first department to take the title twice, and do so back-to-back after earning the honours in 2022 as well.
Though the CFD is known for a tradition of excellence, regional fire Chief Sean Coubrough said it was difficult to pick just one department to honour because all 13 CSRD crews worked hard in assisting with last year's Bush Creek East firefighting efforts.
During the Thursday, June 20 CSRD meeting, at which the award was presented, board chair Kevin Flynn recognized the dedication of all district firefighters during the wildfire, and gave the CFD "accolades for rising to meet all challenges faced during the wildfire with integrity, professionalism and compassion," the release reads.
It also recognized that four members of the Celista department lost their homes in the fire, but stayed behind to help, "placing the community's needs above their own."
"Residents, firefighters and other first responders used the fire hall as a meeting place and command post, with fire Chief Roy Phillips leading the way," Flynn said as he presented the award. "The Chief and all members of the department worked hard to build, repair and maintain relationships with local residents, keeping his members and all CSRD firefighters safe through a difficult and oftentimes contentious situation."
North Shuswap Area F director Jay Simpson echoed those compliments, describing the crews' efforts as "superhuman."
Coubrough agreed that the Celista department, currently at the maximum volunteer capacity with 30 members, shows outstanding commitment to the community.
"I want to congratulate all the members of the Celista Fire Department for their teamwork and dedication," he said. "Chief Phillips deserves tremendous credit for instilling a positive culture of respect and inclusivity. It's no wonder there's a tremendous desire from residents to be a part of this great team."
