06/22/2023
Carberry Seniors Handivan Bus Crash – Thank You To Our First Responders
Today, as they identify and read the names of the 16 seniors who died and the 9 still in hospital, our hearts go out to their families, their friends and their communities who are suffering the loss.
Alcom wants to also acknowledge and express our appreciation to the first responders – police, fire and paramedics - that attended that horrific accident scene. In the past month I have had the personal privilege of participating in and supporting the events of the Manitoba Fire Chiefs Association and the Manitoba Paramedic Honour Guard.
The public isn’t fully aware that the majority of the firefighters in these small towns and municipalities are volunteers – yes volunteers. When the alarm is sounded these men and women leave their jobs, their homes and their families to rush towards all forms of tragedy and danger.
These volunteer departments, which are chronically underfunded and underequipped - always show up and do their part to support their local and surrounding communities. Many of these first responders will continue to pay a price for their service in such traumatizing situations, with long term PTSD - and all of the life altering consequences associated with that condition.
We need to thank them for their service and, as importantly, we need to encourage our government officials to provide more adequate funding for recruiting, training and equipping these men and women. And to provide appropriate support and therapy after they have experienced such physically, emotionally and psychologically difficult accident scenes.
