Fire Chief gets award from cadets
By Contributor
Our own Capt. Gerry Rempel, better know in Castlegar as fire chief and airport manager was honoured at the Nelson air cadet squadron’s annual ceremonial review this past weekend.
For his years of service to the community, Rempel, commanding officer of the 561 Osprey Air Cadets squadron, was presented with a medal to acknowledge his 17 years of service to the region, by Gordon McGregor of the Metis Nation BC.
Rempel said he was delighted and surprised by the gesture.
“I didn’t expect this commendation. It’s quite an honour,” he said.
The medal was presented at the squadron’s 59th annual ceremonial review which took place at the Norman Stibbs airfield. The cadets, their parents, police chief Wayne Holland, fire chief Simon Grypma and other dignitaries looked on and applauded the acknowledgement of Rempel’s contributions both to Nelson and Castlegar over the years.
“We’re lucky to have him running the squadron,” said Becky Quirk, chair of the squadron’s sponsoring committee. “I’m glad the Metis Nation of BC chose to highlight his years of work for this region. He is definitely deserving of this honour.”
In addition to being the captain of Nelson’s air cadet squadron, Rempel is the fire chief in Castlegar. Before becoming the captain of Nelson’s squadron, he served as the captain of Castlegar’s air cadet squadron for many years.
561 Osprey Air Cadet squadron has been a part of the Nelson community for 59 years. The program offers teens between the ages of 12 and 19 with opportunities to go gliding, camping, and attend summer camp as well as practice drill, range, first aid and other activities at the weekly meetings during the school year.
The annual ceremonial review marks the end of current year of activities. The air cadets will meet again on Wednesday evenings in September. More info? Call 250-505-5024.
Comments