First Responders Recognized! 
The First Responders Recognition program was initiated by the Rotary Club of Gravenhurst in partnership with the District of Muskoka Paramedic Services, Gravenhurst Fire Department and the Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police.  The recognition and presentations occur twice a year. On Thursday, October 10, we welcomed all three services to our lunch meeting for presentations. The program strives to recognize the outstanding service of our first responders, their staff or volunteers. The nominees are presented with a Rotary Club Challenge Coin and a donation of  $150 is made by the Rotary Club of Gravenhurst in the nominee’s name to a charity of their choice.
Deputy Chief Todd Clapp accompanied by High School Coop student, Mason Whipp presented an update on exciting developments with our Fire Department.
Based upon population, the local Fire Department operates solely on volunteer fire fighters. They will certify eight new members shortly!
A new fire truck has been ordered and is expected by the end of next year.
Two grants were awarded: The Emergency Preparedness Grant used for a “Structure Protection Unit” and the TransCanada Grant used for an additional gas detection unit.
“Community Connect” is a new initiative which is a means to share vital information. QR codes are posted in businesses and with the Fire Dept. Voyent Alert is similar, although not new. This is an app to notify the public of important local emergencies, for example.
New radio equipment has also been acquired, including mobile repeaters which help boost the signal in geographically challenging areas.
Mason has been active in all facets of the department, including prevention training and administration and even riding along in emergency response.
 
Chief Stuart McKinnon relayed the experience of two dedicated paramedics who have been partners for 10 years and demonstrated their professionalism in a unique call.
At about 1am, one spring morning, Lindsay Bourdon and Jodie Armstrong were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision in Algonquin Park. There was more than one patient, and the vehicle had struck a moose. A second ambulance on route also hit a moose, leaving them stranded on the side of the road! The next closest Paramedic crew was over an hour away. Lindsay and Jodie made the decision to assess, treat, and transport both critically injured patients at the same time. On the way to the hospital, Lindsay and Jodie made another tough decision. They stopped briefly to ensure the other crew was fine and then carried on. All of this was extremely unusual and challenging in that emergency departments often see 8 or 10 nurses/doctors looking after a single trauma victim, but in this case, there were two trauma victims being treated by one Paramedic. Also, to know that your peers and Paramedic family members were put in harms way, but knowing you need to carry on with your duties is very difficult.
 
Lindsay and Jodie decided to have their $150 donation in their name made out to the Muskoka OSPCA.
 
 
Inspector Wade Beebe of the OPP, described the incredible efforts of Constable Samantha Bigley. She has been named the Community Service Officer but performs duties tirelessly across many community initiatives.
Samantha works with the CMHA Muskoka-Parry Sound addressing the opioid crisis. In presentations, they have included family members to share their experience on the impact of the addiction. She has presented to over 500 people.
In 2023, she was involved in the following projects…to name a few!
Gravenhurst University Women’s Group, Probus, Muskoka Lakes, Moose Deer Point, (a key relationship with the indigenous community there), GHS parent engagement, she spoke on behalf of the OPP with the United Way, and this summer, hosted several community BBQ’s as a summer outreach for youth to forge a positive relationship with young residents. Samantha works evenings and weekends for these causes and beyond!
 
Samantha has chosen Mind-aid Muskoka for the $150 to be donated in her name.