"These are the people who saved us," said Mayor Surinderpal Rathor, as he called Williams Lake Fire Department (WLFD) firefighters up for a presentation Aug. 13 at city hall.
The presentation took place during a regular council meeting and Rathor expressed his gratitude for members who attended the River Valley Wildfire on July 21, as it threatened businesses and homes in the community.
"Within minutes, it was do or die," said Rathor.
He said he couldn't find the words to properly express the appreciation he had for the work of the WLFD and other first responders who helped keep the wildfire from impacting more than the properties closest to the river valley edge.
Eleven members of the WLFD were in attendance at the regular council meeting to receive the framed certificate of appreciation and a framed photograph of the fire reaching the edge of the river valley along Mackenzie Avenue.
"It was absolutely amazing to see such rapid, incredible teamwork," said Joan Flaspohler, including BC Wildfire Service in her acknowledgement.
Councillor Sheila Boehm asked if the other agencies who came to help were also going to be recognized.
Chief Administrative Officer Gary Muraca said they were working on a local graphic design in order to present something to those who helped.
The Williams Lake River Valley is still closed to the public as the city works on moving into the recovery phase after the fire.
