By Pepper Parr
May 21st, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
City Council meetings tend to be quick, to the point and done within half an hour.
Today wasn’t that different except when Mayor Meed Ward turned to the Recognitions and Achievements part of the agenda saying:
“I am so proud to extend my deepest gratitude and admiration on behalf of all of Council and staff and the community to the extraordinary individuals whose swift and courageous actions led to the successful rescues of three individuals in distress at three of our local pools. in moments of crisis.
Those who were involved at the rescues at three different swimming pool locations were asked to stand.
“It is the selflessness and bravery of individuals that truly shine and I’m immensely proud to acknowledge the exceptional efforts of our staff and citizens who rose to the occasion with unwavering resolve to our dedicated pool staff many of whom are here with us today. Your professionalism and quick response undoubtedly saved lives. Your commitment to ensuring the safety and well being of all patrons is commendable and deeply appreciated your decisive actions in administering CPR defibrillation and first aid and initiating rescue protocols are a testament to your unwavering commitment to safety. And to the team members who extended their support to the pool staff following the rescues your assistance in assuring ensuring the well being of our staff is deeply appreciated. Furthermore, extend my heartfelt heartfelt gratitude to the citizens including two paramedics who demonstrated remarkable courage and compassion in assisting with these rescues.
“Your willingness to lend a hand in a moment of crisis embodies the spirit of our community. And serves as an inspiring example to all of us. On behalf of my colleagues on Burlington city council, city staff and all residents in Burlington. I extend my sincerest thanks to each and every individual involved. Your actions exemplify the best of our community. And I’m profoundly grateful for your contributions to keeping our city safe.
At that point there was going to be the Mother of all photo ops. It was a squueze – but they made it happen,
There was hardly enough room for everyone involved to squeeze into thje space available – but they made it work.
The gentleman standing was one of the people saved by the fast action of people on the scene.
Fire Chief Karen Roach made a really important point: spoke reflecting on the importance of remaining vigilant and proactive in promoting water safety. Learn to swim, learn CPR and First Aid. It is through continued education, preparedness and cooperation that we can work together to ensure that the well being of all who visit our pools are safe. Whether through accidents or unexpected medical issues visitors to our pools we can enjoy their time knowing that they are in good hands. Our jobs as emergency responders are a lot easier when we know that there are highly trained and prepared staff on scene ready to jump in into action before we even arrive.
On behalf of everyone at the Burlington Fire Department. Well done. Congratulations and thank you to all of you.
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Oh look Councillor Rory Nisan made to the chamber after a 4 year absence . Guess he realized an election is happening and he should do some photo ops
Editor’s note: Councillor attends Council meetings on a regular basis unless he is elsewhere on city business.
Why was the fire department there. And the politicians???
Saving a life is a selfless act whereby nothing else can eclipse the feeling of having acted, many times without much forethought, planning or time to do so. Not sure what the photo-op was about.
Why the fire chief and politicians??