2024 Winners

John is currently a Wildfire Officer with the BC Wildfire Service. He has over 24 years of experience in wildfire response, along with an unwavering dedication to service.

Throughout his impressive 24 plus years, John has made a big impact on the communities and people he has worked with.

John has not only safeguarded communities but has worked to foster relationships with the public and various Indigenous communities to build collaborative connections. His deep care for the communities is evident in his work.

Under his leadership, the BC Wildfire Service Quesnel Zone has flourished, and his advocacy for wildfire prevention through communities across the province has made him a champion of FireSmart initiatives.

Whether it is coordinating evacuation plans during emergencies or tirelessly promoting fire preparedness at community events, John’s dedication to public safety knows no bounds. He has demonstrated courage, integrity and an unwavering commitment to service.

Dr. Sonja Leverkus is the Founder and Senior Fire Lead at Northern Fire WoRx. She has worked in wildfire response for over 10 years.

Sonja is a highly-qualified fire professional, as well as a strong leader, teacher, and innovator. Throughout her career, Sonja has worked across Western Canada, from fire response to planning and implementing prescribed fire projects.

As the leader of a team in Fort Nelson, composed of local Indigenous community members, she has fostered a culture of inclusion and empowerment while also managing a company, called Shifting Mosaics, focusing on wildfire planning and project development.

Sonja’s impact extends beyond her team and company. She has published numerous reports and holds an adjunct professor position with the University of Alberta, where she continues to inspire and educate future generations of fire professionals. Her dedication to safety is unwavering, ensuring that her crew follows WorkSafeBC protocols.

Sonja has the ability to bridge gaps between communities with different understandings of fire response and action.

Patrick is a Crewleader for the Nicola Knights Unit Crew with the BC Wildfire Service. He has worked in wildfire response for 32 years.

Patrick has been a pillar of strength within the BCWS unit crew program. He has exemplified resilience and dedication, and his leadership has fostered a culture of comradery within the Nicola Knights, where every member is valued, respected and supported.

Patrick continues to set the standard for excellence. His impact extends to mentoring young firefighters. His passion for the profession, instilling a sense of pride and his appreciation for the role is contagious. His leadership, courage and integrity have earned him the respect of all of those who have worked alongside him.

Thank you, Partick for your leadership and unwavering commitment to service protecting Our Forests and Communities.

Darryl Adrian is an emergency management coordinator with the Lillooet Tribal Council. He has worked in wildfire response for 28 years.

Darryl has been a beacon of support for the communities he serves, working tirelessly to ensure their safety and well-being in the face of wildfire emergencies. His dedication spanning various capacities within BCWS, the Ministry of Forests, and the Lillooet Tribal Council is a testament to the work ethic Darryl shows in all that he does.

Darryl’s leadership has been instrumental in creating accessible training for community members, ensuring that everyone, regardless of learning barriers, has the opportunity to contribute to wildfire emergency response efforts.

His humility, passion and dedication to helping communities is evident in every action he takes, as he continues to champion safety. Darryl has spent countless hours looking for innovative ways to protect communities and ensure they have the necessary training and resources to respond to emergencies effectively. His commitment to thinking outside of the box and prioritizing safety has earned him the respect and admiration of those that have worked alongside him.

Chad Desjarlais is a crew leader with Rider Ventures Ltd. He has worked in wildfire response for four years. Chad joined his company with no experience, yet through determination and a relentless work ethic, he has risen from a crew member to a crew leader, to a strike team leader for a specialized task force. Chad’s career growth is a testament to his commitment to excellence in everything he does.

His diligent efforts in his role have been instrumental in preventing catastrophic results and reducing the risk of major fires in the area. Chad’s passion for his work is evident as he leads his team with enthusiasm, positivity and genuine love for what he does. Despite starting with little experience and facing personal challenges, Chad has blossomed into a confident emerging leader. His achievements to date speak volumes about his character and dedication.