Wes Burley and Jordan Horan will be in La Ronge until September. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

fire department

New recruits arrive in La Ronge, Ricklefs wins Firefighter of the Year

Apr 14, 2025 | 4:00 PM

Two new firefighters will be in the tri-communities until September as part of the Work Experience Firefighting Program.

The program, which has been in place with the La Ronge Regional Fire Department since 2022, is designed to provide recent fire school graduates with hands-on experience in the field. Those selected to join the highly competitive program are Wes Burley, 22, from Ajax, Ont., and Jordan Horan, 29, of Ancaster, Ont.

Both men are fully certified Level 2 structural firefighters. Over the next five months or so, they will be involved with patrols, community outreach, public education, training and firefighting.

“We have a decent call volume here, so it is good to have them here. It helps both us and them,” Deputy-Fire Chief Jay Wood said.

Burley was most recently involved in wildland firefighting in Australia for three months. He decided to apply for the position in La Ronge because the opportunity presented itself and he’s interested in learning firefighting techniques in different environments.

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So far, he has described living in La Ronge as a slower pace of life.

“Everyone actually kind of wants to know you and they’re not sort of caught up and busy in their own lives. It’s just a nice wholesome community,” Burley said.

Horan is also looking forward to joining the crew in La Ronge. He’s had experience in different mechanical and administrative careers and he spend a period of time working as a behavioral therapist for children and adults. Horan noted he also want to take advantage of the opportunity being offered.

“It’s always been something I was interested in,” he said.

“I really liked the altruism aspect of helping people, helping the community, getting involved. I just loved that it’s a constant skills development. Every day and every year is just constantly learning, developing and growing.”

Ricklefs wins Firefighter of the Year

On Saturday, the La Ronge Regional Fire Department also hosted its annual Firefighter’s Ball. It’s a chance for the department to raise funds for fire victims, as well as recognize the accomplishments of their own.

Paul Ricklefs was honoured as the 2024 Firefighter of the Year, John Dantes was the Most Active Member, Cpt. Brent McDougall received a 20-year Service Award, Lt. Robbie Bender received a 15-Year Service Award, and Stephen Divinagracia and Cassidy Carlson both receive Five-Year Service Awards.

In addition, retired Capt. Fred Jorgensen received a 20-Year Exemplary Fire Service Medal.

Paul Ricklefs was honoured with the award on Saturday. (Facebook/La Ronge Regional Fire Department)

The Firefighter of the Year Award is determined by a vote of department firefighters.

“He’s a hard worker. He’s always doing stuff to help out the community,” Wood said about Ricklefs.

“He’s with air search and rescue as well. He’s a good person to have on our crew and a good person to have in our community.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com