Hundreds of firefighters throughout Saskatchewan will received the award. (Facebook/La Ronge Regional Fire Department)

By Derek Cornet

courage

Local firefighters receive Premier’s Commendation Award

Dec 16, 2025 | 12:50 PM

Members of the La Ronge Regional Fire Department (LRRFD) have received the Premier’s Commendation Award for their extraordinary efforts during the 2025 wildfire season.

“It’s welcomed to see our very own firefighters get recognized for their efforts this past summer from the premier himself,” Fire Chief Keaton Cloud wrote in an email to larongeNOW.

The tri-community was evacuated on June 2 after the fast-moving Pisew wildfire approached La Ronge near the airport. Overnight it swept just passed town and destroyed a handful of houses in the Eagle Point subdivision.

Strong winds persisted on June 3 when embers were blown into the downtown area causing RONA and Robertson Trading to be totally consumed by fire.

The evacuation period lasted 10 days, and along with local and Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency firefighters, members from nine other municipal fire departments responded to the tri-communities to help.

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“Firefighters experienced long days and nights with little sleep and traumatic events that are still being felt to this day,” Cloud wrote, adding local firefighters were tasked with direct fire attack, around the clock spot fire patrols, and protecting critical infrastructure.

Throughout the summer, the LRRFD received multiple requests for assistance, however, crews were only deployed to Ramsey Bay. Cloud noted they were tasked with setting up sprinklers, spot fire patrols, removing combustible hazards away from homes.

In addition, Cloud and Deputy-Chief Jay Wood were tasked with taking approximately five municipal fire departments under their command.

From 2012 to 2018, the Premier’s Commendation Award recognized Saskatchewanians, individually or in groups, who have conducted themselves bravely or meritoriously. In 2025, the program was revived to honour those who responded to the 2025 wildfire threats.

“The Premier’s Commendation recognizes those whose actions exemplify courage, responsibility and service to others,” Premier Scott Moe is quoted as saying in a media release issued earlier this month.

“Those honoured … responded decisively in moments of great need, demonstrating the strength of character and commitment that uphold the values of our province.”

Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency Type 1 firefighters and support personnel will be recognized at a separate event in early 2026.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com