Man who died fighting forest fire awarded B.C.’s first citizenship medal

VICTORIA – A father of three who died fighting a forest fire on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast has been named the first recipient of the province's Medal of Good Citizenship.

Premier Christy Clark says 60-year-old John Phare exemplifies the purpose of the new medal, which recognizes exemplary contributions to community life.

The lifelong forestry worker died last July while fighting the Old Sechelt Mine fire.

Clark says Phare was one of thousands of firefighters who displayed courage and sacrifice during this year's extensive and sometimes life-threatening forest fire season.

Phare's fiancee, Kimi Hawkes, accepted the medal at a ceremony at the B.C. legislature.

She says the medal is a special way to remember Phare.