Firefighter honoured for making a difference

VERNON – A Vernon firefighter has received the Governor General's Caring Award for all the time he spends not fighting fires.

With an embarrassed smile on his face, Captain Chris Kulak with Vernon Fire Rescue Services received the award from fire chief Keith Green and Mayor Rob Sawatzky at Monday's city council meeting.

"One of the great privileges of my position is that I get the honour of recognizing individuals within our city who make a difference," Sawatzky said.

Kulak's volunteer and fundraising accomplishments are impressive. He has worked with the Cancer Society, Hospice House, the Salvation Army, Muscular Dystrophy Canada, the International Association of Firefighters and the B.C. Professional Firefighters Burn Fund.

Just last year, he raised $24,000 for the Burn Fund.

The Governor General's Caring Canadian Award was created in 1995 to recognize individuals who help to build a more caring nation and the positive impact they have on the lives of others.

Kulak will travel to Ottawa later this year to be formerly presented the award by the Governor General.

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