Wood Buffalo Municipality Honours 4Refuel Employee
A 4Refuel employee has been recognized for his community stewardship and courage while assisting first responders during the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires. Operations Lead Hand Michael Rose was honoured by the Wood Buffalo municipality at a recent ceremony.
He was one of a number of civilians—ranging from nurses to those supplying food and water—who supported first responders battling the wildfire to receive the award for public service. More than 80,000 people were forced to flee from the northern Alberta city during the complete evacuation of all residents.
Michael and his team from Fort Mac volunteered to stay behind to fuel the many fire trucks and emergency vehicles on hand to fight the blaze. Members of the Edmonton group also made arrangements for the safe transport and housing of their families, while others selflessly offered to bring additional assets to Fort McMurray to support the situation.
On the first day of the fire, Michael drove to the nearest fire hall and immediately offered the services of 4Refuel to the emergency services of Fort McMurray. He and his crew were quickly identified as essential services and participated as the primary fuel suppliers of the Fire Department on the front lines for the duration of the month-long mission. They were housed in the camps alongside many other responders.
4Refuel Operations Lead Hand Michael Rose (left) and Certified Refuelling Professional Never Bere after the ceremony in Fort McMurray.
In his own words, Michael describes the experience:
“Without us, the firefighters couldn't do their job. Because if they ran out of fuel, they can't pump water and fire trucks can't run. It was essential to have those essential services. We were here from the very start to the end.”
4Refuel President and CEO Larry Rodo commended Rose and his team for their efforts.
“At 4Refuel, we value the importance of not only being a good corporate citizen but valuable citizens in the communities where we work, live and play. As proud Canadians we understand the significance of our role,” he said.
“You don’t turn your back on people when they need help, it’s who we are, and Michael exemplified that…we are very proud of him.”