Eskasoni Community Celebrates First Responders with Heartfelt Tribute

A special parade in honor of first responders took place on March 15, 2023, in Eskasoni First Nation, celebrating the vital work of local firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and mental health teams. The event drew a large crowd to the powwow grounds, where community members expressed their gratitude with applause, heartfelt speeches, and emotional tributes.

As the event unfolded, attendees enjoyed a meal provided by Chief Leroy Denny and the band council. The evening included award presentations, where speakers shared personal stories that highlighted the impact of first responders on the community.

Emotional Tributes and Memories

Esmond “Blue” Marshall, a District 3 councillor and career first responder, moved the crowd with his recollection of a life-threatening heart attack he experienced 15 years ago. “I had passed for 12 full minutes,” he recounted, “and my hero never left me. My hero is here today.” He pointed to paramedic Neil Derrick-Simon, who has dedicated over 35 years to emergency services in Eskasoni. Derrick-Simon began his career at just 16 years old and shared his vivid memories of responding to emergencies.

His mother, Wilma Simon, who served as a local dispatcher for 35 years, reflected on the family’s commitment to first responders. “Every one of my children chose this path,” she said, acknowledging the significant changes in the field due to technological advancements. After retiring from dispatch, she transitioned to work in mental health.

Acknowledging the Toll on First Responders

Chief Leroy Denny, who is also certified as a volunteer firefighter, emphasized the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by first responders. “It’s 24/7 non-stop. They’re tired, and we need to give back our energy to support them,” he stated. The past year has been particularly challenging for Eskasoni, with numerous tragedies affecting the community.

Community members confirmed that first responders have dealt with many emergencies, including accidents and suicides, which have taken a toll on their mental health. Chief Denny urged attendees to support former responders who may not have had access to the same mental health resources available today. “They had to deal with their mental health and PTSD issues on their own,” he noted.

The event also included appreciation for social workers, mental health teams, and crisis intervention staff, all of whom play crucial roles in the community’s well-being.

As the parade concluded, the sense of community solidarity was palpable. RCMP Sgt. Ian Campbell remarked, “We’re very grateful. This is a great turnout, and we feel appreciated.” Twelve-year-old Mary Lewis attended the event to honor her uncle, a former first responder, stating, “I want to be here to show how grateful I am to everyone.”

The parade commenced at Goat Island and made its way through town, where residents cheered and waved at the service vehicles passing by. The celebration culminated at the powwow grounds with families enjoying a barbecue meal while children played on inflatable attractions, creating a lively and thankful atmosphere.

The heartfelt event not only recognized the contributions of current first responders but also paid tribute to those from the past who laid the foundation for community safety and health in Eskasoni.