A father of three who died fighting a forest fire on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast became the first recipient of the province’s Medal of Good Citizenship.
Premier Christy Clark said Tuesday that 60-year-old John Phare exemplifies the purpose of the new medal, which recognizes commendable contributions to community life.
The contract tree faller died last July while fighting the Old Sechelt Mine blaze.
Clark said 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.
