Mr. Speaker, yesterday evening in the Great Hall, I attended the ceremony to recognize the achievement of community firefighters in getting their certification as National Fire Protection Association of Professional Firefighters and Fire Service Instructors. Mr. Speaker, this is a three-year process requiring considerable personal time and commitment and requires the support of the government.

Thebacha has the benefit of two of their people being recognized; Mr. Bill Reimer and Mr. Bernie Minute. Mr. Speaker, they are part of the Fort Smith volunteer fire department. This is an organization that allows the people of Fort Smith to sleep easy in their beds at night knowing that, God forbid, should the need arise, they will have some very dedicated, well-trained volunteers who are going to come to their assistance in the event of a fire or the need of the services that the fire department provides.

It is a service that the community, like many communities in the Northwest Territories, would never be able to provide if it was not for the work, dedication and time dedicated by these volunteers. While recognizing the achievement of Mr. Reimer and Mr. Minute, I would also like to recognize that they are part of a large organization that the community is greatly indebted to, and whose services we greatly rely on and greatly enhances the quality of life and the safety of the people in Fort Smith and Thebacha. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause