Corporal Michael Benjamin receives Governor General’s commendation

By Devon C. Tasa, Tisdale Recorder

NORTHEAST — A former member of the Edmonton Jewish community, Cpl. Mike Benjamin, was one of the first responders that came to Humboldt Saskatchewan this month to receive a commendation from the Governor General for his response to the Broncos bus crash.

“During the minutes, hours and days following the tragedy, members of several close-knit community and protective services organizations answered the call and gave freely of their time and resources in support of the victims and their families,” the commendation said. “They’ve demonstrated tremendous courage, dedication and selflessness and are to be commended for their selfless service and generous spirit.”

Governor General Julie Payette presented the commendation at a reception at the Humboldt and District Gallery on Oct. 20, 2018.

“It’s with the thanks and gratefulness of all Canadians that I’m in the position to offer you this outstanding commendation for all of the first responders that helped in the tragedy,” Payette said.

Seven came to accept the commendation: Cpl. Mike Benjamin of the Tisdale RCMP, Evan Sisson of the Tisdale Fire Department, Cst. Lisa Reimer of the Nipawin RCMP, Bruce Pihowich of the Nipawin Fire Department, Maurice Lalonde of the Zenon Park Fire Department, Jessica Brost of Northeast EMS and Ryan Reimer with the conservation service.

Rob Muench, Humboldt’s mayor, said he was happy to see them there.

“It was nice to see them come here because of what they did for the team on the highway that night. It was good to have them represented.”

Also given a commendation were the citizens of Humboldt for demonstrating solidarity, strength and resilience by offering steady support to the families of the victims.

“This is one of the great privileges of this position, is to be able to recognize the extreme engagement and dedication of the community,” Payette said at the presentation ceremony at the Humboldt and District Gallery.

Muench accepted the commendation on behalf of the citizens.

The Governor General expressed hope that something positive would emerge from the tragedy.

“We can’t go back and redo this. If we could, we would immediately,” she said. “What we can do, though, is build on that memory and make something very good and very positive out of it. I think that’s exactly what’s happening in this community.”

On behalf of the Edmonton Jewish Community, Yasher Koach to all the first responders and particularly to Cpl. Benjamin, an Edmonton Talmud Torah and Menorah Academy alumni.

This article was originally published in The Tisdale Recorder, with text added from Edmonton Jewish News.