The Strathcona Regional District and the Sayward Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department are honouring Patricia “Pat” Rusch for an impressive 20 years of service, recognizing her unwavering commitment to emergency response and community support in Sayward.
Rusch, the department’s Administrative Assistant, has been a cornerstone of local emergency services for two decades. In addition to managing the department’s administrative needs, she leads the First Responder program, demonstrating her hands-on role in preparedness and frontline care.
Fire Chief Frank Morgan commended her leadership and lasting influence on the department.
“Two decades of serving this community with courage, compassion, and a genuine love for what you do. You’ve given so much of yourself to this department, and we are honoured to celebrate this milestone with you,” he said, adding with a smile, “While I may be the Fire Chief, we all know Pat is the boss.”
Rusch’s contributions extend well beyond her current role. She has served as an Ambulance Unit Chief, volunteered with Emergency Support Services, sat on the Sayward Health Society board, and continues to train responders as a Red Cross Professional Responder Instructor Trainer. Her work has strengthened emergency response capacity across multiple organizations.
Colleagues describe her as the steady force behind the department. Shaun Koopman, Manager of Emergency Services for the Strathcona Regional District, highlighted her reliability and work ethic.
“Whether day or night, rain or shine, you’ll find Pat at one of the fire halls with her nose to the grindstone. I truly believe Pat is the example we should all try to emulate,” he said.
Sayward Volunteer Fire & Rescue provides fire protection, rescue services, and first responder support to the Village of Sayward and the surrounding Sayward Valley under Strathcona Regional District Bylaw No. 588.
Officials note that Rusch’s 20-year milestone underscores the essential role long-serving staff and volunteers play in maintaining dependable emergency services in small communities. Her broad experience and deep institutional knowledge continue to strengthen connections between fire services, health supports, and emergency preparedness efforts.
Her recognition also highlights the value of seasoned personnel in rural emergency response, where continuity and mentorship are vital. Leaders say Rusch remains a guiding presence as the department evolves to meet changing community needs.
The Strathcona Regional District and Sayward Volunteer Fire & Rescue expressed their gratitude for her decades of service, noting that her influence continues to shape both daily operations and the department’s future direction.
