The memory of a long-serving firefighter lives on in a new student award established by the Justice Institute of British Columbia.
In recognition of the life and contributions of former Prince George firefighter, Floyd Stene, an award was created by his family of three generations of first responders who wanted to recognize his 55 years of service.
"My dad joined the Prince George Fire Department when he was just 21," said his son Carl Stene, an RCMP officer in the Okanagan.
"He retired as deputy fire chief and he did tons of training and teaching. My son, Uriah is a JIBC graduate. He is also on a paid on-call fire department and a full member of B.C. Ambulance."
Keeping the legacy alive and in the family is integral but according to Carl's wife Lori, the memory of her father-in-law who passed away in 2013 should reach the community by helping others.
"For my wife, the idea was all about helping out," Stene said. "If it's a passion, then let's put the money where your mouth is by helping with tuition and food. Being in school can be hard, so any little bit helps."
Floyd Stene had a passion for his community through his work as a firefighter, mentor and facilitator and he believed to be successful as a first responder, you need a passion for service.
"You could always count on him," Stene said.
"My dad was so knowledgeable, he loved his job but he also had a love for the great outdoors and he was also considered quite the 'fixer upper.' But when he did retire, he assisted First Nations with fire halls and training and he played a vital role in bringing the International Fire Association to Prince George."
"He was also instrumental in bringing scuba to the fire department in Prince George. He kept working until his very last year. He was invested in helping out," Stene said.
The Floyd Stene Memorial Award recognizes the service and dedication given to those around him.
"We decided to establish this award to memorialize dad and to give people who are passionate about serving others some assistance in following their dreams," Stene said. "My dad spent a lot of time training others so we thought it appropriate that we would continue to give to training others through this award."
The Justice Institute of British Columbia is a public, post-secondary educational institution in New Westminster which is focused on training professionals in the justice, public safety and social services fields.
"This new award, established in memory of Floyd's remarkable career and service, will have a strong impact on helping students follow their passion to be first responders in the same way as three generations of the Stene family," said Tracy Campbell, executive director with the Justice Institute of British Columbia Foundation.
"We are honoured the family chose to support JIBC and our public safety heroes of tomorrow."
The ward is a $1,000 annual award.
Applicants must be B.C. residents enrolled in one of the following JIBC programs: Fire Fighter Technologies Certificate, Law Enforcement Studies Diploma, Bachelor of Law Enforcement Studies, Primary Care Paramedic or Advanced Care Paramedic.
Applications are accepted until Oct. 30.
For more information, visit pgc.cc/2yGVnoj.
