Paramedics Shawn Currier and Kim Weitzel were two of the four victims in this week’s tragic accident at a decommissioned mine in Kimberley, B.C.
CUPE 873 president John Strohmaier and a team of local executive and critical incident support workers are in Kimberley to help the paramedics’ families, colleagues and communities.
“As paramedics, we never know what the next call may bring, yet we will continue to put ourselves in harm’s way approximately 1,400 times a day in British Columbia,” Strohmaier said in a statement to his members.
“Although we face tragic events on a daily basis, none of us can ever be prepared to answer the call of a fallen sister or brother.”
CUPE 873’s safety officer will be involved in the ongoing investigation.
CUPE National President Paul Moist and National Secretary-Treasurer Claude Généreux have sent a condolence message on behalf of all members.
“We were devastated to learn of the tragic deaths of paramedics Shawn Currier and Kim Weitzel, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while trying to save others,” it read in part.
“On behalf of the entire membership of our union, we extend our condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of these two dedicated professionals. “