BONNYVILLE – The Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority (BRFA) has named its new emergency services building “North Star,” based on a suggestion from Cassidy Burgess, a primary care physician for EMS.
BRFA staff are set to begin moving into the building, with its brand-new name, this month.
BRFA CAO Darren Sandbeck said, “Cassidy’s suggestion was unique in that it evolved out of a conversation with her sons.”
Burgess explained that the North Star is often referred to as the star that does not move and explained the significance she felt the notion had to emergency services.
“I feel that emergency services act as an immovable force that will always be present to guide and help in all times. In wayfinding, people look to the North Star and when people in the community need direction or help, they look to us,” said Burgess.
Sandbeck explained that the BRFA had asked staff for name suggestions and had received dozens of responses.
“[E]arlier this month, representatives from each division and the BRFA board met to review and decide upon a name,” said Sandbeck.
Sandbeck reported that administration staff was planning move operations to North Star, during the week of Jan. 20.
“A staged approach will see Station 5 – Bonnyville operate out of the building by May 1, 2025, and for the EMS and Communications Divisions to move through the spring and summer,” Sandbeck explained.
The BRFA assures residents that all phone and e-mail contacts will remain the same, and that there will be no disruption in service or office hours.
“This is an exciting time in the history of the BRFA as we move all divisions into a single building, under one roof operating in a coordinated fashion across the organization,” said Alicia Krawchuk, BRFA regional chief of emergency services.
