Cobourg council honoured the three first responders responsible for preventing a potential fatality
Cobourg Fire Engine. By Dan Jones N897 LJI.
By: Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News
Cobourg
Cobourg council took a few minutes at Wednesday's meeting to honour three of its first responders – Fire Prevention Officer Jennifer Cooper, along with Cobourg Police Sgt. Janice MacDonald and Constable Paolo Sylvester.
The award presentation came just after council viewed the new fire-prevention public-service film the Cobourg Fire Department put together – with local actors and expertise, Chief Ellard Beavan noted – called In A Minute.
Afterwards, Chief Administrative Officer Tracey Vaughan recognized what she termed “three incredible staff.”
“Their actions reflect the very best of public service, empathy, professionalism and teamwork,” Vaughan said, introducing the three and praising their strengths.
With more than 20 years of excellence in fire service, Cooper was recognized for her professionalism and ability to engage residents respectfully. McDonald brings to the table “strong operational experience with empathy and insight of the social realities of community safety.” And as seen in his work with the Mental Health Engagement And Response Team, Sylvester has the “ability to build trust and collaborate across agencies.”
In February 2025, they responded to a call about a resident with mental health issues and unsafe living conditions, responding with patience empathy and respect. They spent a good amount of time building trust with that resident, and ultimately installed two smoke alarms.
Five months later, they responded to a fire at that address.
“She was asleep when the alarm activated. It woke her in time to escape safely with her dog. Without that smoke alarm, she almost surely would not have survived,” Vaughan related.
“That video message, every second counts, is vividly illustrated by this community event,” she said of Chief Beavan's film.
“This collaboration demonstrates community safety is more than emergency response. It's about prevention, compassion and working together to meet people where they are.
“You went above and beyond your roles and, in doing so, you saved a life.”
