Six Cochrane area residents are among the 19 service leaders in the Banff-Airdrie constituency to be presented the King Charles III Coronation Medal by local MP Blake Richards.
Cochranites Alex Baum, Monica Bautista, David Hisey, Dan Kroffat, and Brian Winter were awarded the medals at a ceremony yesterday at the Cochrane Legion Hall.
Tracey Carson accepted a post-humous medal for her husband Kelly Carson.
The recipients truly personify the quality of selfless service to others that King Charles III wishes to recognize, states Richards in a news release.
The medals represent Royal recognition of the efforts of “individuals of all ages and from all walks of life” that have made a “significant contribution to their country, a province, territory, or community.”
“These recipients have made a real difference in their communities and more than meet the Royal criteria for the medals,” states Richards in a news release. “They have earned the respect and admiration of their fellow citizens, and they are more than deserving of this recognition today. Congratulations to them all.”
The recipients were chosen by a panel from a field of hundreds of nominees.
ALEX BAUM was recognized for his decades of philanthropy in the Town of Cochrane and beyond. A long-time Rotarian, he is co-chairing the steering committee looking to link Cochrane and Calgary with a 38-kilometre recreational pathway. His efforts helped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Big Hill Haven, the Girl Guides’ Camp Jubilee, and countless other community initiatives, events, and fundraisers. His generosity has helped shape the caring, vibrant community of Cochrane.
MONICA BAUTISTA was recognized for her endeavors with the Filipino-Canadian Association of Cochrane Alberta (FCACA), and the work they do to bring Cochrane’s Filipino community together while giving back to their neighbors. Monica, along with FCACA, have helped to organize volunteer events, offer helping hands in Cochrane to those who need it, and fundraise for community endeavors both here and in the Philippines. They have shared their vibrant culture with the Town of Cochrane while instilling the values of service and friendship.
KELLY CARSON was recognized for his tireless efforts in promoting local small businesses, which are the backbone of any thriving community. His work as the executive director for the Cochrane & District Chamber of Commerce led to the Chamber being awarded Chamber of the Year in 2021. He was the face of small businesses in Cochrane and always had a smile for everyone he met. Sadly, he passed away this April, but his contributions to his community will not be forgotten.
DAVID TODD HISEY was recognized for his dedicated service to his country as an officer of the Canadian Army for 22 years. With three overseas deployments in those years and seeing the sometimes-devastating impacts of those deployments, Todd has since dedicated his time to helping fellow veterans and first responders through his program, The Veteran Hunters. Designed to promote healing through therapeutic outdoor adventures, the work that he has done in acknowledging and providing recreational relief for those suffering from PTSD has been invaluable.
DANIEL KROFFAT was recognized for his remarkable contributions to the community of Cochrane. He has previously received the Order of Cochrane for his tireless dedication and exceptional ability to forge collaborative relationships that both inspire and positively impact the whole town. Fundraising for “Right to Play,” a seniors centre, and the Cochrane cenotaph are just a few endeavors that he assisted or spearheaded in Cochrane. He fully embodies the spirit of community in Cochrane, as everyone benefits from his commitment and enthusiasm for any task at hand.
BRIAN WINTER was recognized for his decades of service as a first responder within the Town of Cochrane, as both the fire chief and chief paramedic in Cochrane for many years. He was responsible for helping implement Cochrane’s first ambulance services back in the 1980s and spent his career trying to better the emergency services for the residents of Cochrane. This has culminated in the creation of the Cochrane & Area Health Foundation to bring awareness to the need of expanded access to emergency services for Cochrane’s growing population.
Also recognized were Wendy Contant, Stan Cowley, Kate Eklund, Shawnee Hoffman, Frank Kernick, David Maffitt, William Martin, Major Patricia Murphy, Adrian Pruden, Mohammad Fahd Bin Shaukat, William Stewart, Randy Van Dorsten, and Adam Waterous.
The medal was personally approved by His Majesty and struck by the Royal Canadian Mint based on a design by the Canadian Heraldic Authority. It marks the occasion of the May 6, 2023 coronation of King Charles III.