2003
Interdepartmental
Fred Hollet, Wayne Churchill, Lynn Salter, Robert Picco, Rick Conway, David Hayley, Wayne Ricks
In February 2003, flood waters were forced into the Town of Badger after the Exploits River became jammed with ice. Eleven hundred residents were evacuated after many of the homes were partially submerged under more than a metre of water. Large sections of the town became encased in ice for the next several months as a result of extremely cold temperatures.
A response team of more than 90 skilled professionals was placed in the capable hands of individuals representing the then departments of Environment, Municipal and Provincial Affairs, Works, Services and Transportation, Human Resources and Employment, and Government Services and Lands. They coordinated a multitude of activities including, municipal, provincial, federal and private agency responses; transportation; infrastructure inspections; emergency social services; monitoring the constantly changing flood conditions; responses to local, national and international media; environmental, health and safety issues; as well as damage assessment and reinstatement of municipal infrastructure.
Through the collaborative approach of these leaders, in working with their teams, they assessed the situation and responded to the needs of the community. By empowering others to utilize their skills, experience and expertise in assessing and overcoming the challenges presented, this group helped quell the fears of a community in turmoil. This team’s members are quick to point out the role of the many others who worked tirelessly alongside them. Their leadership turned a natural disaster into a model of spirited, professional cooperation, demonstrating what the human spirit can achieve when everyone is invited to take part in the solution.