Two Lambton College students are getting some financial help through a scholarship which honours a former Sarnia firefighter and professional hockey player.
Recipients of the Rick Fraser Memorial Fire Science Award were announced Wednesday during an event held at Lambton College Fire School.
The award was created in honour of the late Rick Fraser, who died of cancer at the age of 66 on November 16, 2020.
The award and accompanying scholarship worth $2,500 was established by Debbie and Dave Brown, Fraser's brother-in-law.
Brown made a speech during Wednesday's ceremony and called the event bitter-sweet. He later said in an interview with Sarnia News Today that it's gratifying for the entire family to know that Fraser's legacy will live on.
"He was so dedicated to his profession," said Brown. "It's an incredible and important role and profession and we as a community, as a whole, really appreciate that this profession exists. We want to make sure that we support it accordingly."
The award was initially intended to go to one student but based on academic standing, leadership and community involvement, two were selected to each receive $2,500.
One of the recipients was third-year student Trayce Shaw, 27.
Originally from Calgary, Shaw was familiar with the area and the school because his father grew up in Sarnia. Shaw said his desire to become a firefighter stems from the passion it takes to serve a community.
"It's not just a job. You don't just collect a pay cheque. You've made the decision to serve others for the rest of your life and that's something that really attracted me to it," he said. "I've always enjoyed helping people but this is just a whole other level to that, that also challenges myself."
The sense of service is one of the key values the school aims to instill in its Fire Science students, according to Lambton College President and CEO Rob Kardas.
"That they understand that by putting that uniform on, they're putting others before [themselves] and I think that's really the key value," he said. "Obviously along with professionalism, integrity, and honesty -- they're all critical values."
Kardas said it's an honour to recognize the legacy of Fraser and know that a financial burden is being lifted for students.
"To honour his legacy by providing scholarships just speaks to the significant generosity of Dave and Deb Brown, this will be the fourth scholarship that they've provided for students," said Kardas. "The most significant barrier for students is financial."
Shaw, who was also recently hired at the school as a technician, agreed the financial support does help with associated expenses.
"There's a lot of training that goes into firefighting and just finishing fire school is the beginning of all that. There's still a lot more things that you need to do and it is very expensive," said Shaw. "I'm so humbled by the Fraser family and the Brown family for deciding to award me this money and it's going to go a long way in helping pursue my goal and further myself."
The second award recipient was Alicia Barbas who was unable to accept the award in-person but instead submitted a video to express her appreciation.
