Similkameen fire chief recognized with Medal of Good Citizenship

Fifteen British Columbians have been awarded the Medal of Good Citizenship, including a fire chief in the South Okanagan-Similkameen region.

Jody Woodford of Coalmont is the fire chief Colamont/Tulameen fire department and has been recognized for her dedication and service to her community.

Woodford was a volunteer firefighter for 10 years before becoming fire department chief in 2008.

In her winners’ bio, Woodford is recognized for her tireless efforts to support residents of Tulameen, Colamont and surrounding areas during the catastrophic flooding that happened in November 2021.

“While under supreme personal pressure regarding her own home flooding, she focused on coordinating her crew and other volunteers saving countless community members with numerous simultaneous land and water rescues,” reads the bio.

Woodford spent several long weeks, sometimes on only a few hours of sleep, leading her crew and local residents through the disastrous time. She helped direct teams from other fire departments and search and rescue teams from across the BC Interior who arrived to help.

She is responsible for initiating creative sourcing for life support, including clothing, medical supplies, food and shelter, as people escaped their flooding homes by boat, ATV or even swimming through flood waters.

Although recovery work and repairs are ongoing in Tulameen, Coalmont and the surrounding areas, Woodford continues to support her community and fellow residents, says her bio. This includes helping a senior neighbour rebuild her home before starting repairs on her own home.

Her team members and local residents describe Woodford as unselfish, an advocate, leader and a caring volunteer.

She also received the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers in 2016 and in 2014 she received the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award for her dedication and service to the Coalmont/Tulameen Fire Department.

The recipients of the Medal of Good Citizenship will be presented their medals at in-person ceremonies through the province in 2023.