News | February 8, 2023 

At the Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, awards with great distinction was bestowed upon five very deserving Mackenzie County employees.  Reeve Knelsen and Deputy Reeve Sarapuk had the honour of presenting the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal to; Byron Peters, Caitlin Smith, Don Roberts, Jennifer Batt and John Zacharias.

The Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal has been awarded to 7,000 Albertans in 2022, in recognition of their significant contributions to the province. Mackenzie County recipients are awarded as follows:

Byron Peters ~ Working tirelessly as a leader in the Emergency Operations Centre for Mackenzie County during the Chuckegg Wildfire 2019 and Fort Vermilion Floods 2018 and 2020. Mr. Peters has inspired his team with his innovation and leadership protecting the citizens of Mackenzie County.

Caitlin Smith ~ Innovation and cultural sensitivities leadership contributed by Ms. Smith allowed the County to develop communications plans for the evacuations in the County over the 2018 – 2022 period. Ms. Smith was responsible for the Alberta Emergency Alerts, and communication to the public.

Don Roberts ~ With unwavering commitment and devotion to duty Mr. Roberts has made a significant difference and highly professional contribution to the Mackenzie County emergency response to the 2018, 2020 Fort Vermilion Floods, 2019 Chuckegg Wildfire and 2021, 2022 overland floods.

Jennifer Batt ~ With unwavering commitment and devotion to duty Ms. Batt has exemplified levels of public service leading the finance sections in the Emergency Operations Centre of Mackenzie County.

John Zacharias ~ Under extreme circumstances, Mr. Zacharias was coordinating the supply of potable water for the communities of La Crete and Fort Vermilion during the Floods 2018 and 2020. His hard work keeping these plants online while wells were inaccessible and under flood waters made the difference for success.

(left to right) Reeve Josh Knelsen, Byron Peters, Caitlin Smith, Don Roberts, Jennifer Batt, John Zacharias and Deputy Reeve Walter Sarapuk