Local firefighters commended for off-duty lifesaving efforts
Two North Battleford firefighters were honored by Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre on Friday at Government House in Regina during the Saskatchewan Royal Canadian Humane Association (RCHA) Lifesaving Awards ceremony. The event highlighted their heroic, off-duty actions that saved a local woman's life in May 2026.
The official RCHA nomination details the incident:
“At about 8:10am on May 1st, 2026, while heading home after a night shift, off-duty North Battleford firefighter James Bright noticed a female, who appeared to be in distress, preparing to climb over the railing on the Battlefords bridges connecting Battleford with North Battleford. Bright, fearing for the safety of the woman, called the fire department office and told the dispatch person to notify Fire Chief Lindsay Holm of the situation.
Immediately, Chief Holm headed to the scene and while en route, advised the office to call 911 and requested police to attend. Upon arrival, Chief Holm saw a female standing on the bottom rung leaning over the railing. Holm exited his vehicle, made contact, and establishing a rapport with the female. After about five minutes talking to her, Holm had convinced the female to step off the railing and walk with him to safety. He escorted her to the RCMP that had arrived on scene and she was transported for medical care at Battlefords Union Hospital.”
For his vital role in de-escalating the situation and ensuring the woman's safety, Chief Holm received the RCHA Honorary Testimonial. Firefighter James Bright was also recognized by the Lieutenant Governor for his quick thinking and recognition of the signs of distress.
The City of North Battleford congratulates and thanks both firefighters for their exemplary service, which, in this circumstance, extends well beyond beyond their standard emergency duties.
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For more information:
Candace Toma, Public & Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator
306-441-0713 | publicrelations@cityofnb.ca