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By Caden Fanshaw

AWARD

Cadets awarded for heroic efforts battling rural house fire

Aug 13, 2021 | 5:14 PM

.PRINCE GEORGE – Two cadets from just west of Prince George were recognized for their efforts in battling a rural house fire earlier this year near Cluculz Lake.

Flight Corporal Hannah Kalyn and her brother Corporal Gabriel Kalyn were each given Vice Chief of the Defense Staff Commendation Awards.

The award presentation came as a surprise to the siblings who were only told they were coming to Prince George for parade and drills.

When Commander Stephan Gresmak, Commanding Officer of Regional Cadet Support Unit Pacific announced the prestigious award, both Hannah and Kalyn were filled with emotion.

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“I am very honoured,” said Gabriel. “Our captain says only a few people ever get this award.”

Now the siblings have become the first cadets in recent memory to ever receive this recognition in our region.

Commander Gresmak said there are many active members of the Canadian Armed Forces who continue to try and get awards like this one, adding the ceremony today at the Connaught Youth Centre was extra fulfilling presenting the award to cadets.

The Kalyn siblings remembered that rural house fire that happened back in January 2020, both said they had no clue their actions would ever lead to national recognition.