Manitoba Loses Our of Our Own

The following is submitted by MPHG secretary, Kevin Martin.


On May 8, 2008, North-East EMS lost one of their colleagues in a tragic workplace accident at the Atomic Energy of Canada facility in Pinawa, Manitoba.

Mike Motycka, husband, father, biologist, paramedic and firefighter was killed while doing what he loved, working as a biologist. Shortly after the tragedy, the Manitoba Paramedic Honour Guard was requested to participate in the funeral ceremony by leading a parade of responders and dignitaries to pay homage to Mike and his family. After much planning, all the while ensuring the wishes of the family were paramount, it was decided the parade would occur through Lac du Bonnet from the ambulance station to the Civic Centre.

The morning of May 13, I arrived in Lac Du Bonnet, to be briefed on the parade route and events of the day. It had been decided that the RCMP would lead the procession followed by an ambulance and then by a fire engine. Immediately following was the Paramedic Honour Guard, proudly displaying the flags of our nation and province. Following close behind where the RCMP in their Red Serge, EMS and Fire from the community and the region. Closing up the rear were dignitaries from the community, provincial EMS and fire.

The parade proceeded as planned with many community members stopping to show their respects to Mike and his family. On our arrival at the civic centre, members of the parade formed up to allow Mike’s wife, Brenda, and his children to enter the centre while receiving a general salute from the parade. It was a very moving experience for everyone involved. Mourners then quickly took their seats so the service could proceed. The service was well attended and allowed family, friends and colleagues to say their goodbyes, yet reflect on their relationship with Mike.

This is the first time that the Honour Guard has been called on in our home province to lead such an event, and we hope that our efforts brought comfort to the family.

In closing, thanks to all who assisted in the planning of the service and parade and those who came and joined us to pay their respects to Mike’s family

My first MPHG trip

The following is from MPHG member, Wade Fisher, with his thoughts about MPHG's first activation for a LODD in B.C.

So, the day finally came when we had to put those fancy uniforms on. This is it; let’s show the country how hard we’ve practiced our drill training and how good we all look. Personally, I have never felt so proud. I have only been to one other Line of Duty Death and I did not have a proper uniform to wear. However, this time I did and I wore it proudly. I walked tall and represented my fellow brothers and sisters of Manitoba. Attending a Paramedic memorial service brings up lots of emotions, but add the fact he was only 39, four years older than I. It was a great honor to be in British Columbia representing Paramedics from Manitoba.

There were paramedics from all across Canada asking about our new uniforms and how great they looked. It was amazing to see paramedics from all over Canada socializing, sharing stories, and you come to realize that you are part of a huge family that extends from coast to coast. We all had the same concerns and complaints, but in the end we all still proceeded to go to work at the start of our shifts to make sure our communities are safe. It was neat to hear about some of the different practices that are going on in different parts of the country. I came to realize then, that we have our issues, but in the end, there is lots of good. Yes, we still have a long way to go, but we are getting there.

In closing, I would like to thank the executive members who without their hard work, I would not be able to say, “I am a Manitoba Paramedic Honor Guard Member”.

Wade Fisher
Paramedic
Lac Du Bonnet EMS