SPSA President's Awards
The President’s Awards recognize achievement in public safety in the province. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is seeking nominations for awards available to both youth and organizations that have shown leadership in emergency preparedness. An awards ceremony will be held in the spring of 2026.
The President’s Award for Youth honours a high school student within the Emergency Services Response Training Program that has shown their commitment, skill, dedication and interest in helping others.
Eligibility is limited to one student from each school that offers the Emergency Services Response Training Program. This award can also be presented to a youth or child who has demonstrated a special commitment to enhancing public safety or performing lifesaving measures.
The President’s Award for Prevention or Prevention Initiative honours a community, school or organization that has taken great steps to improve the preparedness within their specific jurisdiction. Consideration will be given to the impact on neighbouring communities.
“These awards help showcase the incredible work of youth and organizations in the province. It’s paramount that we recognize and appreciate the efforts of those who help to keep our province safe and prepared.” – Marlo Pritchard
2025 President’s Award External Winners
The President’s Award recognizes individuals and groups outside of the SPSA who demonstrate leadership, initiative, and a strong commitment to public safety. The 2025 external recipients have made meaningful contributions to safety, prevention, and emergency readiness in their communities.
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2025 President’s Award for Youth – Miriam Toure
Miriam was awarded the 2025 President’s Award for Youth for her initiative and leadership as a member of the student council at École Boréale in Ponteix. Her commitment to safety is evident through her work to promote a safe and bully‑free school environment.
She has completed first‑aid training and serves as a student health first responder. Miriam also helps educate younger students about staying safe near the nearby railway and supports other school safety initiatives.
2025 President’s Award for Youth – Durance Whitehead
Durance received the 2025 President’s Award for Youth for her leadership and enthusiasm in the Emergency Services Response training course at Wesmor High School in Prince Albert.
She played a key role in growing the course from three students to 13 students and regularly supports her peers by helping them learn skills such as properly putting on gear and understanding fire behaviour concepts. Durance plans to pursue a career as a registered nurse with a focus on emergency care.
2025 President’s Award for Prevention or Prevention Initiative – Melissa Winter
Melissa, Emergency Management Coordinator for the RM of Britannia, received this award for her ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency management awareness and preparedness throughout the RM. She is a strong advocate for evacuation readiness, including registering residents for the Saskatchewan Evacuation Registration (SER).
Among other initiatives, she organized an Emergency Awareness Family Fun Day that brought together more than 200 students and families. This award recognizes Melissa’s professionalism and passion for helping her community.
2025 President’s Award for Prevention or Prevention Initiative – Cliff Buettner
Cliff was recognized for his more than 20 years of work in wildfire prevention initiatives across Saskatchewan. He is dedicated to improving wildfire resilience while creating meaningful employment opportunities for Prince Albert Grand Council members.
Cliff is actively involved in the Type 2 firefighter program and has helped shape it by coordinating training and contracts. He is also a strong advocate for the FireSmart program and regularly promotes wildfire prevention efforts at conferences and workshops across North America.
2025 President’s Award for Prevention or Prevention Initiative – Keaton Cloud, Sam (Chox) Roberts and Chief Tammy Cook‑Searson
Keaton, Chox, and Chief Tammy Cook‑Searson received this award for their leadership in protecting the communities of La Ronge, Air Ronge, and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band from wildfire risks.
These communities have faced many wildfire threats over the past decade, including the Mallard Fire in 2019 and the Egg Fire in 2015.
This group strongly supports fuel management work on Crown and municipal land to reduce wildfire intensity while employing local workers to build community resilience. Their efforts have directly helped fire crews contain fires that posed serious threats to their communities.