The Dean of the Lakeland Emergency Training Centre has been recognized with an international service award.
Chris Senaratne was given the Johnny G. Wilson Memorial Award, one of two commendations at the ProBoard annual conference, which was held virtually on January 11th. The award recognizes Senaratne’s lifelong commitment and advocacy to the fire service.
Senaratne says he was surprised and humbled to receive the award, and he has always prioritized professionalism through a commitment to the field, maintaining sound working relationships with colleagues, and a consistent standard of ethics.
He has served with the Lakeland Emergency Training Centre since 1991, becoming Dean in 2004. He is involved in training over 1,800 students a year in courses like firefighting and fire officer training, emergency services technology and applied business in emergency services.
The course also uses the centre’s training grounds at the Vermilion campus to conduct numerous live practices in place with up to date equipment.
Jim Estepp, chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications, also congratulated Senaratne on the award, saying he is a tireless advocate for the value of certification for emergency services personnel, and that his work is highly appreciated and valued.
The ProBoard, established in the 1980s, works to be an internationally-recognized way of recognizing work and achievement in the fire service.