A young North Westside firefighter has been awarded an inaugural scholarship for his contributions to the community.

Nicolaas Cantryn, 18, is the 2016 recipient of the North Westside Fire Rescue Society scholarship.

鈥淣颈肠 has proven to be a dedicated firefighter and community 尘别尘产别谤,鈥� said Jason Satterthwaite, fire chief.

鈥淥苍 his days off, you will find him at the hall cleaning up and washing fire trucks. We are very proud of this young man. He has shown a talent for first medical 谤别蝉辫辞苍蝉别.鈥�

Cantryn began his journey with the fire department as a junior firefighter at the age of 16. Once he graduated from secondary school in 2016, he completed his firefighter recruitment training at the Vernon Fire Training Centre.

鈥淲颈迟丑辞耻迟 hesitation or delay, he has quickly put the scholarship funds to good 耻蝉别,鈥� said Shawn Barnes, society president.

鈥淔颈谤别蹿颈驳丑迟别谤 Cantryn has recently completed his emergency medical responder certificate through the Justice Institute of B.C. We are all proud of him at North Westside Fire Rescue as he finished top of his 肠濒补蝉蝉.鈥�

The non-profit North Westside Road Firefighters 厂辞肠颈别迟测鈥檚 mandate is to ensure the betterment of the department and community. The group conducts fundraising activities throughout the year. Its members decided to set up a $1,000 annual scholarship for members of the department who are considering a professional emergency services career and wish to further their education.