WHITECOURT — A former Woodlands County councillor and chief of the Blue Ridge volunteer fire department, Dave Jackson, was recently presented the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in recognition of his contributions to his community and the municipality.
Dave was presented the medal by Coun. Bruce Prestidge, who represents the community of the Blue Ridge, at the Woodlands County council meeting on March 1.
Jackson said it was an honour to receive the medal and indicated his appreciation for all those involved in his nomination.
However, he also insisted that credit be given to Edna “for the volunteer work that she has done in Blue Ridge and for the county.”
In his opening remarks, reeve John Burrows said the Platinum Jubilee Medal commemorates the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada upon the death of her father, King George VI, on Feb. 6, 1952.
He noted that Her Late Majesty’s coronation on June 2, 1953, was hosted at Westminster Abbey and made history as the first coronation to ever be televised and viewed by 27 million people in the United Kingdom, as well as millions more in Canada and around the world.
“Her Late Majesty expressed her wish that the Jubilee events be an occasion for enjoying a sense of togetherness and optimism about the future. That makes today the perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements of people who make our community better,” Burrows said.
More than 7,000 Albertans were set to be presented the medals throughout 2022 and early 2023 for their significant contributions to the province.
Burrows concluded by describing Jackson as an example of an individual who leads rather than wait to be led, and who tackles head-on and sees them as opportunities instead of obstacles.
Prestidge said that Dave and Edna had moved to the area in 1976 and purchased the Cottonwood Service Station, which is still in operation.
They went on to become impactful members of the Lions Club, the Blue Ridge Community League and the Golden Age Club, he said.
Furthermore, Jackson served with the Blue Ridge fire department for 24 years, including 10 as chief.
As well, he also represented the Division 5 seat on Woodlands County council from 1998 to 2004.
“Mr. Jackson’s contributions to Woodlands County have positively affected the quality of life and wellbeing for many residents,” Prestidge said.
