Having no gear was of no concern for Lloydminster Fire Rescue firefighter Leonard Minish on Feb. 21, 2021. He just wanted to be able to do everything he could to save the people inside.
The fire broke out in a cul-de-sac on the city’s west end and had fully involved the garage and top floor when Minish arrived on scene, with no protective gear.
He wasted no time in deciding to put his life on the line to rescue those inside. By the time his co-workers arrived with trucks and equipment to fight the fire, he had already saved two people and two pets.
“I just thought that I know minutes count and I had to react quickly to make a difference,” Minish said. “I looked for them outside and they weren’t there, so I just ran to the house, made contact with them and yeah. That’s pretty much it.”
He saw a problem and decided to solve the problem, without much thought for his own safety. The part of that night that has stayed with him is simple.
“Knowing that I made a difference in saving the two neighbours and also reacting quickly and saving the other neighbour’s house,” he said.
That second save happened in the chaotic moments after the rescue, as fire crews began arriving.
“As the fire truck pulled on scene, I established water supply while they were deploying the deck gun. They drained the onboard tank right away, and if I didn’t get the water supply in as soon as I did, the other house would have caught on fire too,” Minish said. “The heat coming off it was cracking the windows already.”
Mayor Gerald Aalbers said the recognition reflects the kind of character often found in the community.
“Well, I think it’s tremendous. It speaks to an ordinary citizen. Now we have someone that actually serves in the fire and rescue service, and it’s really important that we recognize people that go above and beyond,” Aalbers said.
“And when you go into a burning structure without any fire protection when you’re a fireman, you’re risking your life more than you ever do even with the gear on. It’s always risky, but it speaks to the individuals we have in our community that care for each other, neighbours, friends, people driving down the street that see smoke and just go in and do what needs to be done.”
When asked how it feels to receive a national bravery commendation for something he viewed as part of the job, Minish said he wasn’t expecting the attention.
“I’m honoured to be recognized for doing what I did and I wasn’t expecting it,” he said. “It was good to be recognized for what we do, making a difference.”
For Minish, the reason he became a firefighter is the same reason he ran into that home without hesitation.
“To show my kids that doing good is easy and it’s always good to make a difference,” he said. “And I enjoy it. It’s been a lot of fun.”
Council formally recognized Minish’s Governor General’s Commendation for Bravery during Monday’s meeting.
Read more: VIDEO/GALLERY: Fire consumes home on city’s west side
