Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Nov 19/01) - In a ceremony complete with dark cloaks, broad-swords, silver regal trumpets and flag-bearers, seven Northerners received awards in Ottawa last Friday for serving their communities.

The St. John Ambulance Investitures took place in the Christ Church Cathedral on Nov. 16. Afterwards, Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson held a reception at a residence.

Jeremy Hamburg, a firefighter, paramedic and first aid instructor in Iqaluit, will be invested into the order of St. John as a serving brother.

Hamburg said he doesn't teach for recognition, but was pleasantly surprised when he received notice in the mail. "It's an honour," he said.

Teaching has other rewards, said Hamburg. "I've come to ambulance calls where my students were doing stuff I've taught them," he said. "It's great."

Hamburg was nominated by the St. John Ambulance instructors committee. "He is an active instructor and is committed to improving service in his community," said Darin E. Reeves, who oversees first aid training in the North. "He has outstanding character and a good nature."

Reeves was promoted to commander -- the second highest rank in the order --during a ceremony in Yellowknife on Nov. 7.

The Order of St. John consists of a network of volunteers and professionals. Many of them teach first aid courses and provide emergency response at public events.

Normally, the North honours three people each year. This year, 19 Northerners received awards, as part of a catch-up opportunity because the North is disadvantaged by its small population.