Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (May 01/01) - As a young boy, Ambrose Karlik dreamed of the day he'd be old enough to fight fires. Watching his friends and neighbours in Rankin Inlet protect lives made him want to pull on a uniform and join them in their work.

Ambrose Karlik received the Adult Volunteer Award last week in Iqaluit. He was honoured for the 10 years he's spent volunteering for Rankin Inlet's fire and ambulance brigade. - Kerry McCluskey/NNSL photo

When he turned 17, he signed up for the community's fire and ambulance brigade. Nine years later, he was fire chief.

Last week, a decade after he began volunteering, the government of Nunavut recognized him for his hard work. The honour left him speechless.

"I was so surprised when I was told I'd been invited to Iqaluit to be recognized," said Karlik, minutes before a luncheon honouring him began.

Karlik received his award alongside three other individuals and organizations.

The new program, administered by the Department of Community Government, seeks to reward Nunavummiut for helping form the base of their communities.

Awards will be given out annually to a youth, adult, elder and family or group who strive to make life better in their communities.

Each community makes recommendations on volunteers in their communities and a committee at the department selects the winners.

Karlik was visibly humbled by the award.

Prior to making chief and receiving a part-time paycheque for his work, Karlik served as a senior firefighter and a lieutenant officer with the brigade.

He said he volunteers because he likes to help people with their lives while making the community a safer place.

Minister Manitok Thompson thanked Karlik for his efforts as she handed him the award.

"He is always willing to help out and his leadership guides the community both during training sessions and in times of emergency," said Thompson.

"He has been on call seven days a week, 24 hours a day for many years."