Rankin Inlet (Nov 03/04) - An unexpected surprise had Rick Penner celebrating his second anniversary as Rankin Inlet fire chief with a smile this past month.

The grin was courtesy of being nominated for the annual Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs Award of Excellence.

Rankin Inlet fire chief Rick Penner was one of eight chiefs whose names were submitted for the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs Award of Excellence.

The awards are based on outstanding contributions to the betterment of the community and of the fire services industry during a number of years.

Penner said he was informed of the nomination by regional fire marshal Tim Hinds a scant two days before departing the Kivalliq to attend to an urgent family matter.

He said Hinds showed him the letter of confirmation sent by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs over a cup of coffee.

"I didn't really have a lot of time for the whole thing to sink in, but the nomination certainly caught me by surprise," said Penner.

"I'm honoured anyone would think enough of me and the job I've been doing in Rankin Inlet to put my name into the hat for such an award. "From what I've been told, my placing in the contest was quite respectable, so I guess I'm wearing a humble smile on my face these days."

Feeling good

Penner said knowing there were only eight submissions from across the entire country for the award leaves him feeling pretty good about how his program is progressing in Rankin, even though he wasn't fortunate enough to take the top spot.

He said he acknowledges the nomination as a bit of a pat on the back for the job he's done since arriving in Rankin.

"I like to think I'm doing things appropriately and reasonably, and getting the things done within the department that need to be -- even if it can be a bit of a slow process, at times. And it's always nice to be recognized by your peers."

Penner said he was also impressed by the fact those who knew about his nomination were able to keep it a secret.

"In addition to Tim, the SAO, John Hodgson and my wife, God forbid, knew what was going on and they all kept it a secret from me.

"I dare say when Tim handed me the letter my jaw hit my knees. "I can honestly say I never saw it coming."