Beaver County Reeve Shares Special Message
Michelle Pinon
News Advertiser
Jim Kallal, Reeve of Beaver County, recently shared a special message with residents where he voiced his support for health care providers, first responders, family and community support services, and local businesses during this crisis.
“For many of us it is hard to comprehend the situation the whole world has found themselves in currently with the COVID-19 virus. For us that live in the country here in Beaver County we have to be thankful for our wide open spaces that affords us the luxury of seeing the return of a late spring. For many in cities there is not that privilege enjoyed by rural residences during these troubled times.
Our thoughts and our minds are crammed with sadness and emotions related to this world crisis affecting our families, loved ones and friends. Beaver County is very proud that we are able to partner with our own towns and villages to support our health care providers, our emergency response teams and our Seniors lodges. Council applauds the dedication of the wonderful management and staff of all our health care facilities, seniors lodges and our first responders.”
He went onto say, “Council has witnessed here in Beaver County the kindness, the extra mile of helpfulness, concern and generosity from everyone that is able to help. It would do all of our hearts good to call a senior, a young family or a lonely person that you know during this crisis.”
Kallal praised the Province and Premier Kenney as well as Beaver County Chief Administrative Officer for their leadership and very immediate responses to the pandemic. “Our CAO, Bob Beck, acted quickly and Beaver County was put on full alert and in compliance well ahead of the current ordinances. He commend Beaver County Deputy Reeve, Gene Hrabec, who chairs both our Beaver Emergency Services Commission and our Beaver Foundation for Seniors for his leadership and guidance during this crisis.
In Beaver County there has been an overwhelming outreach of compassion shown from business and individuals. And our gratitude for the dedication of our FCSS and Victim Service teams, the leadership of our First responders, Fire Chiefs, our Beaver Ambulance, RCMP, County Peace officers, Rural Crime watch, and so so many volunteers. As well the bravery of our doctors, nurses and health care employees is extra ordinary at this time and has to be applauded.
In Tofield and Viking, our two towns where our main grocery stores are, deserves a tremendous amount of thanks and gratitude for the extra effort, long hours and compliance to legislation undertaken by the owners, managers and staff. As well a special thanks to our convenience stores for complying and staying open to provide many of our necessities.”
He thanked everyone for their “commitment and help” and ask residents to stay vigilant in the fight against COVID-19.”