New Westminster, BC – Last year, New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services (NWFRS) organized and provided logistics support to the Tour of Honour, a provincial tour aimed at raising awareness around occupational stress injuries and support for first responders and military personnel suffering with PTSD. NWFRS has also been working hard to support Honour House and the next phase Honour Ranch, a retreat and recovery centre located in Kamloops which provides treatment options for individuals struggling with mental-health challenges that can result from the stress and trauma of their jobs. Chief Armstrong as well as other Honour House board members has been meeting with the Province over the last year promoting this project and requesting support.

“Our New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services team has not only been working very hard on Honour Ranch, but also focusing on best practices to build resiliency and support for our staff who may be dealing with stress associated with their jobs,” said Tim Armstrong, New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services Fire Chief and Director of Honour House. “We are fortunate to have a number of supporters from cities across the province that are engaged to help build Honour Ranch and give back to those who give unconditionally in their daily duties.”

The provincial government recently announced $1 million in provincial funding to expand Honour Ranch which will allow for the development of onsite accommodations and support for first responders and military. Honour Ranch is run by the Honour House Society which also provides services through Honour House in New Westminster. Honour House provides temporary housing free of charge for emergency services and military personnel and their families while they receive medical care and treatment in the Lower Mainland.

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Contact:
Tim Armstrong
Fire Chief
New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services
604-519-1008 or