A Fire Drill with a Heartfelt Surprise: HyLife Honours Local Firefighters
What started as a routine fire drill became a memorable day of appreciation and camaraderie at HyLife’s Steinbach, Manitoba’s headquarters. After a recent training exercise with the Steinbach Fire Department, HyLife surprised the dedicated firefighters with an appreciation lunch.
“As a community partner, we want to thank the firefighters who help keep us safe,” said Karan Sangafai, President and CEO of HyLife. “We value the lifesaving work and wanted to find a small way to show our thanks.”
The meal, featuring HyLife Premium Pork, was served on the back patio of the company’s headquarters. Many of HyLife’s leaders and safety ambassadors joined the event, taking the opportunity to learn more about the work of the local fire department.
Assistant Chief Russ Reimer of the Steinbach Fire Department expressed deep appreciation for the unexpected gesture.
“When we came and conducted our training exercise with HyLife, we expected nothing out of the ordinary. We were more than happy to run the drill with all of you, taking time out of our busy days and lives. We expected to return to the station or go home or work, just like every other time. But this time, it was different. Very different!”
Reimer shared how the simple gesture created a significant positive impact on his team that will last long after the lunch.
“Post drill, you announced to our members that you had a full meal prepared by a master chef from France in the rear of the building to honour our members, their dedication, their sacrifice, their commitment! Watching this unfold, I had so much pride for my SFD members and an appreciation for HyLife, its leadership, and its employees. I have never personally experienced public appreciation like this in my 23 years with the SFD. The morale boost you gave our members was obvious as I watched everyone—our firefighters and your employees—breaking bread together, laughing, talking, and just enjoying life… You reminded us why we LOVE being volunteer firefighters.”
On behalf of our entire HyLife Leadership, thank you to Steinbach Fire Department and all those who serve and protect our communities.
