Prince George hosted over 200 Emergency Support Service (ESS) responders throughout the weekend as part of the 7th annual Northern Emergency Support Services Training Conference (NESST).
NESST is an incredible opportunity for ESS responders, program coordinators, local government and support organizations from across the north to connect and learn together.
Emergency Support Services Responders are the volunteers on the front lines providing support and referrals for basic necessities such as food, clothing and lodging to thousands of people impacted by fire, flood, earthquakes or other emergencies. Having trained, organized and connected ESS Responders is vital to the effectiveness of emergency response and resilience of our communities.
The conference provided attendees the opportunity to receive accredited training from the Justice Institute of BC or take part in a variety of workshops, a panel discussion moderated by Naomi Nyuli with key learnings from the 2018 wildfire season and more.
Saturday evening, attendees were joined by the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia who helped honour long serving Emergency Support Services volunteers in Northern BC.
The event was co-hosted by the City of Prince George and the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George and presented in partnership with Peace River Regional District, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, Village of Telkwa, Town of Smithers, City of Terrace, District of Taylor, City of Fort St John, and District of New Hazelton.