Firefighters support Gagatek

Invermere firefighters and Kim Harris met with Columbia-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald to discuss the cutback of services in health care in the Columbia Valley and how they are affecting former firefighter and Kim's partner Norm Gagatek who suffered a stroke in 2008. Darryl Crane/echo photo Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald sat down recently with Invermere fire-fighters and Kim Harris to hear their concerns about the availability of health services for fellow firefighter Norman Gagatek.

By Darryl Crane - Invermere Valley Echo

Published: December 08, 2009 1:00 PM

Gagatek, who suffered a debilitating brain stem stroke in July 2008, is working hard to prepare for an advanced rehabilitation program in Ponoka, Alberta.  Gagatek’s fiancée Kim Harris and their two children were also at the meeting held in Invermere.

“As for my feelings on the whole situation, I got teary-eyed when speaking to the guys, as they have known Norm longer than I have and have worked alongside him,” Kim said. “Walking by his locker was hard.”

Before the meeting took place, Kim stressed her frustration with the way his case is being handled, partially due to services that are no longer available to Gagatek as they have been in the past. Macdonald said he can see where this frustration is coming from, for both Kim and Gagatek’s friends.

“I can understand the frustrations of these firefighters,” said Macdonald. “They want to see their fellow fire-fighter get the best health care possible, and it doesn’t seem fair that a man who did so much for this community is being left behind when he needs the system’s help. It seems that the Minister of Health is just giving up on Norm.”

The Invermere firefighters have made it clear they are going to be there for their friend and former co-worker.

The first step in their campaign was to share their concerns with their MLA. 

In the future they will begin a letter-writing campaign and the circulation of the petition so the whole community will have the opportunity to show their support for the firefighter.

Invermere firefighters are planning to reach out to firefighters throughout the Columbia Valley and beyond who have had contact with Gagatek.

They hope to encourage them to show their support for Gagatek and his family. As for Kim she was grateful for the meeting and to the firefighters in Invermere.

“The meeting was good. Overall, it was positive and I think a lot will come out of it,” said Kim. “Norm has chosen his family and they will be the ones to support him and speak up for him when he needs it. The Invermere firefighters are of that family. They have a huge amount of respect from me and they have been so supportive every time I have asked for their help. These guys volunteer their time. They don’t have to do this job, on top of their own paying careers.”

Macdonald felt that as a well-known area electrician and community volunteer, Gagatek’s impact on valley residents is far-reaching. Macdonald is encouraging the community to join the firefighters’ campaign and said the “We’re not giving up on Norman!” petitions will be available for signing at local businesses, public events and at the fire station.

“We have to stand up for what we believe,” said Macdonald. “We believe that when one of us needs a hand, we all pull together to make sure that our neighbour gets the service that he needs. That is also what Norm Gagatek believes, and he is the kind of guy who lent a hand when someone needed help. Now it’s our turn to help Norm.”

Right now the hope is to eventually get him home on a permanent basis and Kim believes he will recover in a way that doctors do not realize.

“As I told the guys, Norm has the opportunity to come home for good, and I expect at least 70 per cent capacity of basic skills that he has lost. I know he will accomplish more; as he has been doubted from the beginning,” Kim said. Macdonald’s office is also assisting the campaign by providing electronic access to copies of the “We’re not giving up on Norman!” petition and form letter. To get a copy, please email norm.macdonald.mla@leg.bc.ca.