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On May 21, 2026, the Crestline facility in Saskatoon looked a little different than usual.
Long before lunch was served, Crestline employees were setting up tables, preparing the barbecue, arranging prizes, and getting ready to welcome guests. By midday, paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, and first responders began stopping by throughout the lunch hour for Crestline’s annual Paramedic Appreciation BBQ.
Some came with colleagues. Others dropped in between calls or shifts. Together, more than 225 guests took part in the event, making it one of the most successful gatherings in the tradition’s history.
As an ambulance manufacturer, we spend every day designing and building vehicles that support emergency care. This event gives us an opportunity to thank the people who use those vehicles and recognize the dedication, professionalism, and compassion they bring to their communities every day.
The demands of emergency services rarely leave much room to pause. Long shifts, unpredictable calls, and constant readiness are part of the profession. For a brief time, however, the focus shifted away from emergency calls and busy schedules, creating an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and celebrate the people behind emergency care.
Supporting a meaningful cause
While guests enjoyed a well-earned lunch and the opportunity to reconnect with peers, the event also supported a cause that is deeply meaningful to the EMS community. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, $1,306.10 was raised for the Canadian Paramedic Memorial Foundation.
The Canadian Paramedic Memorial Foundation honours paramedics who have lost their lives in the line of duty and helps preserve their legacy for future generations.
Supporting the Foundation has become an important part of Crestline’s annual appreciation event. The amount raised during this year’s BBQ reflects the generosity of attendees and the strong sense of camaraderie that exists throughout the EMS profession.
For the paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, and first responders who dedicate themselves to serving their communities, the Foundation’s mission carries special meaning.
A tradition that the Paramedic Services community looks forward to
For Crestline, the annual Appreciation BBQ is about more than serving lunch. The positive feedback from guests once again confirmed the event’s value. Many attendees shared how much they appreciate the opportunity to connect with colleagues, enjoy a meal together, and take part in a tradition they have come to look forward to each year.
Guests also had the opportunity to participate in Crestline and Demers Ambulances’ annual Paramedic Services Week Photo Contest, which showcases the people, vehicles, and moments that make EMS such a unique profession. (Read the 2026 Photo Contest recap here.)
For many EMS professionals, opportunities to gather outside of their daily responsibilities can be rare. The Appreciation BBQ provides a chance to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new colleagues, and celebrate a profession built on teamwork and service.
Thank You
To everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, and helped make the event possible, thank you.
Paramedic Services Week is an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary work performed every day by paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, and first responders. We are grateful for the chance to celebrate that commitment and to spend time with the people who inspire the work we do.
At Crestline, we are proud to support the EMS community, not only by building ambulances but by recognizing the professionals who use them to make a difference in countless lives.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back again next year.
