Rena Dehne, a wildfire technician with the BC Wildfire Service, received the Vanguard Award.
It was part of 2026 Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit, held from April 8 to 12. In her role, she supports wildfire response and fire management in her zone, contributing to preparedness and prevention efforts.
She explained that the Vanguard Award is a special honor within the BC Wildland Firefighters Award. Dehne said she was both humbled and surprised to receive it.
She said she was genuinely surprised, feeling the award could have easily gone to many others in the BC wildfire service.
Humbled by the recognition, she saw it not as hers alone but as a reflection of the strong community partnerships and the work they accomplish together, which she believes brings out the best in everyone.
For Dehne, the award is a meaningful affirmation of her leadership style—shaped over time through collaboration, listening, and building relationships—and the positive impact it’s having.
On a personal level, it’s a reminder that showing up as her authentic, sometimes vulnerable self matters, and that those qualities are not just accepted but valued. “For me, I love the work, the opportunity, and being part of something bigger than myself,” she added.
-with files from Ruth Prarthana Stephen Albert/energeticcity.ca
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