Government of Yukon

08/24/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/24/2026 16:45

Jeff Stephenson receives second ever Hestia Award

Jeff Stephenson is the second ever recipient of the Yukon's Hestia Award, which recognizes Yukon fire service members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, courage and leadership. Minister of Community Services Cory Bellmore presented Mr. Stephenson with his award at the Fire Rescue Yukon 2026 conference, held in Atlin, B.C., August 19 to 22.

The award is named after the ancient Greek goddess Hestia, who was known as the protector of hearths and homes. Any past or present member of the Yukon fire service is eligible to be nominated.

The inaugural Hestia award was presented in 2025.

All the nominees for the 2026 Hestia Award are remarkable examples of our fire service and an integral part of our communities. Congratulations to this year's Hestia Award winner, Jeff Stephenson. Jeff's dedication to serving others is commendable as it helps to strengthen the Yukon Fire Service for future generations.

Commissioner of Yukon Adeline Webber

Firefighters exemplify the best of Yukon values, including community, courage and discipline. The Hestia Award was created to recognize the very best of the fire service, and it was my honour to present this year's award to Jeff Stephenson, an individual who anchors the Klondike's preparedness and response culture.

Minister of Community Services Cory Bellmore

Jeff Stephenson embodies the spirit of service that this award was created to recognise. For more than three decades, he has consistently put his community first, whether responding to fires and floods, helping residents prepare for emergencies or mentoring the next generation of firefighters. There has never been any doubt that when his community needed him, Jeff was there. His steady leadership, humility and commitment to service have left a lasting mark on the Klondike Valley Fire Department and the broader Yukon fire service.

Yukon Fire Marshal Wini Brehm

Quick facts

  • Jeff Stephenson has been an active volunteer with the Klondike Valley Fire Department since 1992.

  • The Hestia Award is presented annually and nominations are accepted from Yukon fire service members.

  • Submissions are reviewed by a committee assembled by the Commissioner's Office and the recipient is chosen by the Commissioner of Yukon.

  • The presentation of the award aligns with the Fire Rescue Yukon Conference every August.

Media contact

Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]

Wayne Potoroka
Communications, Community Services
867-332-9427
[email protected]

Breanna Leavoy
Private secretary to Commissioner of Yukon
867-667-5121
[email protected]

News release #:
26-247
Government of Yukon published this content on August 24, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 24, 2026 at 22:45 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]