GUELPH – Not only is Jim Petrik fire chief with the Guelph/Eramosa Fire Department, he is also a professor in the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, where his research has focused on a disease that affects firefighters at higher rates: cancer.
It is in recognition of his contributions to cancer research and firefighter health advocacy that Petrik was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
The medal is a commemorative award that will be given to 30,000 individuals deemed to have made significant contributions within Canada or achieved outstanding accomplishments abroad that bring credit to the country.
As a translational cancer researcher, Petrik investigates innovative approaches to enhance cancer treatment efficacy by manipulating the tumour microenvironment.
His lab has developed techniques to normalize abnormal blood vessel structures in tumours, resulting in a remarkable increase in therapy uptake and promising outcomes in preclinical models.
Recognizing that firefighters are known to have high rates of cancer, Petrik actively advocates for measures to improve firefighter safety through his research and leadership roles.
In addition to serving as fire chief, he chairs the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) science and technology committee and volunteers on the CAFC cancer committee, which integrates research on firefighter cancer into best practices for prevention.
The association nominated Dr. Petrik for the coronation medal because of his contributions to the firefighting community.
“It is a tremendous honour to be nominated by the CAFC for the King Charles III Coronation Medal,” Petrik stated in a news release.
“I am very proud of the work I get to do on the CAFC committees, and it’s very fulfilling that this work aligns so closely with the cancer research we are doing here at the University of Guelph.”
CAFC ececutive director Tina Saryeddine highlighted the importance of Petrik’s diverse expertise.
“We are honoured to have Chief Petrik as a member of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and to have his unique skillset as a fire chief, committee chair, cancer scientist, and educator,” Saryeddine stated in the release.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and is administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall.
