First responders are seen honouring the life and contributions of Mike Sorensen of BC Ambulance Service, Prince Rupert in a funeral procession on July 7, 2020. (Photo: M. Proteau/The Northern View)

First responders are seen honouring the life and contributions of Mike Sorensen of BC Ambulance Service, Prince Rupert in a funeral procession on July 7, 2020. (Photo: M. Proteau/The Northern View)

UPDATED: First responders stand in honour of life of ambulance manager

A memorial procession to recognize BCEHS and Prince Rupert's Mike Sorensen was attended by many

  • Jul. 7, 2020 12:00 a.m.

Prince Rupert first responders honoured the life and contributions of Mike Sorensen, patient care delivery manager of the BC Emergency Health Service in a procession outside the RCMP detachment on July 7, 2020.

“We are profoundly sad to have lost our friend and colleague Mike Sorensen, who passed away on Saturday July 4. Mike was a paramedic and Patient Care Delivery Manager for the North, based out of Station 684 in Prince Rupert,” Darlene MacKinnon, chief operating officer of BCEHS, said.

MacKinnon said Sorensen started with BCEHS 20 years ago in Terrace and worked as a primary care paramedic in Masset, Prince Rupert, Vancouver, before becoming unit chief in P.R. in 2015. In 2016 Sorensen was promoted to manager.

“Mike was known for being an exceptional coach and mentor. His tireless work to support his fellow paramedics made a real difference in helping to improve patient services in northern communities,” MacKinnon said. “In his personal time, he loved the outdoors and when he wasn’t at work or with family, he was often out with friends fishing, hunting, or just enjoying nature.”

“Our thoughts are with his family and with his colleagues during this difficult time. Mike will be greatly missed.”

The honour line up along both sides of 6th Avenue West at noon was attended by Sorensen’s family, more than 22 paramedic staff from BCEHS and BC Ambulance Service, all 18 members of the Prince Rupert Fire Rescue, numerous RCMP officers, Department of Conservation officers, and passersby took part in the stand still memorial to recognize Sorensen’s passing.


K-J Millar | Journalist

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