Unsung Hero: Local firefighter and longtime coach gives back to community

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The first winner of the year in NEWS 1130’s Unsung Hero contest is Conner Stroup of Coquitlam. He was nominated for the award by Darren Powley.

Here’s his story:

Although still at a young age, Conner is a person that older adults can look upon for guidance and inspiration as can the youth he mentors. Giving back is a god given talent for this upstanding man. Conner has volunteered his time and worked to improve the lives of community and continues to do so now in becoming a firefighter.

Conner, while still at high school, would volunteer and coach younger boys in Adanac’s lacrosse. Conner would ride his bike to the field. As a coach, at all times he spoke with respect and encouraged these boys to preform to beyond what they believed in themselves.

In coaching, he progressed rapidly to be an assistant on Team BC bringing kids from all over the province to nationals, always using encouragement to bring out the best in everyone around him.

In addition to coaching, he would referee many games so that the younger kids could be able to exercise and play. Again, in this role he rapidly excelled to the role of referee coordinator. An unpaid and thankless job, but one that is needed.

In addition to his volunteer jobs, Conner would individually come out to help those that requested personal training. Due to his efforts, my son is being offered scholarships and has the promise of a better life. It is apparent Conner not only takes pride when he succeeds but when those around him also succeed.

Conner, in his personal accomplishments was defensive captain of the winning Adanac’s Minto cup champions for Coquitlam, assisting to bring the coveted trophy back to BC and has been drafted in to the WLA.

Although being able to play at an exceptional level, he has now taken time away from his passion to further assist the community and become a firefighter with the city of Vancouver. In this role, he is currently is called upon for horrific car crashes, to help many of narcotic overdoses, and attend fires. This man — even with the stresses of the occupation — treats all those around him with empathy, compassion, and good will.

Only in his 20’s, he has given more to society than many will in a lifetime. I look forward to seeing how the rest of this man’s life unfolds as he will be a great parent one day.

Please help me to recognize this person not just what he has already given but for all that he will give in the future. Lets “Pay it forward” just as he does.

Alpine Credits is acknowledging Conner with $500 to say thanks for his efforts. It’s also donating $1,000 to the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation.

Everyone knows an Unsung Hero. Nominate yours now by clicking here and give credit where credit is due with Alpine Credits and NEWS 1130.

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