Image: B.C. Govt. / Hope resident Johannes Mulder is one of 21 people throughout British Columbia who have been recognized with the Medal of Good Citizenship for their extraordinary contributions to community life. In Mulder's case, he executed a number of critical tasks during the atmospheric flooding events of November 2021 and emerged as a community leader, thanks in part to his law enforcement and military background.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Hope resident lauded by B.C. govt.

Hope resident recognized for extraordinary courage, acts of service during 2021 floods

Jan 3, 2024 | 11:33 AM

HOPE — Hope resident Johannes Mulder is one of 21 people throughout British Columbia who have been recognized with the Medal of Good Citizenship for their extraordinary contributions to community life.

In Mulder’s case, he executed a number of critical tasks during the atmospheric flooding events of November 2021 and emerged as a community leader, thanks in part to his law enforcement and military background.

According to a news release from the provincial government, Mulder took proactive measures by conducting wellness checks, providing aid to those stranded by flooding, and preparing for potential evacuations.

“His foresight in creating a helicopter landing zone for medical emergencies highlighted a commitment that went above and beyond,” the provincial government wrote. “As the first deluge subsided, Mulder assessed damage, aided regional authorities and participated in recovery efforts, even while facing threats to his own residence. The second atmospheric river event saw Mulder anticipating challenges and setting up an ad-hoc emergency operations centre for Laidlaw.”

Mulder organized and rallied the community through social media engagement, allowing him to organize a sandbagging campaign that safeguarded residences and vital infrastructure, thereby preventing significant damage. His commitment extended to coordinating with military support, strategically depositing thousands of sandbags, and actively engaging in the protection of neighbouring areas. Mulder’s leadership prevented further harm to residences, farms and critical roadways.

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“His post-crisis efforts, including billeting stranded travellers, connecting with emergency operations centres, and transporting surplus sandbags to the nearby town of Hope, underscored his tireless commitment to community wellbeing,” the provincial government said in lauding Mulder.