Dr. Jim Petrik, professor in the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph and fire chief with Guelph Eramosa Fire Department, has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of his contributions to cancer research and firefighter health advocacy.
The first commemorative medal to mark a coronation, this award will be given to 30,000 deserving individuals who 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 CAFC nominated Dr. Petrik for this prestigious medal due to his impactful contributions to the firefighting community.
“It is a tremendous honour to be nominated by the CAFC for the King Charles III Coronation Medal,” says Dr. Petrik. “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.”
Dr. Tina Saryeddine, executive director of the CAFC, highlights the importance of Dr. 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.”
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.