Calgary, AB,
09
September
2014
|
13:22
America/Denver

Calgary Fire Department honours fallen firefighters at annual memorial service

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

Today, 36 Calgary firefighters who died while fighting fire or due to illnesses related to their job were honoured at the Fire Department’s annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial service. Mayor Naheed Nenshi, members of City Council and citizens, joined the Fire Department and the families of the fallen to remember the city’s firefighters who gave their lives in service to others.

“Today we honour those first responders who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Mayor Nenshi during the service. “We remember Calgary’s fallen firefighters—important public servants—who died due to the hazards they faced protecting the citizens of this city.”

Today’s 8th annual service included a moment of silence, laying of wreaths and ringing of the bell in honour of each fallen firefighter.

“It is my hope, that all firefighters learn something from the brave people we are honouring today,” said Fire Chief Ken Uzeloc. “I hope we are reminded that safety is always our priority; our safety and the safety of our teammates. I hope we continue to use the techniques we’ve been taught, that we continue to train and practice life-saving skills, and continue to keep our citizens, ourselves and our fellow firefighters safe with every call we respond to.”

Chief Uzeloc thanked the families of the fallen for attending and for the sacrifice of their loved ones. In recognition of the memorial service, fire stations across the city have lowered their flags to half-mast for the day.

In 2013, the Calgary Fire Department responded to more than 109,000 calls for firefighting services and other life saving assistance.

The ceremony was planned to take place at the Police Officers and Firefighters Tribute memorial, in front of the Calgary Municipal Building, but due to the weather, was moved inside. The outdoor memorial is inscribed with the names of the nine Calgary Fire Department members who lost their lives while on duty, while firefighters who lost their lives due to illnesses presumed to be the result of firefighting, are recognized with commemorative plaques displayed at Fire Department Headquarters. 

The Calgary Fire Department will also pay tribute to their 36 fallen at the Canadian Firefighters Annual Memorial Ceremony in Ottawa on September 14th, 2013. More than 1,100 Canadian firefighters, who lost their lives serving Canada since 1848, will be honoured.

For more information on the Calgary Fire Department visit calgary.ca/fire.

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