Calgary Fire Department Honours First Responders Killed in Line of Duty in West, Texas

Flags at fire stations throughout Calgary will be half-mast today in honour of the first responders who lost their lives in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion and fire. While it is not standard to lower flags for every line of duty death, this devastating incident has resulted in the largest line of duty deaths since 9/11. The Calgary Fire Department wishes to express its solidarity and support for their counterparts in Texas in this time of grief.

 

“The Calgary Fire Department sends our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by this tragedy,” says Acting Fire Chief Tom Sampson. “First responders play a critical role in ensuring the safety of citizens. Although life-threatening situations are a potential part of our daily lives, we can never prepare ourselves fully for the experience of losing colleagues in the line of duty. As an organization and as individuals, the Calgary Fire Department expresses our admiration, gratitude and respect for those first responders who gave their lives in service.”

 

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