Calgary Fire Department honours its fallen with annual memorial service

Today, the Calgary Fire Department honoured its fallen members at the 7th Annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Thirty-two Calgary firefighters have died on the job or due to presumptive illness over the course of the Department’s 128year history.

 

“Although we are honouring those that are no longer with us, we take solace in knowing they live on in the hearts of the families who supported them, the firefighters that worked alongside them and in the memories of those they saved,” said Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi during the service. “Thanks to their efforts and the continued efforts of all firefighters, we are able to stand here today feeling safe and protected.”

 

The fallen were remembered this afternoon at the Police Officers and Firefighters Tribute Plaza by fellow firefighters, members of the public and family members.

  

“Everyday our firefighters risk their lives,” said Fire Chief Bruce Burrell. “Sometimes we, along with the public, forget what the outcome of this risk can be. So it is extremely important that we take the time to honour our fallen firefighters and remember the risks that they take everyday.”

In 2012, the Calgary Fire Department responded to more than 52,000 calls for firefighting services and other life saving assistance.

 

The Police Officers and Firefighters Tribute memorial is inscribed with the names of nine Calgary Fire Department members who lost their lives while on duty. This year four new names will join the list of Calgary firefighters who lost their lives due to presumptive illness - illnesses that are presumed to be the result of firefighting. These firefighters are recognized with commemorative plaques displayed at Fire Department Headquarters. 

 

Former Fire Chief Wayne Morris, will be added to the list of honoured this year. Chief Morris is known for being instrumental in having the Tribute Plaza built and for supporting firefighters and their families through the onset of illness. As a result, the Calgary Firefighters Benevolent fund exists today.

Today’s annual service included a moment of silence, laying of wreaths and ringing of the bell in honour of each fallen Calgary firefighter. In recognition of the memorial service, fire stations across the city have lowered their flags to half-mast.

 

The Calgary Fire Department also paid tribute to their 32 fallen at the Canadian Firefighters Annual Memorial Ceremony in Ottawa on September 8, 2013. More than 1,100 Canadian firefighters, who lost their lives serving Canada since 1848, were honoured.

  

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