Fort McMurray firefighters honour fallen colleagues at memorial service

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A brand new technology of firefighters is just too younger to recollect September 11, 2001. At a ceremony honouring victims of the assaults and firefighters who’ve died or been injured on the job, Evan Crawford of the Fort McMurray Firefighters’ Affiliation mentioned specializing in the previous helps firefighters plan for the longer term.

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“It’s on all of us to proceed this custom and honour not solely these from 9/11, however each member of the fireplace service and guarantee we proceed to serve with honour, responsibility and braveness whereas by no means forgetting the historical past of this occupation,” he mentioned.

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The Monday morning ceremony outdoors Hearth Corridor #5 in Gregoire honoured the lives of 5 fallen Fort McMurray firefighters: James Banting, Conrad Dion, Rick Hawkins, David Richard and Larry Walker.

The day marks the twenty second anniversary of the 9/11 assaults. On that day, 2,977 individuals had been killed, together with 343 firefighters, 23 New York law enforcement officials and 37 Port Authority officers.

Regional Hearth Chief Jody Butz mentioned the day is a reminder of the challenges of firefighting. He thanked firefighters who spent the summer season combating wildfires throughout Canada, safeguarding oilsands and industrial websites, and serving as volunteer and profession firefighters of their communities.

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“You’re the ones that we depend on to determine fireplace guards that defend our communities and houses. You additionally look after our family members, and also you’re at all times prepared to answer requires assist,” mentioned Butz. “You might be fearless in your willingness to confront risks when others are in search of security.”

The bodily and psychological well being toll firefighters endure is changing into broadly identified among the many public. Most cancers is the highest main sickness and dying for firefighters, mentioned Crawford. Specializing in the well being and security of firefighters has change into a prime precedence at a nationwide stage, he mentioned.

In 2021, a College of Alberta research discovered one-in-seven firefighters who fought the 2016 Horse River Wildfire have persistent lung injury. The research additionally discovered firefighters closely uncovered to the wildfire are greater than double the chance of growing bronchial asthma in comparison with the overall inhabitants. The outcomes are just like what firefighters that responded to the 9/11 assaults skilled in later years.

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Crawford honoured different Fort McMurray firefighters who had handed from most cancers: Bo Cooper, Cheryl Golosky, Christopher Relph and Rick Wilkinson.

Firefighters and RES workers additionally learn prayers and poems on the ceremony. A bell ceremony, a long-standing custom amongst firefighters, honoured firefighters who had died on the job. A bagpiper performed Wonderful Grace, wreaths had been laid on the memorial, and the Final Publish was performed earlier than a second of silence.

“We thanks for at all times being there in your associates and neighbors after they’re having the worst day of their lives,” mentioned Mayor Sandy Bowman, who attended the ceremony with councillors Jane Stroud and Funky Banjoko.

“You’ll at all times have my assist and my dedication to doing all the things I can to be sure you’re persevering with to set an instance for everybody on this area.”

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