On Wednesday, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services hosted the annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Parade and Ceremony.
This memorial is held to remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty during the past year and to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication and sacrifice of all uniformed personnel who serve their communities.
The parade was led by the Honour Guard and the Pipe Band and started at Fire Station #1. Uniformed members marched eastbound along 4 Avenue South through downtown to the Southminster United Church, where a memorial service was held.
Volunteer and professional firefighters, sheriffs, police officers and correctional staff attended the event, along with dignitaries from federal, provincial and local governments.
Chief Fire Marshal and Honour Guard Commander Troy Hicks says Sept. 11 is a significant day for everyone that remembers that unbelievable day 23 years ago. “That day has affected so many people worldwide, especially in North America and when we look at our firefighters, paramedics and police officers.”
On Sept. 11, 2001, the world changed forever when those two passenger planes crashed into the north and south towers of the World Trade Centre, adds Hicks. “While thousands of people were fleeing that disaster and trying to get away, first responders ran forward to it. Trying, in the hopes, of rescuing as many survivors as they could.”
“On that day, in the end, 343 firefighters, 71 police officers, 84 port authorities and close to 3,000 civilians passed away in that tragic event,” notes Hicks.
While first responders have always worked in very hazardous conditions, Hicks explains, “the event on 9/11 changed a lot of the work all of us do.”
“As well as a lot of the safety all of us do. Standard practices and our tactics have changed and our safety equipment has changed due to that event. We are still seeing the aftermath of that event 23 years later with people getting sick and people still passing away from that event,” says Hicks.
According to Hicks, members of LFES continue to strive to move on in hopes members can continue to make changes and to “keep us around a lot longer, keep our people safe and continue to help the public like we all want to do.”
Personally, Hicks says, this day has changed his life. “When Sept. 11 happened, I was in the Canadian Forces and not long after Sept. 11 I was deployed on the first rotation over to Afghanistan.”
“I feel the requirement and the need to pay our respects. It changed everything, but we also learned a lot from this. I know many of the firefighters at LFES joined the fire service after that event wanting to help,” adds Hicks.
Deputy Fire Chief Kevin McKeown says it is a solemn occasion, but it is also one to remember all of the fallen firefighters throughout North America that have given their lives in the line of duty over the last year.
“During our ceremony, we read the names of all the firefighters that have fallen in North America and we recognize the local Lethbridge firefighters that have also given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” says McKeown.
According to McKeown, the department has lost two firefighters within the last year. “Today is a day we’re thinking of them and remembering their legacy.”
“Although today is about remembering the fallen, we remember our firefighters, police and paramedics out there every day working in hazardous situations and putting their life on the line,” he adds.
