‘It’s an upsetting act of mischief’: Edmonton Firefighters Memorial vandalized

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Firefighters Memorial in Old Strathcona has been struck by vandals.

The base of The Rescue statue, which depicts a firefighter saving a young girl from a fire, was defaced by black marker.

A nearby chokecherry tree also appeared to have been chopped down with an axe.

Edmonton police believe the memorial was vandalized sometime between 5 and 6 p.m. Friday, possibly during the Whyte Avenue Art Walk festival.

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“Vandalism is never acceptable, but especially concerning about this incident is we believe it occurred on the day of retired Fire Captain Edward Paul’s funeral service,” said Const. Mike Schnurer with EPS Whyte Avenue Beats.

“It’s an upsetting act of mischief.”

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The Edmonton Firefighters Memorial Society was formed in 1997. The memorial, located in Gazebo Park at 103 Street and 83 Avenue, honours fallen members of the Edmonton fire department.

Police believe patrons sitting on the patio at a nearby restaurant may have seen the incident happen and are asking anyone with information to contact police at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.