Hundreds gathered at the Edmonton Firefighters Memorial to pay their respects to local firefighters and to reflect on the 15th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on New York City.
“Every single day our firefighters undertake a mission to protect our citizens and make Edmonton a safer and more livable city by protecting life, property and the environment,” Scott MacDonald, the deputy chief of the Edmonton Fire Rescue Service, said.
A staggering 343 firefighters died on September 11th: the single greatest loss of firefighters in history.
READ MORE: On 15th anniversary of 9/11, ‘the grief never goes away’
“Today is a sobering reminder that firefighting is an inherently dangerous career,” MacDonald added. “But it’s also a day to celebrate the courage and lives of all firefighters who put our well being before their own.”
Many at the service reflected on the recent wildfire in Fort McMurray and the risks firefighters faced battling ‘the beast’ — a term many firefighters used to describe the massive fire.
“Events of this year in Alberta provided a wake-up call for the entire nation — on the challenges faced by our firefighters and the commitment it demands,” Linda Duncan, MP for Edmonton Strathcona, said. “Our first responders provide an essential service and we need to honour them not only today, but everyday of the year.”
READ MORE: ‘Guys feel guilty’: emotional demons to slay after Fort McMurray wildfire
Duncan praised Albertans for taking the time to say thank you to all first responders.
“Albertans and Canadians have rightly taken the time to express their appreciation for our firefighters,” she said.
For those who helped fight the fire, there is now an increased emphasis on mental health services.
“We see and deal with stuff the regular public isn’t used to, and it’s hard for some people to deal with that,” MacDonald said. “We’re putting a lot of emphasis on mental health in the fire service.”
This year, three active firefighters along with 15 retired Edmonton Fire Rescue members died.
“The work of a firefighters is incredibly rewarding and meaningful in a personal, professional and community level but is also demanding with many risks,” he said.
A minute of silent reflection was held to honour those lost.
Comments