Victoria - The British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Association (BCPFFA) held its BC Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial service today at the rear of the BC Legislature and unveiled a statue in memory of those who have lost their lives.
Fire fighters work every day around BC, protecting the lives and property of the citizens they serve, and in doing so, some have paid the ultimate price in carrying out this service to their communities. The Memorial was held to honour and remember those professional fire fighters who have died In the Line of Duty in the Province of BC. Fire Fighters and their families from across the province came to Victoria to take part in the memorial parade and service.
Mike Hurley, BC Professional Fire Fighters Association President said, "Our association is formally recognizing our members who have lost their lives due to illness or injury related to their occupation. The toxic environments we work in have been scientifically proven to increase the incidence ratio to double that of the general population, for certain cancers and coronary disease. It is fitting for our provincial organization to honour these members from all over BC. It helps bring awareness to the dangers which continue to exist in the occupation of fire fighting, despite technical improvements in fire fighting protective equipment."
"It's important to recognize those fire fighters who fell in the line of duty, and to remember what drove them to put themselves in harm's way: to save lives," said Premier Christy Clark. "There is no higher calling. The statue is a permanent tribute to their service and recognizes their ultimate sacrifice, as well as their families and colleagues who continue to mourn their loss."
This year's Memorial also marked the unveiling of a bronze memorial statue of a fire fighter, on the grounds behind the Legislature. This marked the first time in over 50 years that a monument was situated on the grounds. The BCPFFA acknowledges the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development for its contribution toward this monument.
The Memorial was preceded by a parade with approximately 500 fire fighters marching accompanied by the Fire Fighters Pipe Band.
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