The job’s dangers were forefront as Fort McMurray firefighters remembered fallen comrades from Fort McMurray and the firefighting world.
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The dangers of firefighting were at the forefront as local firefighters honoured their fallen comrades on the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
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On top of the dangers they already face, cancer has become the leading cause of death and illness impacting firefighters, said Evan Crawford, president of the Fort McMurray Firefighters’ Association, at the ceremony. It is a fact Fort McMurray firefighters know too well.
After years of lobbying, the Alberta government expanded coverage for occupational illnesses to include more than 20 forms of cancer. Any firefighter that fought the 2016 Horse River Wildfire will receive automatic coverage and be recognized for these illnesses.
Fort McMurray firefighter Christopher Relph, who died in 2018 at 29, is now covered and recognized as a firefighter who died in the line of duty thanks to this legislative change. Crawford also paid tribute to Morgan Kitchen, a wildland firefighter from Calgary who died fighting forest fires in Jasper National Park this past summer.
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The Wednesday morning ceremony outside Fire Hall #5 in Gregoire also honoured the lives of five other fallen Fort McMurray firefighters: James Banting, Conrad Dion, Rick Hawkins, David Richard and Larry Walker.
“Firefighting has been deemed one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Yet that does not stop the dedicated professionals from performing the job that they love every day,” said Crawford.
The day marks the 23nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. On that day, 2,977 people were killed, including 343 firefighters, 23 police officers and 37 Port Authority officers.
The physical and mental health struggles endured by firefighters is becoming widely known among the public. In 2021, a University of Alberta study found one-in-seven firefighters who fought the 2016 Horse River Wildfire have persistent lung damage.
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The study also found firefighters heavily exposed to the wildfire were more than double the risk of developing asthma compared to the general population. The results are similar to what firefighters that responded to the 9/11 attacks experienced in later years.
Regional Fire Chief Jody Butz pointed out the department turns 50 years old this year as he reflected on the dangers of the job.
“You are called upon when others seek refuge and you respond with fearless resolve. Your willingness to confront danger when others retreat is what sets you apart. You are the foundation of this region’s long-standing legacy and the heart of our community,” said Butz.
“Over the last five decades, our department has grown and evolved with our community. It is the dedicated service of both past and present members that reaffirms our commitment to never forget the courage, honour and the sacrifice of those who came before us.”
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The ceremony included remarks from Mayor Sandy Bowman and Laila Goodridge, MP for Fort McMurray-Cold Lake. Councillors Funky Banjoko, Lance Bussieres, Shafiq Dogar and Stu Wigle also attended the ceremony.
Firefighters and RES staff also read prayers and poems at the ceremony. A bell ceremony, a long-standing tradition among firefighters, honoured firefighters who have died on the job. A bagpiper played Amazing Grace, wreaths were laid at the memorial, and the Last Post was played before a moment of silence.
“Save one person, you’re a hero. Save 100 people, you’re a firefighter,” said Bowman.
“I know most firefighters don’t like the word hero, and I completely respect and understand that, which is why, for me, I put firefighters at a different level.”
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vmcdermott@postmedia.com
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