Headlines News
CAFC backs memorial for fallen firefighters

August 2007- CANADA- The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs honoured its commitment to provide ongoing financial support for the creation of a memorial to all Canadian firefighters who have died in the line of duty. At a reception in Ottawa on March 28, CAFC president Pat Burke presented the first contribution of $15,000 to Dr. Will Brooks, president of the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the organization spearheading the campaign to build the Canadian Firefighters Memorial and support the families of the fallen.

“CAFC is dedicated to the principle that the memorial . . . must become a reality. We are placing $5,000 per month in a trust account that will continue to accumulate until such time as the government recognizes the tremendous contribution of the fire services by financially supporting the monument,” said Burke. The initial $15,000 donation represents the CAFC’s contribution for the first three months of 2007.

The memorial is to be erected at LeBreton Flats in Ottawa, near the National War Museum. The location is significant in the fire history of Canada’s capital as it is where the Ottawa-Hull conflagration of 1900 crossed over from Hull on the morning of April 26, 1900, after destroying 1,300 buildings. On the Ottawa side of the river, the fire razed 1,400 buildings and killed seven. At the end of the day the fire was stopped from spreading downtown near the spot where the memorial will be located.

In addition to recognizing the nearly 900 firefighters who, since 1848, have given their lives protecting the lives and property of Canadians, the memorial will show appreciation for all Canadian firefighters of yesterday, today and tomorrow.