Lethbridge Hearth and Emergency Companies held its twenty third annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Parade and Ceremony on Wednesday.
The hearth division, police division and different first responders marched down 4th Avenue to recollect those that misplaced their lives on in america on Sept. 11, 2001 and each different yr.
“It’s a vital ceremony that we maintain every year,” mentioned Kevin McKeown, deputy fireplace chief, communications and technique with LFES.
“It’s a solemn event, however it is usually one through which we honour and bear in mind all the fallen firefighters all through North America (who) have given their lives within the line of obligation over the past yr.”
The main reason for dying for individuals who go well with as much as struggle fires is most cancers. Nonetheless, many different rapid risks nonetheless pose a threat to the lives of those that serve.
“We’re in danger each day, whether or not it’s an accident along side the road, a burning constructing, a medical name, it’s all there,” mentioned Troy Hicks, chief fireplace marshal with LFES.
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In 2001, Hicks was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, serving as an artilleryman. Shortly after 9/11, he was part of the primary rotation to fly throughout the ocean and serve in Afghanistan.
He says 9/11 modified the world, whereas additionally exhibiting the extent of dedication by servicemembers and first responders.
“Whereas everyone else was operating away, first responders have been operating in the direction of the buildings, making an attempt to save lots of as many individuals as they may.”
Many first responders say the day introduced unspeakable horrors, however it additionally inspired them to swear an oath to guard their communities.
“I do know most of the guys right here at Lethbridge Hearth and Emergency Companies, they really joined the fireplace companies after that occasion, wanting to assist, desirous to do their factor,” Hicks mentioned.
Greater than 300 firefighters, almost 100 cops and nearly 3,000 civilians died within the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist assault. Hicks says it’s a day that has influenced his complete life.
“Sept. 11 is a really heart-wrenching day to (me). Nonetheless, I do really feel the requirement and the necessity to simply pay our respects and do our issues. It modified the whole lot, however we’ve additionally discovered rather a lot from this.”
In the meantime, McKeown says remembrance needs to be about all first responders, previous and current.
“Though right now is about remembering the fallen, we bear in mind our firefighters, police and paramedics (who) are on the market each day working in hazardous conditions and placing their life on the road,” McKeown mentioned. “So, we thank all the emergency responders which might be working day by day doing this job.”
LFES additionally paid homage to 11 of its personal members who’ve died service-related deaths since 1970.
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