Hundreds Attend Very Special Firefighter Memorial
Posted June 3, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Every year they march to honour comrades who lost their lives in the line of duty and on Sunday a very special edition of the annual firefighters memorial was held in Toronto with many names that should have been added to the wall years ago finally getting their moment.
“He died of cancer in 2001,” David Humphrey recalled of his father. “He worked for the city, he gave his life to the city and it’s nice that he’s being recognized for his dedication.”
Several of the 24 names that were added Sunday passed away as many as 20 years ago. It took until 2007 however, for the way that they died to be recognized as being related to their profession.
“Many of these individuals who were placed on the monument are individuals who have had cancer that’s now recognized,” said Toronto Fire Chief William Stuart.
Firefighters used to have to prove that their cancer was work-related to get compensation. But that all changed in May when the Ontario government changed the rules, making compensation automatic for eight types of cancer.
“All these firefighters are giving their lives up to protect us,” Humphrey said. “I think it’s very important that their families are recognized and compensated.”
To make a donation to the Toronto Firefighters memorial, click here.
