Canada 2020 Firefighters National Memorial Day

 

 

 

Every 2nd Sunday -- Canadians recognize those firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the name of public service to protect their community - whether incorporated (like the Cities of Williams Lake/Quesnel & Districts' of Wells/100 Mile House) or unincorporated like 150 Mile House (Cariboo RD Area F) or Wildwood (Cariboo RD Area D)

 

In Electoral Area 'D' of the Cariboo Regional District - there are 3 Fire Departments at Wildwood, Tyee Lake and McLeese Lake.  Only Wildwood VFD is managed by the Cariboo Regional District (1 of 14) while the Fire Departments at Tyee Lake/McLeese Lake are managed by a non-profit Society

 

As the #CaribooRD Area Director for McLeese Lake, Tyee Lake and Wildwood -- thank YOU to the firefighters at these 3 Fire Departments for everything YOU do for fire protection and first responder services that you provide year round and the training that you go through in order to do your job well and in a safe manner.... 

You are ALL appreciated -- on behalf of grateful communities in Wildwood, Tyee Lake and McLeese Lake

 

And from the Canadian Minister of Public Safety, the Hon. Bill Blair, on this Day:

 

“Each day, firefighters risk their lives to keep us safe. They use their mental and physical strength to respond in an emergency, putting their own health on the line, especially as we face the global COVID-19 pandemic. When tragedy strikes, we remember those who paid the ultimate price, and those who have suffered injuries, traumas and illnesses.

The Government of Canada stands with families of firefighters when they are faced with tragedy, and we are working collaboratively to support the mental wellness of all public safety officers.

The Government of Canada’s Memorial Grant for First Responders benefits families of firefighters‎ who have lost a loved one as a direct result of their duties. This grant provides a one-time lump sum, tax-free direct maximum payment of $300,000 to the families of firefighters, police officers and paramedics who die as a direct result of their duties. This benefit is an important advancement in how our country supports those who keep us safe.

We know that based on the nature of their work, firefighters are exposed to traumatic events that can put them at greater risk for post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI). Last year, the Government of Canada launched the National Action Plan on Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries (PTSI). The Action Plan is a long-term approach to address the mental health issues affecting public safety personnel.

Today, on Firefighters’ National Memorial Day, I would urge all Canadians to take a moment to pause and reflect on the sacrifice of these brave individuals. Although we cannot gather together today to honour and remember those firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty, flags at half-mast across the country serve as a stark reminder of their dedication to public safety.

I would also like to commend the Canadian Fallen Firefighters’ Foundation for their efforts to honour the fallen today in a virtual National Memorial ceremony.”