Ontario’s fallen firefighters from the last two years were honoured during a memorial service in downtown Toronto Sunday afternoon.
The ceremony started at 1 p.m. at the Ontario Fire Fighters Memorial on College Street, just south of Queen’s Park.
“I’m very, very thankful that we can all gather today to remember the brave women and men who gave their lives protecting us,” Ford said. “They’re all heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of duty and service to their community, and while they’re no longer with us, their honour and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg also spoke at the gathering, and said today’s memorial service pays tribute to all of Ontario’s firefighters who made the “ultimate sacrifice.” The names of all the fallen firefighters were read aloud to reflect and honour the sacrifice they each made to their community. A bell rang after each name as part of the tradition that firefighters have to pay their respects, as well as at the end of the ceremony.