Nearly sixty cyclists headed out from Cobourg on their second day of their three day journey from Hamilton to Ottawa for the National Firefighters Memorial Day that is held on Sunday, September 11, 2022.
Firefighters from across Canada are cycling the 550 km to raise awareness and funds for The Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
But just after starting the second leg of their journey on Thursday, September 8, 2022, the cyclists stopped at the Cobourg Firehall to meet with a Cobourg firefighter’s widow.
Retired Platoon Chief Don King died on October 4, 2020 of an occupational illness involved in firefighting.
Toronto firefighter David Cossitt who organized the ride six years ago.
“We’re honoured to ride in your husband’s memory,” Cossitt said to Liz King who was with a number of Cobourg firefighters.
Cobourg firefighter Jeff Briggs who is also President of the Cobourg Professional Firefighters Association Local 1732 also presented the riders with a cheque for $500 with the funds going to the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
The riders posed with a photo before embarking on their journey.
Briggs said it was great to see the riders coming through the community as they do each year.
“But it’s really special this year for us, because Don is being recognized.”
King’s name will be read aloud at the ceremony on Sunday as the occupational illness he succumbed too is considered a line of duty death.
King will also be honoured in Colorado Springs as part of the International Association of Firefighters Memorial on October 2.
Briggs also said occupational illnesses are increasing in the fire industry.
“The chemicals and toxins we are exposed to when we go into fires and not only fires, but different types of calls that we respond too.”
Every with the protective equipment Briggs said the chemicals and toxins go in through the firefighters skin and can have long term effects for many years to come.
“Due to presumptive legislation, firefighters are recognized in the Province of Ontario for a number of cancers because of the job related issues they’ve experienced.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
