The torch of remembrance will light up as a cross-Canada team of firefighters— from Calgary, Chatham-Kent, Woodstock, Hamilton, Oakville, Milton, Toronto, Bradford, Vaughn, Clarington, Whitby, Kingston, Beckwith, Ottawa, and Stephenville, NFLD—gear up for a three-day, 575-kilometre bike ride. Led by the Toronto Professional Firefighter Celtic Society, they will be cycling from Hamilton to Ottawa’s National Firefighter Memorial from September 4-6, 2024, come wind, rain, or shine.
Now in its 8th year, this pilgrimage aims to raise funds and awareness for the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation (CFFF). With a record-setting 110 families attending the National Firefighter Memorial, the memorial will pay tribute to the brave firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty or due to occupational illnesses. A record number of eight wildland firefighters died last year, underscoring the extreme risks of their profession, from battling intense heat and thick smoke to navigating rough terrain.
Their names and the memories of 152 other heroes will be etched onto the Memorial Wall this year, joining the 1897 names of the brave dating back to the late 1800s.
The culmination of this journey is attendance at the National Firefighters Memorial in Ottawa on September 8, 2023. This sombre event of gratitude, honour and remembrance draws hundreds of firefighters across Canada and its territories, reflecting the strong bond that unites all in Canada’s fire service.
Having already raised almost $400,000 to date, the goal for this year’s ride is an additional $100,000 for the CFFF.
“The Memorial Ride is a way to bring more firefighters, focus, and support to the Nation’s capital for the Canadian Firefighter Memorial,” said David Cossitt, President of the Toronto Fire Celtic Society and Founder of the Memorial Bike Ride. “The ride supports the mission of the CFFF, to honour and remember firefighters who have been killed in the line of duty and to support their families.”
President Cossitt, who has coordinated the Memorial Ride since it began eight years ago, added, “We greatly appreciate people cheering us along the route. Encouragement truly boosts our spirits. Donations can be made at www.celticfireride.ca, where supporters can pick a rider to contribute towards.”
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
