The Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Celtic Society Memorial Bike Ride traveled through Northumberland County raising funds for the Canadian Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation.
2025 marks the ninth year for the three-day, 575-kilometre bike ride that started in Hamilton on September 3rd and ends at the Canadian Firefighters Memorial in Ottawa on September 5th.
David Cossitt, Ride Organizer spoke to Today’s Northumberland said 2025 is the largest group of riders they’ve had with 70 riders from 18 different fire departments taking part.
The first leg of the journey was from Hamilton to Cobourg and on Thursday, the men and women started off from the Best Western Inn and Convention Centre and made their way through Hamilton Township, Alnwick/Haldimand Township, Cramahe Township and Brighton before proceeding into Quinte West.
Along the way, fire apparatus from each municipality escorted the riders.
Cossitt said the rider is about remembering the firefighters who have died in the line of duty and supporting family members of the fallen who will be in Ottawa for the National Ceremony on Sunday, September 7.
This year, 112 families will be traveling to Ottawa with 140 firefighters names going on the wall of remembrance.
During the ride it’s common that family members of the fallen will encourage the riders.
“It gave us some inspiration to keep on chugging. The members are always in our thoughts and we’ll take it one day at a time.”
Cossitt thanked Northumberland County Fire Departments for their support along the way.
“(Brighton Fire) Chief Thompson helps me out tremendously. He sets all the escorts up for this day. I just send him the schedule and he contacts everybody for me. He’s been a huge supporter of our ride ever since we’ve done it.”
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
