575-kilometre pilgrimage honours fallen firefighters across Canada
After spending much of the day in the saddle, 74 firefighters from across Canada rolled into Cobourg Wednesday evening as part of a three-day bicycle pilgrimage honouring firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The cyclists are taking part in the seventh annual Firefighter Bike Pilgrimage, organized by the Toronto Fire Celtic Society.
Their 575-kilometre journey began in Hamilton and will eventually take them to the Canadian Firefighters Memorial in Ottawa.
The riders came along Lakeshore Road in Port Hope escorted by Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services, then met up with members of the Cobourg Fire Department who escorted them to a nearby hotel.
It marked the end of the first day of their journey, giving the riders an opportunity to rest before continuing east on Thursday.
The cyclists are riding to raise funds and awareness for the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation (CFFF) while remembering the men and women who have died as a result of their service.
The pilgrimage also serves as a reminder of the dedication and sacrifice of firefighters across Canada, particularly during a year when communities have once again faced devastating wildfires.
Among those being remembered are Ottawa firefighter Ryan Hill, who died at the age of 37 from brain cancer linked to his service, along with Toronto Fire Captain Norman Sinclair, Toronto District Chief Chris Cochon and Toronto Fire Captain Brad Andrews.
The names of 85 fallen firefighters are being added to the Memorial Wall this year.
They will join more than 2,000 names already commemorated at the memorial, dating back to the late 1800s.
For the cyclists, the ride is about far more than the kilometres being covered.
It is a journey of remembrance, solidarity and recognition for those who never made it home from the job.
David Cossitt, president of the Toronto Fire Celtic Society, said the encouragement received from people along the route provides an important boost to the riders.
“We greatly appreciate people cheering us along the route. Encouragement truly boosts our spirits,” Cossitt said.
The pilgrimage has already raised approximately $300,000, with organizers hoping to raise an additional $100,000 for the CFFF through this year’s ride.
After spending Wednesday night in Cobourg, the riders will continue their journey Thursday, with stops planned in Belleville, Napanee and Kingston.
The final leg of the pilgrimage will take the firefighters through eastern Ontario before arriving at the Canadian Firefighters Memorial in Ottawa.
For the 74 firefighters who arrived in Cobourg Wednesday, the first day’s kilometres are now behind them.
But the reason they are riding remains very much in front of them — to remember those who gave everything in the line of duty.
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
