A ceremony was held Friday at Ottawa City Hall honouring 17 firefighters who lost their lives during and after duty.
The ceremony was filled with speeches, songs and a Line of Duty recognition presentation to the families and loved ones of the fallen.
“Today’s a special day where we get to recognize firefighters with Ottawa Fire Service that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. It’s also a reminder to the families that we’re here for them. It’s very difficult when somebody passes away and you know what they are. Heroes may pass away, but we’re here to support them in their future and their families,” says Ottawa Fire Chief Paul Hutt.
Hundreds attended the 24th annual memorial, sharing stories and memories of their loved ones and how much they were passionate about their job.
The Gobey family attended to honour husband and father Dennis Gobey, a retired firefighter of 41 years who passed away last fall due to pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver.
“It’s important to us because the public sees it when a firefighter dies on scene or shortly after due to injuries, but they don’t see all the illness that firefighters get later in their career or after their career from all the all the toxins and everything that we’re exposed to after decades of firefighting,” says Matt Gobey. “Events like this help recognize the sacrifice of the of firefighters who fall well after their career has ended.”
Matt Gobey and his sister Shannon Gobey loved the passion their dad had for his career so much that they both followed in his footsteps.
“I feel like it’s in our blood to help people in our family. It’s our calling just to be there when everybody else is running away,” says Shannon Gobey.
“I was always proud of how he conducted himself through his career, how long his career was, how he stayed in love with the job for his entire career. To see it be recognized in a more public and open setting just kind of cements that. It’s a nice reminder that he did do something great with his life. His life meant something that he made a difference,” says Matt Gobey.
“I’m so proud of them. My husband was over the moon when they both got on the job. He said it was the best job in the world. He just loved this job. He lived for it,” says Janet Gobey, Dennis Gobey’s widow.
A three-helmet memorial presentation took place to recognize Line of Duty Deaths, Legacy of Courage, and All Fallen Fighters.
“Supporting the families and recognizing that we are one big service, whether you’re on the career side or you’re on the volunteer side of this fire family, that we all have a role to play in serving the community and sometimes that role means coming out and supporting the families of those who have lost loved ones,” says Fred Carmosino.
“A lot of people are suffering from illnesses - they’re out there doing their job, protecting the public. This is a great way to remember them and remind everybody the sacrifice that’s involved,” says Matt Mould, honouring his father, who served 27 years.
It was a day of remembering the passion these firefighters had for their career and of reflecting on the firefighters that have protected Ottawa for almost 200 years.
“I think one of the things that sets this profession, and firefighting apart is a sense of family. We view all firefighters and all their families as part of an extended family… so, this loss isn’t just a loss of a colleague, it’s a loss of a family member. And we’re here to honor that sacrifice that they’ve made, as well as to renew our commitment to their families, that they’re still a family member to us,” says Geoff Randall, secretary and principal officer of the Ontario Professional Firefighters’ Association.
“My husband was a firefighter for 34 years and he was very proud to serve the city. He would have really been honored by this. It was nice to see him honored in that way,” says Laura Moore.
The event is hosted by the Ottawa Firefighters Community Foundation.