The Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan Fire Department will not be participating in Canada Day activities, the department said in a post on social media.
This is following the incident of a child in Quadeville being found with serious injuries on June 24.
“In light of the events, BLR Fire has chosen to not participate in all Canada Day activities and fireworks in the Municipality until further notice, out of respect for the family, community and our firefighters’ mental health,” the post said.
It said the Ontario Provincial Police requested the fire department’s assistance at 12:28 a.m. on June 24 to extract an injured child from a densely wooded area.
BLRFD responded with 12 personnel and three trucks and worked with provincial police and county paramedics.
“All emergency services worked tirelessly to treat the patient,” the post said.
As the OPP continue their investigation, BLRFD said no further details will be provided.
OPP said the child’s injuries are believed to be from an animal attack, but further testing and analysis is required.
The Quadeville and Palmer Rapids communities are also showing support for the family affected by this incident, including a GoFundMe which has raised more than $14,000.
In an email statement, Joseph Fiorentino said a “cold” supper at the Quadeville Community Centre on July 5 is raising funds for the family, and the BLRFD is developing a fundraiser as well.
He added there is also a donation jar at Kauffeldt’s General Store.
“All proceeds from these fundraisers will go to the child’s family to help cover expenses related to [their] hospitalization, recovery and eventual homecoming,” he said.