The Kitchener Fire Department and the Kitchener Professional Firefighters Association (KPFFA) honoured fallen firefighters during a memorial ceremony at Civic Centre Park on Sunday.
The event began with a parade of the KPFFA Honour Guard at 10:45 a.m., followed by a ceremony at 11:10 a.m. Mayor Berry Vrbanovic and members of Kitchener city council also attended.
Now in its 21st year, the service brought firefighters, city officials and families together for a moment of reflection to remember those who lived, served and sacrificed.
This year, two bronze helmets were placed at the memorial, engraved with the names of members who died in 2024 from occupational cancer.
“Firefighter Douglas DeBrusk and fire prevention officer David Mark...their helmets are tributes to lives left with purpose, with bravery and a keen sense of duty,” said Vrbanovic.
David Mark was hired by the Kitchener Fire Department on July 18, 1988. After seven years battling fires, Mark made the switch to fire prevention in 1995 where he spent the remainder of his career.
Mark was known for his dedication to the community and involvement in youth education and outreach programs.
Mark retired on Jan. 21, 2021. Shortly after, he was diagnosed with cancer linked to his career. He died on July 12, 2024.
Douglas DeBrusk was hired on in 1967 and worked at the department for 32 years.
DeBrusk is remembered as a “true family man” who was “impossible not to get along with.”
He officially retired in the spring of 1999 to enjoy time with his family, play golf and watch Blue Jays games.
DeBrusk passed away on Sept. 18, 2024.
“He loved helping people. He was proud to be a firefighter. He would go out of his way in order to do things,” said DeBrusk’s wife, Sandra. “He was proud to work with the guys. He made meals for the guys, they were like family.”
Officials said the memorial has become a longstanding tradition in the city, ensuring the names of local firefighters who died in the line of duty are remembered for years to come.
“There is hope that no more firefighters are impacted or succumb to occupational cancers or injuries,” said fire Chief Robert Gilmore. “In my time with the fire department, there have been many significant improvements with relation to firefighter health, our equipment, our gear, technology - all vastly improved. Our awareness and education of the risk has led to policies and procedures that are in place to minimize and reduce the effects of the toxins from fire and the traumas that impact mental health.”