Twenty red helmets were laid by the families to honour the passing of a local firefighter.
October 30, 2024
“Today we stand in memory of the departed brothers and sisters who have responded to their last alarm.”
Fire chiefs, representatives from the Strait Area Mutual Aid Association, and the Inverness County Firefighters’ Association were piped in by Cameron MacNeil on October 27th at 2:00 p.m. at the Brook Village Community Hall.
The service is an annual event that moves around to each community in the associations.
After the singing of O Canada, Charlie MacKinnon began by welcoming the family and friends who attended the memorial service.
“Thank you to the firemen and women for being here today and to the men and women who we have lost,” said MacKinnon.
Jude Rankin was the master of ceremonies; he then read the Reading of the Last Alarm.
The Last Alarm:
Memory is the priceless heritage of the ages. It echoes voices of happy days, sad emotions, fond recollections, beautiful traditions, cherished friendships, and joyful camaraderie.
Today we stand in memory of the departed brothers and sisters who have responded to their “last alarm”.
Throughout most of history, the lives of firefighters have been closely associated with the ringing of a bell. As they began their hours of duty, it was the bell that started if off.
Through the day and night, each alarm was sounded by a bell; the bell called them to fight fire and place their lives in harms-way for the good of their fellow man. And when the fire was out, and the alarm had come to an end, the bell rang three times to signal the end. And now our brothers and sisters have completed their tasks, their duties well done.
Those responded to their last alarms, each name will be read, one-by-one, and the bell will ring once; and at the completion of all names read, the bell will ring three times in memory of, and tribute to, their lives and sacrificial service.
With deepest reverence, let us bow our hearts in silent prayer in repose as the names are called of our departed comrades, and the bell tolls.
The ushers for the family were Lloyd Campbell and Richard Heukshorst.
The Laying of the Red Helmets was done by family members as well as by members of the respective fire departments.
Laying of the Helmets:
Whycocomagh Fire Department:
Miles MacInnis, retired fire chief
Arthur Ehler, firefighter
Port Hood Fire Department:
Neil Roderick “Sonnie” MacInnis, retired firefighter
Inverness Fire Department:
James Poirier, retired firefighter
Gary MacInnis, retired Firefighter
Scott Campbell, firefighter
Pleasant Bay Fire Department:
Wayne Timmons, hon. firefighter
Margaree Forks Fire Department:
Angus L MacKinnon, hon. firefighter
Judique & District Fire Department:
James Joseph “Jimmy” MacIsaac, retired firefighter
Mabou & District Fire Department:
“Big” John MacLean, retired firefighter
Bruce Cameron, retired firefighter
Greg Beaton, retired firefighter
Daniel Rankin, retired firefighter
Donald Cosman, retired fire chief
Mary Lorette Beaton, hon. firefighter
John “Big Jack” MacDonald, retired firefighter
North Shore Fire Department:
Jerome MacEachern, retired firefighter
Isle Madam Fire Department:
Robert LeBlanc, retired firefighter
Louisdale Fire Department:
William MacRae, retired fire chief
St. Peters Fire Department:
Terrence Terrio, firefighter
To close the ceremony and after all the helmets were laid to rest on the table, the Firefighters Prayer was read:
When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may rage,
Give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age.
Help me to embrace a little child before it's too late,
Or save an older person from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout, and
Quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,
To guard my neighbor and protect his property.
And if, according to my fate. I am to lose my life this day,
Please bless with your protecting hand, my family.
This I pray.
After the service, firefighters and families shared in a light lunch and remembered those who were lost this past year.
We thank them for their dedication and service and may they rest in peace.
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