Until now their sacrifice has been marked by boots, jackets and helmets arranged on empty chairs.
But now the names of 21 London fire fighters who died in the line of duty or due to occupational disease are inscribed on a granite cross.
About 1,000 people turned out on Sunday for the dedication ceremony for the monument just outside the Central Fire Hall which has been renamed the London Memorial Fire Hall.
The 3.5 metre monument was unveiled by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, 10 years to the day since the 9/ll terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 343 New York firefighters.
McGuinty said the bravery of first responders is fundamental to our quality of live.
“Love for your neighbour is what makes you put on a uniform and your duty is what you do out of love every day afternoon,” said McGuinty at the dedication ceremony.
London Fire chief John Korbarda said 9/11 has become a day of commemoration for all fire fighters.
“They respond every day not knowing if this will be the day they make the ultimate sacrifice.”
Retired Deputy chief Peter Harding has encountered the dedication of fire fighters both in here in London at Ground Zero in Manhattan. As a rookie in 1960 he held David Moffitt, one of London’s 21 fallen fighters in his arms as he lay dying of a heart attack after battling a huge blaze on Richmond Street.
Forty years later his son Paul worked as a fire paramedic at the Ground Zero site for nine days. Last year Paul Harding received the 9/11 medal from the US government but his father said he still suffers from the traumatic of his work.
“It really overdue to have this memorial for our own fallen fire fighters.” said Harding.
The fallen fire fighters span a 156-year period since London was incorporated as a city in 1855. A much earlier monument honoring three fire fighters killed prior to 1855 is located in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
The new memorial and surrounding plaza area at Colborne and Horton Streets cost about $60,000, of which $50,000 will come from city taxpayers.
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