This past weekend, the Strathmore Fire Department paid tribute to firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Sunday (Sept. 8) marked Firefighters' National Memorial Day.
Eric Alexander, deputy fire chief with the department says flags were lowered to half-mast at all municipal buildings around town to remember first responders who have lost their lives in active service or as occupational cancer.
According to the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation, over 1,300 firefighters have died while on duty since 1848 across the country.
"A lot of firefighters, because we're so exposed to carcinogens throughout our careers, lots of firefighters are losing their lives due to cancer," says Alexander.
According to Alexander, Strathmore hasn't had any members die while on duty in the town's history.
"We've been fortunate enough that everybody has gotten home safe."
Alexander explains that no one joins the fire department to be praised or lose their life.
"It's just kind of a silent tribute that we pay to our members and other members across Canada and just kind of thank them for their service."
The fire department has 12 full-time members and 32 paid-on-call members.
"That number kind of fluctuates as we take on recruits and then as people move on and move out of the community or can no longer do it because their family commitments become too great," mentions Alexander.
The first Firefighters' National Memorial Day was held eight years ago.
