Remembering Firefighter Tommy Barnes
On February 26, 2012 we lost an exemplary member of our station, department, and community. Tommy passed away at the age of 55 in the midst of a valiant battle with cancer. Firefighter Barnes was an active member of Thorold Fire and Emergency Services for more than 31 years and prior to moving to Thorold he volunteered for Welland Fire and Emergency Services.
Additional Presumptive Legislation was introduced on January 1, 2017 by the Ministry of Labour classifying Tommy’s passing as a line of duty death. Almost 5 years after his departure Firefighter Barnes has been given the honour he deserves. On September 10 the name Tom Barnes was read out at the National Firefighters’ Memorial Ceremony in Ottawa; and his name etched in the granite memorial wall with over 1300 Canadian firefighters from all sectors (volunteer/part-time, paid/full time, industrial, military, urban, rural, wildland, airport, or marine) who have lost their lives serving Canada.
Making this event even more special, as announced by the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Government of Canada has established Sunday, September 10, 2017 as the very first Firefighters’ National Memorial Day. Coinciding with Tommy’s inclusion at the national memorial site, and moving forward, Canadian flags will be at halfstaff on the second Sunday of September each and every year.
A delegation from the Barnes family including Tom’s wife Debbie attended the National Memorial Service in Ottawa and I would like to thank Thorold City Council and Steelworkers Local 14241-9 for realizing the significance of this event and providing support.
Rest in peace my friend.
Carl Pearson Volunteer District Chief - Thorold Station No. 3 Thorold Fire and Emergency Services
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