Fallen firefighters honoured during annual ceremony in Kitchener [Video]

Firefighters, families and community members came together on Sunday to remember firefighters who have given their lives to keep the community safe.

The Kitchener Fire Department and Kitchener Professional Firefighters Association (KPFFA) hosted the event in Civic Centre Park.

“Our job entails a lot of risks and dangers,” KPFFA President Brian Forbes explained. He said all of the people honoured at the memorial died from illnesses that could be traced back to their work as firefighters, including the intense mental toll the job often takes. “We’re here just to honour them and respect the sacrifice of each of them and their families.”

Sunday’s event marked the 20th annual fallen firefighter’s memorial ceremony in Kitchener.

More than a dozen sculptures of helmets surround a large statue in the park. They were placed there in tribute to the firefighters who have died.

During the ceremony, family members were invited to place flowers …