Lethbridge ceremony honours fallen firefighters

“For me personally, this is a time to reflect on, of course, the great loss of life, but there are also many first responders who have life-changing events while working the job – injuries, mental health and all sorts of factors. It is a time, also, for us to reflect on that,” says Laboske.

One of the people who was recognized at the ceremony was Paul Little. After a 32-year career at LFES, he passed away on July 2, 2024.

Fire Chief Greg Adair says Little’s passing made the ceremony hit a little closer to home.

“It makes it a little more solemn when one of our own from Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services passes away from a work-related injury. It was a pretty somber event this year,” says Adair.

Greg Adair on the significance of the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Parade and Ceremony.

Adair says that they have very dangerous jobs, and both he and Laboske say they appreciate the strong displays of support from the community.

Laboske says, “In our jobs, sometimes, there aren’t a lot of everyday thank yous, and it is easy to get caught up in the fact that it’s just work, and sometimes, you don’t feel like you see the outcomes of it. It is nice to have these events for them to come together the way they did and make a great show of support for us. It does embolden us for the year and helps us get back out there.”

Some of the members from Lethbridge also took part in a national ceremony in Ottawa this past weekend.

Neil Laboske on recognizing Paul Little.

by David Opinko

Lethbridge ceremony honours fallen firefighters

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