Ten firefighters and an auxillary member from Lunenburg will remember number 65 this weekend in Ottawa.
The number belonged to Jeff Lilly who died of Leukemia last December at age 43.
His name will be added to the Canadian Firefighters Memorial Wall during a ceremony Sunday by the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
Uncle and fellow firefighter, Raymond Francis, says Lilly will be the first member of the department to have his name engraved on the wall.
“I’m pleased that the Foundation has recognized him as a member and putting his name on the stone. I don’t like to see nybody 43 years-old with their name on the stone, but that’s life and you have to live with it. It’s very touching.”
The national monument also includes an 18-metre high fire pole and a six-metre high bronze statue of a firefighter.
(Photo Courtesy: Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation)
Francis says Jeff was involved in the sports community and a valuable member of the fire service.
“Jeff belonged to the department for close to 15 years. I think a year and a half ago he rose to the rank of captain. He was doing a good job and putting his best interest into it and doing well.”
Roughly half a dozen family members are also heading to the nation’s capital for the ceremony.
A firefighters helmet and medal are expected to be presented to Jeff’s widow, Coleen.
