With the devastating wildfires that ripped across the province of Alberta last month, firefighters have reached hero status as they battle the blazes. Small cities like Fort McMurray and High Level faced total evacuation and much property damage has occurred. And yet, if it were not for Alberta firefighters, the

With the devastating wildfires that ripped across the province of Alberta last month, firefighters have reached hero status as they battle the blazes. Small cities like Fort McMurray and High Level faced total evacuation and much property damage has occurred. And yet, if it were not for Alberta firefighters, the response to the emergency might have been far different and even more devastating. Ready to race into the danger zones without a second thought, firefighters have come to symbolize true bravery, courage and self-sacrifice.

Firefighters have always been Alberta’s heroes and nowhere is this truer than in the City of Edmonton where a group called the Edmonton Firefighters Memorial Society has sought to memorialize fallen firefighters since 1997. According to the association’s mandate, the society rose from a desire to recognize those members of the Edmonton Fire Department who had given the supreme sacrifice in the service of the citizens of Edmonton.

Members of the Edmonton Fire Department were instrumental in helping to control the blaze that threatened to engulf all of Fort McMurray and devastated over 2400 architectural structures in the city. Luckily, all of the firefighters made it out without being harmed.

For anyone passing by the Edmonton Firefighters Memorial Plaza, located at 10350 – 83 Avenue, the statue entitled “The Rescue” – which depicts the rescue of a young girl whose home is on fire – cannot help but serve as a stark reminder of the recent heroism of firefighters in this province today.

Behrends Group is honoured to help keep the memory of Edmonton’s fallen firefighters alive by fabricating the statue for the plaza, designed by artist Danec Mozdanski, and producing the plaques which name those who have fallen. At the same time, our work in the plaza serves as a reminder of those brave individuals who continue to rush into the face of uncertainty for the sake of helping others.

Firefighters have always been Alberta’s heroes. This past month, which showed some of the worst wildfire battles in Canadian history, proves that places like the Edmonton Firefighters Memorial Plaza matter and belong at the center of a community’s memory. We are proud to have created the space for such an honour.

Firefighters Have Always Been Alberta's Heroes