The British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Association (BCPFFA) has honored 27 individuals whose names were added to the BC Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial during a ceremony March 3 in Victoria, as part of a call to action to improve occupational health and safety shared by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).
After a procession of around 675 firefighters from across the province, the BCPFFA joined politicians of all stripes in comforting the families of the fallen at the event, held biennially at the Memorial site on the grounds of the provincial legislature.
Of the 27 fire fighters honoured, 24 died from occupational cancers, including a member of IAFF Local 2217 in Whitehorse, Yukon.
Speaking to those gathered, BCPFFA President Todd Schierling emphasized the need for enhanced safety standards, reduced exposure to toxic substances, improved mental health resources, early cancer detection screenings and strengthened training and education for those in the profession.
Schierling said: “I want to stress that this memorial stands as a call to action. It is our duty to do everything in our power to ensure that every fire fighter goes home safely to their family at the end of each shift.”
“I offer my sincere gratitude to the families, friends, members and community who stand by us here today. Thank you for supporting our mission for sharing in our grief and for helping keep the legacy of our fallen heroes alive.”
The ceremony included a reading of “The Firefighter’s Prayer,” the Bell Ceremony, presentations of the provincial flag to the families of the fallen and remarks from B.C. Premier David Eby, B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad and interim B.C. Greens Leader Jeremy Valeriote. IAFF 6th District Vice President Mike Carter attended the ceremony.
With nearly 1,000 people gathered, including IAFF members, family members, dignitaries and others, the 2025 BC Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial ceremony was the largest ever according to the IAFF.
They also shared how social media was flooded with photos and videos shared by the BCPFFA, its affiliates and media from across the province, serving to honor the fallen and remind the public about the dangers of the firefighting profession.
The ceremony featured the unveiling of a new plaque dedicated to wildland firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty, underscoring the growing dangers and the challenges wildfires pose in the province.
Devyn Gale, a wildland firefighter who was tragically killed by a falling tree in July 2023, was among the fallen who were honoured this year.
Schierling explained that the Memorial had existing plaques recognizing BCPFFA members, industrial/federal fire fighters and paid-on-call firefighters.
When the BC Wildfire Service inquired about honouring Gale at this year’s ceremony, he connected them with the Speaker of the Assembly and Gale’s union, the BC General Employees’ Union, and agreement for the new plaque quickly followed.
It was unveiled by Gale’s sister, Kayln and brother, Nolan, Legislative Assembly Speaker Raj Chouhan, Schierling and BCGEU President Paul Finch.
Schierling said of wildland firefighters: “Please know that you are an integral part of the firefighting community across this great province.
“Our hearts are with you in grief and gratitude.”
The BCPFFA has honored 27 individuals whose names were added to the BC Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial during a ceremony March 3.
BCPFFA President Todd Schierling shared that the this memorial stands as a call to action, as he offered his gratitude to the families, friends, members and community who attended the event.
