Ladysmith Fire Rescue has installed a bench and gazebo outside the firehall as a memorial to all the firefighters who served in Ladysmith.
“Anybody who’s served time with us and has passed, whether it’s already happened or in the future, we made the memorial bench and gazebo to honour them,” president of the fire rescue historical society Owen Burt said.
The gazebo and bench are open to the public. Burt hopes that the community will enjoy the installation. Most of the work was done in house. They were helped by Brady’s Ironworks, and the Town of Ladysmith helped with the installation. The materials were purchased through Sawmill Sales Direct.
Ladysmith Fire Rescue is working to install a plaque that describes what the bench and gazebo are about. They also plan to include plaques honouring individuals for any families of firefighters who want to do so.
“We made it for the memory of our lost firefighters, and it’s for the public to see,” Burt said. “It’s huge for us. We wouldn’t be where we are if it wasn’t for those people. They’ve all taken their own personal time to help the members of this town for many years. We can’t grow and develop without them, and we can’t forget what they’ve done for us.”