Sault firefighter honoured at Queen's Park

The Province of Ontario paid tribute to fallen first responders today during a ceremony at Queen's Park.

Included in the list of honourees was Sault Ste. Marie firefighter John Nesom who passed away in July of this year.

Tribute to the Fallen commemorative plaques were presented to the families of the fallen by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne.

Those honoured today were:

Firefighters

• Captain Ted Heydon, New Tecumseth Fire Rescue, died May 2007
• Captain Jack Insley, Havelock Bellmont Methuen Fire Department, died January 2008
• Firefighter Kevin James, Southwold Township Fire Department, died July 2014
• Firefighter John Clark Nesom, The City of Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department, died July 2014
• Firefighter David Earl O'Brien, Toronto Fire Department, died October 2013
• Firefighter Hank Smit, Sarnia Fire Rescue Services, died April 2014
• Firefighter Edward Tothe, Brantford Fire Department, died August 2013
• Firefighter Lawrence Walker, Cambridge Fire Department, died December 2013

Police

• Constable John Zivcic, Toronto Police Service, died December 2013

A news release issued today by the Office of the Premier follows.

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Honouring Ontario's fallen first responders

Premier pays tribute to firefighters, police and their families

Today at Queen's Park, Premier Kathleen Wynne honoured eight firefighters and one police officer who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The Premier met with the families of the fallen and presented each with Tribute to the Fallen plaques in honour of their loved ones' memory.  

During a special ceremony, Premier Wynne also expressed her gratitude for the men and women who courageously continue to keep the people of Ontario safe.

The Ontario government established the Tribute to the Fallen ceremony in 2006 to honour soldiers, firefighters, police officers and paramedics from Ontario who died in the line of duty and to express support, condolences and gratitude to their families.

Quick facts

To date, 218 members of the Canadian Armed Forces, firefighters, paramedics and police officers have been honoured at Ontario’s annual Tribute to the Fallen ceremonies.

The Tribute to the Fallen plaques feature a framed trillium medallion and a brass plate with a commemorative inscription.

Quotes

“I am moved and humbled by the courage of the men we honour today and by their commitment to serve their province and their country. It is a service we do not take for granted and a sacrifice we shall never forget.” - Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario

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