Calgary expands firefighter memorial and pushes for broader occupational illness recognition
Three additional firefighters were added to Calgary's memorial, while officials and unions call for wider acknowledgment of work-related cancers and other injuries.
At the annual ceremony at the Police Officers and Firefighters Tribute Plaza, Calgary added three names—Capt. Lorn Howes, Lieut. Ronald A. Randen and Deputy Chief Alton G. Mathers—who died from occupational cancers, bringing the total to 80 names. Mayor Jeromy Farkas and union leader Jamie Blayney stressed that remembrance must be matched by action to prevent further work-related deaths.
The city has identified about 21 cancers as occupational illnesses, providing $400,000 in compensation to families. Upcoming gear-cleaning upgrades using enhanced carbon dioxide will aim to remove more contaminants than current methods. Advocates point to cases like Robert Allen’s post-service lung disease and the prevalence of PTSD, urging that any firefighter-related illness be recognized as a workplace injury.
