Whitby Receives Federal Funding for Fallen Firefighter Memorial

Bronze sculpture will honour sacrifice and service of Whitby firefighters

The Town of Whitby will soon have a permanent place to honour courage, sacrifice, and service, thanks to $135,000 in federal funding to create a Fallen Firefighter Memorial at Whitby Civic Park, beside Town Hall.

The memorial will recognize the seven Whitby firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty and serve as a lasting tribute to the men and women who put themselves at risk to protect the community every day. It will also mark the 175th anniversary of Whitby Fire and Emergency Services (WFES), connecting past sacrifice with present-day service.

The memorial will feature a bronze sculpture of a kneeling firefighter at the centre of a circular plaza. Designed as a space for remembrance and learning, the memorial will offer families, colleagues, and residents a meaningful place to pay their respects and learn about the history and legacy of WFES.

By situating the memorial at Civic Park, the Town is ensuring this story of service and sacrifice remains visible, accessible, and central to the community.

Quotes

“Whitby’s firefighters accept extraordinary risks in service to our community, and this memorial will stand as a lasting tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you to the Government of Canada for this funding support, which will help create a dedicated place at Whitby Civic Park for families, colleagues, and residents to honour the service of Whitby’s fallen firefighters.”

– Elizabeth Roy, Mayor, Town of Whitby

“We thank the Government of Canada and MP Turnbull for his advocacy, which represents a meaningful step in bringing Whitby’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial to life. This funding will help create a lasting place of remembrance that honours the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who have protected our community.”

– Michael Hickey, Fire Chief, Whitby Fire and Emergency Services

“Our fallen firefighters deserve a place to be remembered with dignity and honour. I am proud that the Federal Government, through Canadian Heritage, is supporting the Town of Whitby, WFES, and the Whitby Professional Firefighters Association in creating the first Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Durham Region.”

– MP for Whitby, Ryan Turnbull

“We are deeply grateful to the Government of Canada for their $135,000 contribution. This support is profoundly meaningful to our members and families as we honour our fallen and ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.”

– Vice President Josh Girard, Whitby Professional Firefighters’ Association

Quick Facts

• Engraved names of the seven fallen firefighters will be featured in the memorial’s design, along with a contemplative plaza for reflection.
• 2026 marks the 175th anniversary of WFES; the memorial honours both this milestone and the seven Line of Duty Deaths over WFES’ history.
• The memorial is being funded through contributions from the Government of Canada, Whitby Professional Firefighters’ Association, Town of Whitby, and private donors.
• The memorial is expected to be constructed and unveiled in the month of October.

More Information

For more information on Whitby Fire and Emergency Services, visit whitby.ca/Fire.

Media Contact:

Erin Mikaluk
Manager, Communications and Creative Services, Town of Whitby
Phone: 289.314.6913
Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca