Brothers and Sisters,
Here is a brief update on the situation in Winnipeg.
Local 867 President Alex Forrest has asked me on behalf of the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg (UFFW) and the families of our deceased heroes to thank all those who have sent emails and left telephone messages of condolence and support either personally or through me. I am sure you can appreciate that it is just imposable for Alex to return all these expressions of support at this time but it is extremely important to him the UFFW executive board and members that you all know that he has received your messages and how much they are appreciated.
We did receive some good news late this afternoon (February 5) when it was learned that a 3rd fire fighter who was initially reported to have succumbed to his injuries but who still remains critical condition has a better prognosis than originally thought and has no burn injury to his repository tract or lungs and is expected to survive.
The families have only just agreed to release the names of those killed and injured and they are as follows; Killed were Captain Thomas Nichols, 57, and Captain Harold Lessard, 55. In hospital with severe burns is Firefighter Edward Wiebe, 51, whose condition remains critical. Firefighters Lionel Crowther, 33, Darcy Funk, 35, and Scott Atchison, 33, were also injured at this fire but have been released from hospital.
FUNERAL INFORMATION
Funeral arrangements have now been completed for Captain Harold Lessard. The funeral will be held on Thursday February 8th at 1pm at the North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church, 1315 Gateway Road.
Captain Tom Nichols funeral will be held on Monday, February 12, 2007 at 1pm at the Grant Memorial Baptist Church, 871 Wilkes Avenue.
Fire fighters are welcome to attend these services in full uniform, however the Memorial Service honouring the two fallen brothers on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at the MTS Centre and commencing at 10am will be the formal service that will involve the I.A.F.F. and members from throughout the I.A.F.F. family.
Media coverage: CTV, Winnipeg Sun, Winnipeg Free Press, CTV (television clips - takes a long time to load), CBC
Other Links: IAFF, UFFW (Winnipeg Firefighters)
MEMORIAL SERVICE INFORMATION
The Memorial Service for Captain Harold Lessard and Captain Tom Nichols will be held at the MTS Centre on Wednesday February 14th. The service will begin at 10am. The doors will open at 8am and we ask that members of the public be seated by 9:30.
Fire Fighters are asked to muster at 6am (no later than 7am) in the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
All fire fighters planning to attend this service are asked to register at the UFFW website (link below).
The UFFW website also has a list of hotels offering special rates to those attending the service.
Air Canada has indicated that they will waive all advance purchase requirements on the lowest available fare if you mention that you are traveling to the memorial service.
Winnipeg House fire that claimed two Veteran Captains.
View from roadway, of Winnipeg house fire that claimed two Veteran Fire Captians.
The Welland Professional Firefighters are attending the the memorial service on February 14, 2007. Please remember these fallen brethern, and hold room in your heart for the families of the affected!
