The Windsor Professional Firefighters Association is sending three honour guard members to a memorial in Arizona for the 19 firefighters killed in a wildfire.
The three members will be flying out Monday morning in advance of the service Tuesday afternoon in the Prescott, Arizona area.
“We definitely consider each other family members,” says Jeremy Soulliere, WPFFA executive board member. “Brothers and sisters in fire service. That’s what we try to do, support the other members.”
Nineteen members of a highly skilled Hotshot crew were killed Sunday when a raging wildfire overran them on a mountainside northwest of Phoenix.
Soulliere says he was very shocked when he first heard about their tragic deaths.
“It kind of makes you sick to your stomach that 19 men lost their lives, most of them were at such a young age,” says Soulliere.
It was the deadliest day for U.S. fire crews since 9/11.
“Thankfully it doesn’t’ happen too often,” says Soulliere. “Other than 911, I don’t recall so many firefighters dying in one incident.”
The fire in the town of Yarnell has destroyed more than 100 houses and burned about 13 square miles. Officials say the fire is mostly contained.
Thousands of firefighters from across North America are expected to attend the memorial.
The White House says Vice President Joe Biden will be at the service. The White House hasn't released President Barack Obama's schedule for next week. But it's unusual for Obama and Biden to attend the same event outside Washington.
With files from The Associated Press
