Media Release - Eighth Annual Firefighter Memorial Bike Ride – 67 Firefighters to Cycle from Hamilton to Ottawa’s National Firefighter Memorial
For Immediate Release
September 4, 2024
Eighth Annual Firefighter Memorial Bike Ride – 67 Firefighters to Cycle from Hamilton to Ottawa’s National Firefighter Memorial
HAMILTON, ON—The torch of remembrance will light up as a cross-Canada team of firefighters— from Calgary, Chatham-Kent, Woodstock, Hamilton, Oakville, Milton, Toronto, Bradford, Vaughn, Clarington, Whitby, Kingston, Beckwith, Ottawa, and Stephenville, NFLD—gear up for a three-day, 575-kilometre bike ride. Led by the Toronto Professional Firefighter Celtic Society, they will be cycling from Hamilton to Ottawa’s National Firefighter Memorial from September 4-6, 2024, come wind, rain, or shine.
Now in its 8th year, this pilgrimage aims to raise funds and awareness for the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation (CFFF). With a record-setting 110 families attending the National Firefighter Memorial, the memorial will pay tribute to the brave firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty or due to occupational illnesses. A record number of eight wildland firefighters died last year, underscoring the extreme risks of their profession, from battling intense heat and thick smoke to navigating rough terrain.
Their names and the memories of 152 other heroes will be etched onto the Memorial Wall this year, joining the 1897 names of the brave dating back to the late 1800s.
The culmination of this journey is attendance at the National Firefighters Memorial in Ottawa on September 8, 2023. This sombre event of gratitude, honour and remembrance draws hundreds of firefighters across Canada and its territories, reflecting the strong bond that unites all in Canada’s fire service.
Having already raised almost $400,000 to date, the goal for this year's ride is an additional $100,000 for the CFFF.
“The Memorial Ride is a way to bring more firefighters, focus, and support to the Nation's capital for the Canadian Firefighter Memorial,” said David Cossitt, President of the Toronto Fire Celtic Society and Founder of the Memorial Bike Ride. “The ride supports the mission of the CFFF, to honour and remember firefighters who have been killed in the line of duty and to support their families.”
President Cossitt, who has coordinated the Memorial Ride since it began eight years ago, added, “We greatly appreciate people cheering us along the route. Encouragement truly boosts our spirits. Donations can be made at www.celticfireride.ca, where supporters can pick a rider to contribute towards.”
Media are invited to join any stops along the three-day route, included below, for interview and photo opportunities:
Day 1, Wednesday, September 4
1. Hamilton Fire Training Academy, 1227 Stone Church Road, Hamilton
Media availability for the start of Memorial Ride: 8:30 AM
2. Oakville Fire Station 3, 156 Kerr St., Oakville Arrival: 10:05 -10:25 AM
3. Toronto Fire Academy, 895 Eastern Ave: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
4. Whitby Fire Station 3, 1501 Brock Street South, Whitby: 2:45-300 PM
Day 2, Thursday, September 5
1. Cobourg Fire Headquarters: 8:30 -9:00 AM
2. Belleville Fire Station 1, 60 Betts St.: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
3. Napanee Fire Station 1, 66 Advance Ave: 2:30 - 2:50 PM
4. Kingston Fire Station 6, 262 Palace Rd.: 4:30 PM
Day 3, Friday, September 5
1. South Frontenac Fire Station, 5855 Perth Rd.: 9:15 - 9:30 am
2. Perth Fire Headquarters, 1881 Rogers Rd.: 12:00 - 1:00 pm
3. Ashton Brewing Company: 2:30 – 3:00 pm
4. Canadian Firefighter Memorial, 110 Lett Street, Ottawa: 4:00-4:15 PM
To download cue sheets & Garmin/Hammerhead/Whaoo files for turn-by-turn navigation:
Hamilton to Academy: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43974183
Academy to Cobourg: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48083370
Cobourg to Napanee, Kingston: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48077992%20
Kingston to Ottawa: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40642961
Ride Coordinator: David Cossitt, (905) 665-1749, tpffceltic@gmail.com
Media Contact: Kathryn Hendrick, (416) 277-6281, hendrickkathryn@gmail.com
Follow the Ride: www.celticfireride.ca
Facebook: TPFFCS Memorial Ride to Ottawa
Instagram: TPFFCS Memorial Ride to Ottawa
Twitter: @MemorialRide