New stamp pays tribute to firefighters

The stamp is the fourth of five being unveiled this week to reflect Canada’s gratitude for all emergency responders.

The stamp was unveiled inHalifaxwith the participation of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency,Canada’soldest firefighting department, established in 1754.

Canada Post and the stamp designers consulted with the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, whose members represent roughly 3,500 fire departments acrossCanada, to ensure the stamp accurately represents firefighters.

The other emergency responders stamps pay tribute to paramedics, the Canadian Armed Forces, search and rescue experts and police.

Canada Post said in a statement that few emergencies trigger such an immediate sense of threat as a fire breaking out in homes or communities, or being injured and trapped in a vehicle after a serious collision.

In situations that might make most people panic, firefighters arrive well equipped and trained to intervene as a cohesive team, the statement said.

“Able to respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice, firefighters do much more than fight fires and rescue victims from burning buildings,” stated Canada Post. “They also provide emergency medical services and perform difficult technical rescues and extractions.

“They respond to vehicle collisions, overdoses, hazardous-material emergencies and other life-threatening events. As well, they makeCanada safer by educating people about fire prevention, investigating fires and enforcing fire codes.”

A stamp honouring paramedics was unveiled at the Ambulance New Brunswick headquarters inFredericton, N.B., on Sept. 10, and a stamp honouring members of the Canadian Armed Forces was unveiled at Base Valcartier inQuebec, on Sept. 11. A stamp honouring search and rescue experts was unveiled inBanff, Alta., on Sept. 13, and a stamp paying tribute to police officers will be unveiled inOttawaon Sept. 14.

The stamps will be available for purchase oncanadapost.caand at postal outlets acrossCanada as ofSept. 14.