HONOURING A LEGACY OF SERVICE OVER 150 YEARS!
Over the years Uxbridge Firefighters discussed creating a memorial to fallen firefighters. With the opening of the new fire station in 2017, the time was right to make the memorial a reality. In 2018, Township Council endorsed the project, an artist and landscape designer were selected, a model maquette was created, and a partnership was formed with the Uxbridge- Scott Historical Society.
Fundraising was just hitting its stride when, in 2020, COVID-19 caused a delay. As covid was winding down in 2022, fundraising became the focus and the community responded positively. MANY personal and business donations came in. A critical piece in our fundraising plan was the Legacy Grant from the federal government which coincided with our 150th Anniversary was approved, and funds were also raised through a raffle run in partnership with the Rotary Club of Uxbridge.
The Memorial itself honours the dedication of those who have served, are serving, or will serve on the Uxbridge Fire Department - and to acknowledge the toll, both physically and emotionally, that service can take. The garden plaza is a place for quiet reflection. The centerpiece of the memorial is a life-size bronze statue. The individual castings around the base are symbols of the history of the local fire service.
The garden plaza was designed by former Uxbridge firefighter Adam Hoover of HM and Associates, in partnership with Uxbridge firefighters Matt Gregory and Jeff Keeping, and Kristy Noble and Mat Lawrence of Woodland Landscape Construction.
The memorial was designed by Port Perry artist Tyler Briley who has captured the dedication, determination and weight of a life of service. A retired Scarborough Firefighter and mental health advocate, Tyler’s many works depict military and emergency service.
Comments from Sculptor, Tyler Briley…..
After consulting with the firefighters of the Memorial Committee, we decided to merge old and new firefighting elements in recognition of the incredible 150 years of dedication and commitment displayed by the firefighters of Uxbridge.
The memorial consists of a modern day firefighter astride the top of the black granite base. The four corners of the base represent equipment pertinent to the service over the years.
The main figure represents the modern day firefighter, passing by antique fire equipment left by a former firefighter ... .an old helmet and a pair of boots resting on a roll of fire hose.
A fire hose is draped over the side of the granite base into a wood bucket, representing the past and symbolizing the importance of water.
On another corner there is an old lantern which lights the way from the past into the future.
An old play pipe nozzle rests on another corner representing strength...as they were very powerful straight stream nozzles .
On the last corner is a fire coat hanging over the corner left by a former firefighter untouched; representing brotherhood and remembrance for those who have gone on before.
The main figure astride the top of the base reflects on the dangers and commitment of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.... and carries on to whatever the next call might be!
This project represents the incredible dedication and commitment of the Uxbridge Firefighters over 150 years.
The engravings on the base of the memorial also hold significance.
On one side, you will see a scripture passage from John 15:13, Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. A perfect passage for those who serve.
On another side, you will find names of firefighters who died while in active service with the department - Scott Koogje (2017), Bob Maynard (1982) and Nathanial Case (1886). We Will Remember Them.
Firefighter Kevin Gordon’s name is etched into the other side. Firefighter Gordon was a 28 year veteran of the Uxbridge Fire Department. He died July 19, 2011 following a battle with a fire related illness. He was 54 years of age. We will Remember Him.