Markham Firefighter Memorial adds two new names

Fallen firefighters remembered and honoured in private ceremony held yesterday in Markham

MARKHAM, ON – October 23, 2023 – On October 22, City of Markham elected officials, including Mayor Frank Scarpitti and members of Council, along with CAO Andy Taylor, Markham Fire and Emergency Services, and the Markham Professional Firefighters Association, gathered together with families of two recently fallen MFES firefighters, during a private ceremony held at Markham Veterans Square and Cenotaph.

Two new names were unveiled on the Markham Firefighter Memorial in honour and remembrance of Platoon Chief, Ken Robertson, and Firefighter First Class, Xavier Bracken, who both tragically passed away due to injuries incurred while on duty.

“It is important to honour and remember the ultimate sacrifices made by the members of Markham’s Fire and Emergency Services,” said Markham Mayor, Frank Scarpitti. “The Markham Firefighter Memorial was unveiled in 2021 and offers a place of reflection and an opportunity to pay tribute to fallen members of our fire service. On behalf of the City of Markham and our residents, I thank all members of our fire service, past and present, for answering the call of duty to protect our community and keep us safe.”

“The City of Markham and its Fire and Emergency Services stand together with the family and the friends of Ken Robertson and Xavier Bracken, honouring the lives, service and sacrifice of two brave firefighters who dedicated their lives to helping others and making a difference in the world,” says MFES Fire Chief, Chris Nearing.

Located at Markham Veterans Square and Cenotaph at 6031 Highway 7 East, it is hoped that the Markham Firefighter Memorial may offer some solace and support to the families and friends of firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty while actively responding to a fire, or as a result of occupational illness or disease. It provides a place for firefighters to remember their fallen colleagues, and serves as a gathering place for the community to reflect on the risks taken by firefighters on their behalf. 



 

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti’s Office: 
At mayorscarpitti@markham.ca.

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media@markham.ca

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with more than 353,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 headquartered companies and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. 
 

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