A solemn procession of around twenty fire trucks and emergency vehicles from the area, including several from nearby U.S. communities, were led by the members of the Hemmingford Volunteer Fire Department as they made their way from the fire station to the Saint-Romain Catholic Church on March 1 for the funeral of firefighter-at-heart Gerry McAdam.
The 16-year-old passed away at home with his family on February 19 after a three-year battle against sarcoma, a type of tissue cancer.
McAdam dreamed of fighting fires for most of his life, and last year he set things in motion to leave behind a legacy to help local firefighters.
After being offered a wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation Canada, McAdam chose to create a firefighter training centre in Hemmingford. With an initial donation from the foundation, he launched a fundraising campaign, and donations came rolling in from across the Valley, and the country.
More than $125,000 has been raised and work on the training centre is expected to start this spring. And, while McAdam won’t be there to cut the ribbon, his memory will continue to ride along with area firefighters for years to come.
Donations can still be made online to help make this wish a reality at gofund.me/5034dd45.