'He died as he lived, helping others': Montreal firefighter who died in line of duty honoured
CBC
Misty eyes and touching tributes by friends, colleagues and city officials marked the final farewells to veteran Montreal firefighter Pierre Lacroix, 58, who died during a water rescue earlier this month.
A funeral was held today at the Notre-Dame Basilica honouring the married father of two daughters, who were presented with their father's fire helmet and dress cap during the service.
Ahead of the funeral, hundreds of firefighters, police officers and paramedics from Quebec and across the country marched silently to the beat of a single drum in a procession through the streets of Old Montreal to make their way to the church.
Martin Guilbault, chief of operations with the Montreal fire department, said more than 1,000 local firefighters were part of the procession, and about 3,000 official participants were in attendance, including firefighters from other parts of Canada and the United States as well as dignitaries.
The Royal Canadian Air Force helicopters also performed a flypast over the memorial service to honour Lacroix's service and sacrifice.
Speaking at the funeral service, Montreal Fire Chief Richard Liebmann said Lacroix's life was dedicated to helping others, and his final moments were a testament to his life.
"Whether it was at his job, in his community or within his family...he died how he lived: helping others."
Mayor Valérie Plante extended her sympathies to Lacroix's family and acknowledged his sacrifices.
"He paid with his life to save the lives of others. It's the greatest and most noble sacrifice and our thoughts are with his family," she said.
Lacroix died on Oct. 17 when the rescue boat he and three colleagues were using to help two boaters in distress in the Lachine rapids of the St. Lawrence River capsized.
While the boaters and three of the firefighters were saved, Lacroix was trapped under the vessel. His body was recovered from the water the following day.
An investigation into his death is underway.
Guilbault, the operations chief, attended a visitation for Lacroix on Thursday at the Old Port's Grand Quai, where the procession took off from today. He said the gathering was a way for his colleagues to honour their lost member and to mourn together.
"Firefighters are a really tight family and when you lose one of your members, it's like losing one of your family," he said.
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