Media Advisory
June 21, 2025

The City of Toronto will hold a ceremony to honour the addition of 17 names of fallen firefighters to the Memorial Honour Roll. The service will include remarks and the laying of wreaths by Mayor Olivia Chow, Fire Chief Jim Jessop, members of Toronto Fire Services, representatives of the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association, family members and other related associations.

Date: Sunday, June 22
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Toronto Fire Station 334, 339 Queens Quay W.
Note: Opportunity for media to capture photos and b-roll

Toronto Firefighters, along with their families and friends gather annually for this ceremony of remembrance. Since 1848, a total of 353 firefighters have died in the line of duty while protecting lives, property and the environment in Toronto. Line of duty deaths include deaths related to illness or incident in the course of firefighting duties. The following names of the 17 Toronto Firefighters will be added (with dates of death) to the current Memorial Honour Roll of 336 firefighters: 

  • Acting Captain Duncan Gibson died on July 6, 2020 
  • Firefighter Donald Ernest Lane died on January 13, 2007 
  • Captain Wells Pehlemann died on October 15, 2008 
  • Captain Thomas A. Mcilmoyle died on September 24, 2016 
  • District Chief David R. Atwell died on November 8, 2019 
  • Acting District Chief Steven Pocock died on February 16, 2022 
  • Firefighter Lee Matthew Herriot died on December 14, 2022 
  • Captain Terry W. Nepotiuk died on March 2, 2023 
  • District Chief Murray W. Evaschuk died on March 21, 2023 
  • Firefighter Bill Britton died on June 17, 2023 
  • Marine Captain Ralph Amero died on July 9, 2023 
  • Captain Eric Charles Adams died on September 12, 2023 
  • Firefighter Peter Michael Chitty died on January 17, 2024 
  • Captain Burton Wice died on April 29, 2024 
  • Captain Douglas W. Cook died on May 14, 2024 
  • Captain Sean Coles died on June 12, 2024 
  • Captain Robert J. Smith died on August 9, 2024 

                                Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.

                                Toronto Fire Services Public Information Office
                                416-338-0763