Story Submitted Your Brandon Firefighter / Paramedics honour guard took part in recognizing and honouring the line of duty death ceremony in Ottawa this past weekend. The second Sunday in September has been recognized by the Canadian Federal Government as Firefighters’ National Memorial Day. Two of our own former Brandon Firefighter’s, Mel McEachen and Norm Roziere were among those remembered for their service and sacrifice. Firefighter McEachen’s spouse Mavis and family as well as Firefighter Roziere’s spouse Norma, were in attendance while the Prime Minster acknowledged the families of our fallen. Many of the departments across Canada flew their flags at half-mast in honouring more then 1,300 Canadian Firefighters that have died in the line of duty. In the memorial ceremony much attention is focused on the red ceremonial table, which holds the helmets representing each of the fallen being honoured. These helmets, whether black for structural, yellow for wildland firefighters or caps for wildland pilots, are presented to the families of the fallen during the ceremony. At the corners of the ceremonial table are silent sentries, who carry an item that has some symbolic and spiritual significance. Honouring the Fallen includes a medal and helmet presentation to the family of those firefighters who were killed on duty or died from a work related illness while still actively employed. An extra helmet is placed on a raised pedestal to represent all Canadian line of duty deaths since 1848. This helmet remains from year to year with the hopes that no other helmet or cap will accompany it at the annual ceremony. The fire service of today is ever changing, but is steeped in traditions 200 years old. The ringing of the bell and the Firefighter's Prayer are two traditions of the fire service which reflect respect and honour to those who gave their lives to their duty. In the past each alarm was sounded by a bell, which summoned these brave souls to fight fires and to place their lives in jeopardy for the good of their fellow citizens. And when the fire was out and the alarm had come to an end, it was the bell that signaled to all the completion of that call. When a firefighter has died in the line of duty, paying the supreme sacrifice, it was the toll of the bell that solemnly announced a comrades passing and is rung three times.

Source:  Brandon Police Service Media Release On Sunday morning, a resident from the 800 block 14th Street, reported that sometime between 5:00 PM Thursday to 5:00 PM Friday, their garage had been broken into and a quantity of tools stolen. The matter remains under investigation. On Sunday afternoon, it was reported that a garage in the 900 block 4th Street had also been broken into sometime over the preceding night and a quantity of tools stolen. The matter remains under investigation. Early this morning, an alarm was activated from a business in the 900 block 24th Street. The owner attended and reported that it was a genuine activation with damage to the perimeter apparent. Members entered the premise and confirmed entry had been made; however, the suspects had fled prior. At this time, it is unknown if anything has been stolen. The matter remains under investigation.

Source:  Brandon Police Service Media Release On Sunday afternoon, staff from Super Store reported apprehending a 41 year old male who had stolen approximately $80.00 of meat. The suspect was highly intoxicated at the time so was lodged at Brandon Correctional Centre to sober up and was later released to appear in court on November 5th.

At around 1:50am Sunday morning, Brandon Fire and Emergency Services and Brandon Police Service responded to the 800 block of 23rd St for a fire in a two-story house. Upon arrival, fire crews discovered a fully involved house fire, with strong winds pushing flames and heat towards a neighboring house to the north. Firefighter/paramedics acted quickly to protect that neighboring house from the raging inferno feet away, and started attempting to knock down the flames in the house where the fire originated. Efforts to combat and control the fire were hampered by strong winds, which were fanning the flames, and spreading flames into hard-to-reach areas of the house. Manitoba Hydro was called in to help shut off power and gas to the residence, in order for fire crews to be safer on scene, and gain better access to the house. 23rd St from College Ave to Park Ave was closed, as well as Park Ave from 22nd St to 24th St was closed. The Office of the Fire Commissioner was on scene to investigate. Thankfully, nobody was injured during the fire. Update... fire crews cleared at around 6:30am.  Photos by Liam Pattison Photography.

Friday afternoon just before 3:00, a two vehicle collision occurred in the intersection of 1st St North and Kirkcaldy Dr., near the Brandon Correctional Centre. A small SUV and a fire truck were the two vehicles involved in the collision. Air bags were deployed in the small SUV. Traffic going northbound on 1st St N. was rerouted, as well as traffic going eastbound towards Veterans Way was rerouted. One person was transported to hospital. Photos by Liam Pattison Photography.