(MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH PERTH, ON) On Friday March 18, 2011 at approximately 2:30 p.m. members of the Ontario Fire Marshalls office, Ministry of Labour officials and structural engineers authorized the removal of the two deceased North Perth Volunteer firefighters from the fire scene.
As the bodies of Kenneth REA and Raymond WALTER were being driven from the scene in two separate body removal vans an honour guard lined both sides of Argyle Ave. The honour guard was made up of approximately 60 North Perth, Minto and Drayton firefighters in addition to paramedics, officers of the fire marshal’s office and O.P.P. officers.
The bodies of the two firefighters have been transported to University Hospital in London for forensic examination. The fire marshals office is continuing to investigate as to the cause of the fire.
A Media conference was held on Friday March 18, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. at the North Perth Municipal office counsel chamber. A representative of the Ontario Fire Marshals office, the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Mayor Julie Behrns of the Municipality of North Perth and Ed Smith the North Perth Fire Chief made presentations to the media.
Mayor Behrn said “The tragedy of the two fallen volunteer firefighters in the line of duty has shaken and shattered our community of North Perthâ€. She expressed that these men are “true heroesâ€.
Fire Chief Smith said the “The loss of these guys is going to be so difficult for their wives, children and extended familiesâ€. He expressed his appreciation for the support from the local community as well as the condolences which have come in from all over the country.