Memorial planned for fallen workers, police, firefighters

Plans were unveiled Tuesday for a three-monument memorial in Winnipeg to honour and recognize firefighters, peace officers and workers who have died on the job.

"Remembering and honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice is our way of paying tribute to them. As Manitobans we must show that their selflessness does not go unnoticed," stated a joint release from Robert Belanger, president of the Peace officers Foundation, Alex Forrest, president of Fire Fighters Foundation, and Larry Pelzer, president of the Workers Foundation.

"This memorial has been a vision of our organizations for some time, and we have to give credit to Premier [Greg] Selinger and his government for standing alongside us and driving this initiative," the release adds.

"It was this government that created legislation in 2007, establishing an act giving our foundations the authority to raise funds for the memorial, for its design, location, and maintenance."

Design, cost and construction timelines for the memorial, which will stand in Memorial Park across from the Manitoba legislative building, are in the early stages of development.

Artistic renderings of the monument were unveiled at the announcement at the legislature.

"All Manitobans owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the firefighters, peace officers and workers who protect and enhance our quality of life," said Selinger.

"These monuments in Memorial Park will serve as a permanent reminder of their immeasurable contributions and sacrifices."

Angel Stoyko, whose husband Rick was a firefighter but died from a job-related cancer in 2003, said a memorial will remind others of the sacrifices that have been made.

"With this helmet, I know who was under this helmet, and it represents what my husband gave up," Stoyko said.

"A memorial will show everyone that there are those who made the ultimate sacrifice."