Nine firefighters were honoured Sunday, at a ceremony dedicated to those who died in the line of duty or from work-related illnesses.
Under overcast skies, several hundred people gathered for the hour-long ceremony held at the foot of the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill.
In his keynote address, government house leader John Baird commended the bravery of firefighters and other first responders in keeping Canadian communities safe.
"It is through the courage and sacrifice of firefighters and all first responders, that the safety and security of Canadians is assured," Baird said in a statement.
Among the nine recognized Sunday was volunteer firefighter Lt. Richard Gietz.
Having served as a firefighter for more than 30 years, Gietz died of complications from brain cancer in 2007. His death was officially recognized as job-related by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario.
Gietz's widow said the ceremony provided a fitting tribute to her late husband.
"It was perfect," Barbara Gietz told CTV. "It was so honourable. My husband would have felt just like we do - he was honoured to be a firefighter."
The annual ceremony, which is organized by the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation, draws firefighters from across the country.
According to Robert Kirkpatrick of the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation, "for the firefighters to get through the ceremony, it's very emotional to make the presentations to the family."
Gietz's name will be engraved alongside the eight others honoured Sunday, on a new memorial wall being constructed on a site across from the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa's Lebreton Flats.
Vancouver artist and author Douglas Coupland is responsible for the design of the new Canadian Firefighters Memorial. Announced this week, it is expected to be completed in time for the 2012 ceremony.
With files from CTV Ottawa's Karen Soloman
