BONNYVILLE – Flags at Bonnyville Regional Fire Departments were lowered to half-mast on Feb. 7, following the Line of Duty Death (LODD) of Alberta firefighter Stephen Rayfield from the Castor Fire Department.
On Feb. 4, the Castor Fire Department was responding to a highway motor vehicle collision when the responding fire truck lost control and rolled. Road conditions were said to be extremely icy and hazardous at the time.
As a result, Fire Chief Patrick Kelly was injured, and tragically firefighter Stephen Rayfield was killed.
“Every LODD is felt within the fire services community, no more so than hearing about the passing of firefighter Stephen Rayfield while responding to a call with the Castor Fire Department. Although this is certainly a risk we face, no one wants to hear about it happening to a fellow firefighter,” said Bonnyville Regional Fire Chief Dan Heney.
“The members of the BRFA (Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority) were thinking about him yesterday (Feb. 15) as he was laid to rest, our thoughts are with his family, friends and members of the Castor Fire Dept. We also hope for a quick recovery for Chief Patrick Kelly who was injured in the same incident,” added Heney, on Wednesday.
Traditionally flags remain at half-mast until sunset on the day of the funeral, Heney noted.
Town offers condolences
Before starting the first regular council meeting of February, Mayor Elisa Brosseau offered condolences on behalf of the Town to the family of firefighter Rayfield and the entire Castor Fire Department.
“We know the importance of having volunteer firefighters and emergency crews and the importance that they play in our municipalities,” said Brosseau.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and we thank them for their services to their community. Thank you.”
