Firefighters ready to put final statue in place
Submitted by Mike MacDonald
This is the second article in a series leading up to the Uxbridge Firefighters Memorial Statue and Garden Unveiling Ceremony, which will take place on October 5, 2024.
A 3D wax mold of the final statue. Submitted photo
The statue that will be the focal point of the memorial was designed by former Scarborough firefighter and Port Perry artist, Tyler Briley. “After consulting with the firefighters of the Uxbridge Memorial Statue committee, we decided to merge old and new firefighting elements in recognition of the incredible 150 years of dedication and commitment displayed by the firefighters of Uxbridge,” explains Briley.
The memorial will consist of a modern-day firefighter atop a black granite base. The four corners of the base represent equipment pertinent to the service over the years. The main figure represents the modern-day firefighter, passing by antique fire equipment left by a deceased firefighter - an old helmet and a pair of boots resting on a roll of fire hose.
On another corner is an old lantern, designed to “light the way from the past into the future.” An old straight stream pipe nozzle on another corner represents strength, and on the last corner is a fire coat left by a deceased firefighter, representing brotherhood and remembrance for those who have gone before.
The garden plaza was designed by former Uxbridge firefighter Adam Hoover of Stewart C. McElroy and Associates, in partnership with Uxbridge firefighters Matt Gregory (of Vierah Construction) and Jeff Keeping, and Kristy Noble and Mat Lawrence of Woodland Landscape Construction Inc.
Designed as a public space, the memorial garden and plaza will provide a quiet and reflective space for people to gather.
The schedule for Oct. 5, is as follows:
1:30 p.m. PARADE – Brock Street W. (Uxbridge Arena) to Uxbridge Fire Hall. All firefighters past and present, Uxbridge or other, are invited to participate in the parade. 1 p.m. mustering at Uxbridge Arena.
2 p.m. CEREMONY – Uxbridge Fire Hall.
3 p.m. RECEPTION – Uxbridge Fire Hall.