Today, Halifax Regional Firefighters, family and friends gathered at the St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Kentville, to honour the life of Captain Gary Harris.
Harris joined Halifax Regional Fire in 1976, climbing the ranks as Firefighter, Lieutenant, and Captain while also serving as Acting District Chief in 1997.
Gary was diagnosed with leukaemia, now recognized as a firefighting-related cancer, prior to his diagnosis these cancers weren’t recognized. In 1998 a bone marrow was found, though the side effects of the transplant eventually forced him to retire from the Fire Service.
In the spring of 2003, at the request of IAFF Local 268 colleague Chris Camp, Gary became the face and voice of firefighters battling work-related cancers.
His advocacy, along with his wife Anne, was extremely instrumental in the passage of the Firefighters’ Compensation Act on May 22, 2003—an achievement that continues to support Nova Scotia firefighters and their families today.
Since then, cancer coverage amongst firefighters has improved, research and advocacy for firefighters is growing and Gary’s legacy, name and battle will never be forgotten.
Our thoughts remain with the family, friends and firefighters who served with Harris.
https://www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/191932/
Adrian J.
