Yellowknife (Apr 01/05) - The bond between fire-fighters is one that transcends time and distance.

The deaths of Lieut. Cyril Fyfe and firefighter Kevin Olsen in the line of duty March 17 brought condolences and helping hands to Yellowknife from far and wide.

Darcy Hernblad, Yellowknife's deputy fire chief of operations, said fire fighters from Alberta assumed shift duties.

"It was a such a sigh of relief to all our firefighters. They needed a break and time to grieve," Hernblad said.

"It was fantastic. Everyone was just so grateful.

They handled this hall like it was their own."

Former firefighters, both full-time and volunteers, also came from Southern Canada to show their support.

"Everybody helped in whatever way they could help," he said.

Don Degenhardt, a captain with Spruce Grove Fire Services, arrived Saturday ready to assist.

"We knew what we would be going through if we had a similar situation. They lost 10 per cent of their fire department in one day," Degenhardt said.

"If it happened to us, we knew we would need a lot of support and people to take over the fire department so there could be healing and they have an opportunity to blend as a family and talk about the situation."

Degenhardt said firefighters are a tight-knit brotherhood.

"We really stick together and try to help each other out as best we can by being there for our brother and grieving with him."

Matt Gordon, a firefighter/paramedic with the St. Albert fire department, said there was not a second thought about travelling to Yellowknife to lend a helping hand.

Five members of that department including Gordon, also have been in Yellowknife since Saturday.

"If there is an example of grace under pressure, it's these guys," Gordon said of his Northern firefighting comrades.

"They've been so professional and holding it together - they've been great," Gordon said.

Laird Burton, fire chief with Strathcona County Emergency Services, brought along five firefighters.

"We all follow the same standards, so it's actually been a good experience. We've been doing enough so they can concentrate on what they need to," Burton said.

"It's a privilege being here and working with them. Yellowknife is a special department.

"Hopefully we are able to help them out as they go through this," Burton said.

Captain Ed McLean, president of the Spruce Grove Firefighters Association local 3021 of the IAFF, said when he first learned of the tragedy, he agreed right away to organize a group of firefighters to travel to Yellowknife.

"And we're here to help out the brothers. Emergency services are a large family of brothers and we stick together.

"It's been an honour and a privilege to come up and work with these guys," McLean said.

"They needed a break and hopefully we gave them a time they could mourn."

Hernblad said condolences were received from all over North America.

And within Yellowknife, he said every business and organization was helping out.

Firefighters won't forget

"The whole community pulled together and helped us through this time.

"Yellowknife is one of the greatest cities to live in in Canada."

Hernblad said the firefighters will recover, but they will never forget.

"We'll always remember this. It will always be part of our memories, but we will heal and we will move on.

"But I think the most important thing is that we don't forget about Cyril or Kevin."