Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 19/05) - In a moving ceremony, firefighter Cyril Fyfe was posthumously honoured with two medals on Saturday.

Fyfe died in March after he was crushed by falling debris while trying to put out a fire at Home Building Centre. He was an 18-year veteran of the Yellowknife Fire Department.

Tony Whitford presents Andrea Loomis with Cyril Fyfe's Fire Service Exemplary Service Medal. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

The North Slave Fire Merit Award was accepted by Fyfe's sons Garret and Colton.

The Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal was presented by Commissioner Tony Whitford, on behalf of the Governor General, to Fyfe's widow Andrea Loomis.

"I feel like it's the greatest honour to be able to accept this for Cyril," Loomis said.

In his speech, Whitford said Fyfe's devotion to the job was typical of all firefighters.

"I remain ever impressed with the devotion to duty and service that is the hallmark of this high-risk profession."

The Fire Service Exemplary Service medal was created in 1985 to honour the service of full-time and volunteer members of the Canadian fire services. It's the highest medal a firefighter can receive.

The medal features crossed axes, a hydrant and a Maltese cross superimposed on a maple leaf and suspended from the red ribbon of service.

The awards presentation was held in the fire hall as part of an open house to mark fire prevention week.

Close to 300 people came out during the day for the events that included fire extinguisher training by Fire Prevention Services, station tours, and games and prizes for children.

"I'm extremely pleased with the turnout from the public," said Chucker Dewar, deputy fire chief.

To demonstrate the power of a house fire and the difference a sprinkler system can make, two mock rooms were set on fire.

Within a minute the room without a sprinkler was fully engulfed by flames. Firefighters let it burn for more than three minutes before putting out the fire.

The room with a sprinkler system was very wet, but received little damage.

It shows that after a smoke detector goes off you only have a minute to get out the door, said Dewar. He emphasizes the need for families to have an escape plan from their homes.