A Langley City firefighter who died in a Seattle, Wash. hospital earlier this year will be memorialized in City Hall and outside the firehall where he served the community.
On Monday evening, members of firefighters union local 3253 presented a piece of artwork to the City in memory of Ron Dunkley.
The print, created by a local artist, shows a firefighter’s helmet dominated by a Canadian flag along its side.
The image is meant to “honour and remember Ron,” and to thank the mayor, council and City staff for their support during a difficult time, said Langley City firefighter Scott Kennedy, who presented the painting to the City on behalf of the union, of which Dunkley was a member.
Dunkley was struck by a train in Seattle in November, 2010 and succumbed to his injuries two months later in Harborview Medical Centre.
During the time he was in hospital, Langley City Mayor Peter Fassbender and CAO Frances Cheung traveled to Seattle to visit Dunkey and to offer their support to his parents, Sandy and Gene.
“We will find a special place for this in City Hall,” said Fassbender, as he accepted the artwork.
“This is very special for us. It will remind us of the community as much as it reminds us of Ron.”
The mayor also announced that council had recently approved funding for a bench and tree to be placed in Dunkley’s memory outside the fire hall on 203 Street.
Dunkley’s mother Sandy and his brother Billy were in the audience for the presentation. Speaking on behalf of her family,Sandy Dunkley told council and the trio of firefighters who presented the painting that their efforts during her son’s life and the memorials following his death are “very very much appreciated.”
