Peterborough, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Peterborough Firefighters Memorial
"Their Sacrifice - Our Gratitude"
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 9, 2026
1. Peterborough Firefighters Memorial
This monument stands as a proud tribute to
Peterborough Firefighters who have given
their lives in the service of our city.
To them and their families we remain
immeasurably grateful.
Orville Rome · George Reynolds · Grover Deck
In the early morning of May 19, 1951, a fire broke out
in the elevator shaft of the Zack's Building on
George Street just south of Hunter.
By 10:15 AM the fire was considered to be under control
and attempts were underway to extinguish the last
smoldering areas. Without warning, the second and third
floors collapsed on the Overhaul Operations crushing
Firefighters Orville Rome, George Reynolds, and Grover Deck
as well as local florist Earl Spencley who was helping
firefighters that morning.
Elton Bannon
At about 9 o'clock in the morning on March 9, 1965, while on route to perform fire inspections, Elton "Bud" Bannon and his partner Clarence Campbell noticed smoke coming from the Bad Boys Furniture Store on George Street.
While his partner called the Fire Department, Bud attempted to warn and evacuate occupants by entering the burning building. During his efforts the fire grew
this page online
Firefighter deaths are most often associated with a catastrophic or traumatic event. Unfortunately, occupational disease in the form of cancer and heart disease due to chemical exposures is an ever present danger to those in the Fire Services.
The deaths of the following firefighters have been deemed "Line of Duty Deaths" by the Workers Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario, known formerly as the Workers Compensation Board of Ontario:
Ivan Cook - May 1968 · Daniel Carroll - May 2013
Alfred D. Bowser - May 2019 · Ralph T. Parker - Oct 2006
John B. Bowker - Oct 2022 · James M. Cumming - Nov 2022
Erected 2009 by City of Peterborough.
Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is May 19, 1951.
Location. 44° 17.698′ N, 78° 19.104′ W. Marker is in Peterborough, Ontario. It is at the intersection of Perry Street and Crescent Street, on the left when traveling east on Perry Street. Marker is in Del Crary Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 9, 2026
2. Peterborough Firefighters Memorial Marker
Regionally, this marker and memorial is in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 50 Years of Dutch-Canadian Friendship (a few steps from this marker); Sean Eyre (within shouting distance of this marker); Ontario Games for the Physically Disabled (within shouting distance of this marker); Del Crary Park (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); 150th Anniversary of the Great Irish Famine (about 120 meters away); Bdr. Herbert Chesterfield Dixon (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); Independent Order of Odd Fellows Monument (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); Captain Andrew Simon Fraser (approx. 0.8 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Peterborough.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 9, 2026
3. Peterborough Firefighters Memorial Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 9, 2026
4. Peterborough Firefighters Memorial Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 9, 2026
5. Peterborough Firefighters Memorial Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 9, 2026
6. Peterborough Firefighters Memorial Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 9, 2026
7. Peterborough Firefighters Memorial Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 9, 2026
8. Peterborough Firefighters Memorial Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 9, 2026
9. Peterborough Firefighters Memorial Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 9, 2026
10. Peterborough Firefighters Memorial
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 9, 2026
11. Peterborough Firefighters Memorial
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on October 26, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
