A statue on the lawn of the BC legislature should recognize volunteers as well as career firefighters, the Regional District of Central Kootenay believes.
The monument was unveiled in February by Premier Christy Clark and the BC Professional Fire Fighters Association to commemorate firefighters who have died in the line of duty. But through what RDCK regional fire chief Terry Swan assumes was an oversight, it does not mention volunteers.
He says nearly 75 per cent of firefighters in the province are volunteers, and 67 have paid the ultimate price while serving their communities.
"I have not heard there has been any action taking on correcting that," Swan told 103.5 The Bridge. "But my hope is it is rectified fairly quickly."
Swan said it should be as simple as placing an additional plaque or replacing the existing one that recognizes volunteer service.
The board passed a resolution Thursday to urge the province to formally recognize the contributions and sacrifices of volunteer firefighters.
"I'm proud the board took the stand that they did," Swan said.