Yesterday was the national day of mourning in Canada — a time to remember workers who have died, been injured, or become ill in the workplace. Niagara-on-the-Lake Fire and Emergency Services marked the day by honouring Capt. Michael Vriens in an April 28 Facebook post.
“In honour of this (day), NOTL Fire remembers Captain Michael Vriens,” the post states.
Vriens dedicated 34 years to the volunteer fire department, eventually rising to the rank of captain at Station 1 in Old Town, and served the Town for 35 years as an employee.
The town shared a tribute on its Facebook page as well.
“Not only a colleague and a dedicated firefighter but a friend to all. Captain Mike Vriens will never be forgotten,” the town’s post states.
He was a lifelong resident of NOTL and died on July 27, 2019, at Hospice Niagara while surrounded by his family after a nearly seven-year battle with cancer.
He was mourned by friends and family in both Canada and the Netherlands.
“A lifetime of friendship and service in the town he loved so much,” states page 4 of the 2019 annual report by NOTL fire services. “Captain Mike Vriens will be incredibly missed, but never forgotten.”
The recognition comes during National Volunteer Week — the town thanked its volunteer firefighters for their dedication and service in an April 29 Facebook post.
“These amazing individuals are members of our community, many with full-time jobs, who selflessly commit to serving and protecting people and property.”
