WAVERLEY: A former volunteer firefighter with Station 45 in Fall River, who was a career firefighter with the Truro Fire Service, passed away March 20 from injuries sustained in a training incident in Waverley.
Skyler Blackie suffered the critical injuries on March 9 during a training evolution at the N.S. Fire School in Waverley. He was rushed to hospital by EHS.
On its Facebook page, Truro Volunteer Fire Brigade confirmed the death of Blackie. The post is credited to Truro fire deputy chief Geoff Fisher and Assistant Deputy Bentley Rice.
“It is with heavy hearts and sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our brother, Career Firefighter Skyler Blackie,” said the post. “Further details regarding funeral arrangements will be made available at a later date.
“Our hearts go out to his wife and the rest of the Blackie family during this difficult time.”
John Cunningham, executive director with the Fire School, confirmed the incident in a tweet on March 9. He said the school, along with the provincial Department of Labour, are investigating the incident.
Posts popped up in the hours after the fire school made their post from fellow firefighters and Nova Scotians sending their thoughts and prayers to the firefighter.
N.S. Labour and Advanced Education (LAE) spokeswoman Shannon Kerr said on March 11 the Labour department is involved.
“We can confirm that LAE has responded to this incident and is conducting an inspection,” said Kerr. “Our inspection is ongoing. We have no further information to share at this time.”
The Town of Truro made a post on their Facebook Page on March 20 saying Skyler will be missed by all who he touched.
“Truro has lost a young, outgoing, charismatic man who will be missed deeply by his wife, his family, his family of firefighters, his friends and co-workers,” the post said on March 20. “Our heartfelt condolences are with his loved ones at this very difficult time.”
