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Flags lowered to half-mast in honour of Truro firefighter

The Town of Amherst paid tribute to a fallen Truro firefighter when it lowered all its flags to half-mast on March 22.

Skyler Blackie, 29, died on March 20 from injuries sustained during a training session at the Nova Scotia Firefighters School in Waverley on March 9. He was a full-time firefighter with the Truro Fire Service and had been with the department for 5 1/2 years.

“We understand Skyler was a firefighter’s firefighter, an outgoing, charismatic man who loved his wife and family,” Amherst Fire Chief Greg Jones said. “Losing a firefighter in the line of duty is always heart-wrenching. Lowering the flags to half-mast in Amherst is our way of paying tribute to Skyler for his service and his dedication to his community.

“We also felt lowering the flags to half-mast would show his wife, his family, the Truro Fire Service and the citizens of the Town of Truro and surrounding area that they are not alone. We are grieving with them; we are supporting them during this difficult time and we offer our deepest heart-felt condolences to them all.”

Jones said the flags will remain at half-mast until the conclusion of Blackie’s regimental funeral, which is scheduled for 11 a.m. on March 30 at the Colchester Legion Stadium, located at 14 Lorne St., Truro.

As another sign of respect and support, a contingent of Amherst firefighters will be attending the funeral.