The Hudson, Quebec Canada Fire Department has announced the death of one of their firefighters during a training exercise.
James Ratcliffe, 20, volunteer firefighter, died Monday, June 6 following a tragic accident during marine rescue training on the Lake of Two Mountains.
According to the investigators, it appears that the firefighter fell from a boat during an exercise and hit his head on the boat's motor. He was transported to the hospital where he was declared dead.
James graduated from Hudson High in June 2002. He became a volunteer firefighter in October 2003 and was currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Ottawa. He had recently returned home for the summer and resumed his volunteer firefighting duties.
In its first 18 months of operation, this rescue boat has performed six successful rescue missions on the Lake of Two Mountains.
Ratcliffe is survived by his parents, Peter and Diane, and his sister Jessica.
Civic funeral for Fire Fighter James Ratcliffe
The civic funeral for Fire Fighter James Ratcliffe of Hudson will be held this Saturday, June 11. The wake will take place this Friday, June 10 at 394 Main Rd in Hudson from 2 to 5 p.m., and from 7 to 9 p.m.
The civic funeral will commence at 11 a.m. on Saturday at St-Thomas church located at 413 Main Road.
Emergency Services Staff are asked to wear their uniform. Those who will be arriving in service vehicles are asked to arrive at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of Mt-Pleasant and Cameron in Hudson. The procession which will be composed of primarily emergency vehicles will begin from 394 Main Road.
The Director of the Rigaud Fire Department, Mr. Sylvain
