I rise today to commemorate a hero in my community. Gerry Saxton passed away suddenly last week in his 18th year of service with the St. Catharines fire department. Sadly, Gerry succumbed to injuries he received in the line of duty.

Gerry was a husband, a father, a neighbour, a first responder, and he was also my dear friend. As I would tell anyone that asked, Gerry was a true Merrittonian. He must have coached soccer and played street hockey with half the kids in Merritton. He had an incredible work ethic. Everyone that met him instantly loved him.

As much as Gerry was devoted to his community, he loved his family the most. He was a loving husband of 29 years to Lorraine and a proud father of four.

A special thank-you to the St. Catharines fire department and the professional firefighters’ association, IAFF Local 485. Thank you to all the firefighters that came from across Ontario to celebrate Gerry’s life last week.

I will always remember Gerry as the best part of my community, that person who always encouraged others to do the things that they found difficult. I will miss him, and I know everyone he touched feels the same way.

Thank you, Gerry. You were a phenomenal firefighter. We honour you, and we will forever show our gratitude for our time we spent with you.

It gives me great pleasure to introduce Chris Slota from St. Catharines, vice-president of Local 485, and Ryan Madill, St. Catharines president and—may I say—he ran against me in the last provincial election. But we’ve been good friends since then, right, Ryan?

Also, I’ve got one more. I’ve got Leona McAusland from Orillia, and I look forward to meeting with you later on this afternoon. Thank you for coming.