Irene Cantelon, seated, and her family were on hand for a presentation from Patrick Armstrong, kneeling, representing the Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund, of a defibrillator to the Central Huron fire department in memory of Doug Cantelon, a fire fighter who died while on duty in July 1999.
HEATHER BOA Bullet News CLINTON – The Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund made its 18th defibrillator donation in memory of an emergency worker who died in the line of duty, this time to the Central Huron fire fighters in honour of Dave Cantelon, who died while responding to a grass fire call 13 years ago.
“I really appreciate everything you do to support us in honouring these men and women who have given their lives,” said Huron County OPP Const. Patrick Amstrong, who established the non-profit organization that honours police, fire, paramedics and military members killed in the line of duty by donating defibrillators.
On the day he was to be honoured for 25 years as a volunteer fire fighter, Cantelon suffered a heart attack while driving Pumper 3. Although fire fighters administered CPR, Cantelon, 58, was pronounced dead at Clinton hospital.
“It’s an honour to be here tonight and Doug certainly would have been honoured. I thank all the fire fighters for all the support that they’ve given us over the last few years,” said his wife, Irene Cantelon, who was joined by family in the ceremony held at the fire hall last night.
Jim Ginn, who is mayor of the Municipality of Central Huron, also have thanks to fund organizers.
“I know politicians who don’t have time to do all the things they should do really respect people who take initiative and do things on their own to do something positive for the community and we certainly appreciate that,” he said. Ginn had a heart problem nearly a year ago and had a stint put in.
The defibrillator will do double duty, in the fire hall’s boardroom for meetings and on Pumper 2 during calls.
Armstrong created the fund to carry on his partner Huron OPP Const. Mounsey’s commitment to community, after Mounsey died as a result of a motor vehicle accident while on duty five years ago. Armstrong was also friends with Cpl. Matthew Dinning, who also died five years ago while serving on the Close Protection Team in Afghanistan.
The memorial fund organizes gala events, road races, motorcycle rides and the annual Dancing with the Stars of the OPP, which pairs OPP officers for dance competition.
One Comment on "Defibrillator donated in honour of fire fighter Doug Cantelon"
Very well deserved in memory of a long service member of the C.F.D.