Gary Harris
Captain Garry Harris, Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Service was diagnosed with leukemia in September 1997 at the age of 43. One primary cause for this type of cancer is exposure to Benzene-a toxin known to be given off by diesel exhaust and also found in many fire situations.
While waiting an agonizing 10 months to find a suitable bone marrow donor, Gary continued to work as a Captain at the West Street Station, even though his health was at risk. For Gary, Firefighting and caring for the public was all he wanted to do.
Gary’s bone marrow transplant required extensive treatments and care. Procedures that brought him close to the brink of death but God willing, back to life. Perhaps this was the battle Gary had trained for all of his life.
In 2003, Gary presented his story to the Nova Scotia Government during a presentation on legislation for the Firefighter Compensation Act. Gary is a hero not only because he has dedicated so many years of his life to his career as a professional Firefighter, and is a Fire Fighter with a job related cancer, but he went to bat for all Firefighters in Nova Scotia by assisting in having the Firefighter Compensation Act passed.
Gary continues to volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society in his home town.
In June of 2007, Gary’s leukemia returned after 8 ½ years. Treatments started immediately and he continues to battle his job related cancer.
The Typically Canadian Group honours Captain Gary Harris as a Yellow Jersey Honouree for his work on getting the Firefighter Compensation Act passed in Nova Scotia.
The Typically Canadian Group is riding with Captain Gary Harris...
