Canton FD Dedicates Memorial Garden To Honor Local Firefighters

Town of Canton Fire & EMS Department

CANTON, CT — The local fire department this week officially dedicated a new memorial that remembers the sacrifices made by responders locally.

The Town of Canton Fire & EMS Department officially dedicated the Canton Fire & EMS Memorial Garden on Monday, Nov. 17, calling it "a lasting tribute to the firefighters, EMTs, and fire police who have protected our community for nearly two centuries."

According to the fire department, it honors "every era of service in Canton, from the early fire brigades to the unified department we know today."

During the ceremony, three memorial benches at the memorial, located at the 51 River Road site, were unveiled:

• Lt. A. Arthur Vincent Memorial — honoring his 21 years of service and his ultimate sacrifice in 1987.

"After 38 years, Lt. A. Arthur Vincent finally has a permanent memorial ensuring his sacrifice will never be forgotten," wrote the department.

• Life Member Bench — recognizing two remarkable members: Greg Sims (60 years of service) and Willi Matava (50 years of service).

"Their dedication and legacy set the highest standard of service," wrote the fire department.

• Chief Richard “Hutch” Hutchings Memorial — honoring Canton's first municipal chief, whose leadership and long-term vision helped shape the department we are today.

At the heart of the garden stands a bronze firefighter helmet, "representing the tradition, courage, and sacrifice carried by every member who has ever answered the call."

"We extend our deepest thanks to the members who made this memorial possible and to the generous donors who supported this project," wrote Canton firefighters.

Every part of this memorial was funded through the department’s donation account.

"This garden will stand for generations — honoring the past, inspiring the future, and keeping the stories of those who served alive," wrote the fire department.