Hundreds pay tribute to firefighter killed in Kingston-area blaze

Hundreds of firefighters, first responders, police officers, soldiers and community residents paid tribute to Patrick Pidgeon on Saturday.

Thefirefighter with the Loyalist Township Emergency Servicessuffered fatal injuries battling a fire in Amherstview, Ont. one week agothe first Ontario firefighter to lose his life while working since 2011.

• Ontario sees 1st firefighter death since 2011 after Kingston-area blaze

Pidgeon had been a volunteer firefighter for Loyalist Township for a year. He was also a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, serving two tours of duty there.

"Pidgeon was not paid for what he did. He did it because he was someone who wanted to help," said resident,Johanne Valiquette.

In statement after the memorial service,Loyalist Township MayorBill Lowrysaid that, "Through his life, no matter the mission that he chose as a spouse, parent, military officer, correctional services officer, emergency responder and firefighter he was committed to all of these with the same principles of dedication, passion and pride to serve and protect all. Patrick leaves a legacy that is second to none."