Firefighters, police, paramedics and community members gathered in Civic Centre Park Sunday afternoon to pay tribute to fallen firefighters.

As part of Kitchener Firefighter Memorial Day, a marching band paraded from city hall up Queen Street North before ending at the park for a solemn ceremony.

The service paid tribute to Platoon Chief Bert Kummer, who died December 23, 2015, from an occupational disease.

Another bronze helmet, the 16th one in the park, was unveiled in Kummer’s honour.

Deputy Chief Rob Martin with the Kitchener Fire Department says it’s important for family members to see their loved ones remembered.

“They see that people value them and appreciate those individuals and what they’ve done for the community”, says Martin

The Kitchener Firefighter Memorial Day service is an annual event remembering firefighters who died from occupational illness or in the line of duty.