TRURO, N.S. — The family of a Truro firefighter who died this week from injuries sustained in a recent training incident are extending their gratitude for the widespread support they have been receiving.
Skyler Blackie, 28, of Debert passed away on Wednesday in a Halifax hospital where he had been undergoing care since being injured March 9 in Waverly.
“On Wednesday, March 20, we lost our son, brother, husband, and uncle, while the world lost a truly beautiful soul and dedicated firefighter,” the family said, in a news release issued through Truro Fire Service.
“On behalf of the Blackie family, we would like to thank the Truro and Halifax fire services for their support during this challenging time. We also are so appreciative of the professional care Skyler received from the ICU nurses, doctors, and staff at the QEII Health Sciences Centre – Halifax Infirmary Site,” said the release, endorsed by Blackie’s sister Jessica Gillis.
“We want to also thank the community at large for their prayers and support; they have not gone unnoticed. As you can appreciate, our family is devastated by the huge void that now exists in our lives. As such, we are asking for privacy while we grieve this loss.”
Truro Fire Chief Blois Currie said his department has been receiving ongoing support from members of Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency ever since Blackie was injured, including offering to cover shifts while the Truro members are in mourning.
According to the obituary posted on the Mattatall-Varner Funeral Home’s website, Blackie was born in Kingston, Ont., and graduated from Lockview High School in Fall River in 2009.
“He was a certified lifeguard and received a medal for his life-saving efforts,” the obituary reads. “A volunteer firefighter since the age of 18, he was trained through Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Services and served as a lieutenant with Station 45 in Fall River; during this time he attended NSCC and received his HVAC certification and then began his career as a firefighter with Truro Fire Service on October 1, 2013.
“He was a charismatic, funny, outgoing and kind individual who touched everybody’s heart. As lead of the charitable committee for the fire hall, he generously shared his efforts to raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer, participating yearly in ‘Movember’. He enjoyed fitness and built the gym at the fire hall and instilled his passion with others through personal training. Although Skyler had a passion for firefighting and fitness, his passion and love for (his wife) Erin and building a life with her was unmeasurable.”
A regimental funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday, March 30 at Colchester Legion Stadium, 14 Lorne Street, Truro.
Donations in his memory will go to the Colchester SPCA or Prostate Cancer Canada.