Gerhard McAdam: keeping the dream of an aspiring firefighter alive

Gerhard McAdam dreamed of becoming a firefighter. However, as fate would have it, the Chateauguay Valley Regional (CVR) high school student was struck by cancer. The young man lost his battle in February, but the community is making sure to keep his last dream alive: providing Hemmingford with a firefighter training center.

Translation Amanda Bennett

“Since he was very young, he dreamed of becoming a firefighter, just like his father,” said Neil Lamb, Director of the Fire Department and “Gerry’s” uncle. “He was very passionate and had organized several fire safety activities at his school in Ormstown.”

At the age of 13, he was diagnosed with cancer in his muscle cells. He underwent a series of hospitalizations, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. His courage and resilience were an inspiration to many, especially since the teenager focused on his desire to give back to the community.

“He was incredible,” recalled Lynn Harkness, Principal of CVR. “Gerry was an exceptional young man who loved sharing his knowledge of fire safety with his classmates. His father is now continuing the school's firefighting club.” Through his ordeal, he became involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Rather than making a personal wish, he chose to raise money for the construction of a firefighter training center in Hemmingford.

On February 19, at the age of 16, Gerry succumbed to his illness.

Gerry McAdam was passionate about firefighting and was in charge of the firefighters' club at CVR. (Photo : Le Soleil - Éric Tremblay)

A wish that lives on

The teenager's attitude and determination have not been forgotten. The community was touched by his dream, especially Jason Burns, health and safety officer at the New Frontiers School Board.

“I attended a benefit comedy show at CVR, where my daughter is a substitute teacher, and I was touched by his story,” he said. “A few weeks later, he passed away. It was a terrible morning, and on my way to work, I told myself I had to do something to keep his dream alive.”

Jason Burns created a beautiful memorial with many firefighter items to honor the memory of the teenager. (Photo : Le Soleil - Eric Tremblay)

For several months, he has been visiting fire stations in the region, from Haut-Saint-Laurent to Châteauguay, hoping to collect items. “In Mercier, a firefighter was willing to rip the badge off his shirt to give it to me,” he said, still in awe. In Sainte-Martine, I got one with dirt on it that had been used in a fire."

The items also include hoses, helmets, and, most importantly, a miniature ladder truck found in a thrift store. This memorial serves as a reminder of Gerry, but also symbolizes the camaraderie of those who stand by each other in the face of adversity. A badge in honor of the teenager was forged by welding students at the Centre Nova in Châteauguay. It will be presented to the family along with several of the artifacts collected by Mr. Burns.

The memorial will be installed at CVR first, so that it will be clearly visible during the graduation ceremony on June 1.

“Terry Fox's brother, Fred, came to present a plaque to Gerry's parents last week,” said Ms. Harkness. “Our 700 students were there for the ceremony. They haven't forgotten Gerry.”

Zoning issue

Approximately $100,000 is needed to build the training center in Hemmingford. It consists of containers arranged to simulate fires.

“It would be very important for the municipality and the region,” said Chief Lamb. “The nearest one is in Bedford. The Hemmingford center could be available to firefighters throughout the area.”

A sign already marks Gerry’s Training Center behind the municipal fire station. However, Mr. Lamb indicated that a zoning change would be required before construction could begin.