CFD chief on firefighter death: “It’s very hard for all of us”

Calgary’s fire chief is calling the young firefighter who lost his life in a B.C. canoeing accident a proud and enthusiastic member and his death is hitting the whole organization.

Ryan Bjolverud died Sunday after his boat capsized on Columbia Lake and he tried to swim to shore, but drowned after getting exhausted.

The 32-year-old’s father Glenn also works for the CFD as an assistant deputy chief and Chief Steve Dongworth said Monday it’s a difficult time.

“It’s very hard for all of us and these things aren’t easy in any circumstance,” he said. “We’ve had messages today from other fire departments offering their condolences, so this is one big family and as with any family, when you lose a family member, that’s pretty hard.”

British Columbia RCMP have confirmed Bjolverud was not wearing a lifevest and that alcohol was a factor.

While Dongworth said this isn’t about the circumstances surrounding Bjolverud’s death, he did make a brief comment.

“With any tragic accident, it’s a great opportunity and it’s a somber reminder to people to be as safe as they can when they’re pursuing any kind of activity and as fire chief, I’d be remissed not to take this opportunity to remind people to be safe when they’re doing those kinds of activities,” he said.

Bjolverud was only in his third year with the CFD and was working with different stations.

“He was a very proud, enthusiastic firefighter is all I can say today,” he said. “We have an exceptional group of people and Ryan was one of those exceptional people.”

Funeral arrangements are currently underway.