BY SAM COOPER, THE PROVINCEJANUARY 9, 2010

Fallen soldier Pte. Garrett Chidley was given a hero’s welcome by B.C. firefighters Saturday afternoon.

Chidley, a 21-year-old from Langley, was one of five Canadians killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan on Dec. 30.

He had already been received by the military and his family in an emotional repatriation ceremony in Ontario last Sunday, and was returned to B.C. in a Canadian Forces plane Saturday.

After Chidley’s hearse left the airport, some 50 to 80 firefighters from across Metro Vancouver lined the overpasses of Highway 99 to pay their respects as the vehicle passed.

Richmond Deputy Fire Chief Jim Wishlove says one of the department’s members is a reservist with the Canadian Forces, and he suggested the salute to Chidley.

“It’s to recognize the incredibly tough time the family is going through,” Wishlove said. “[Chidley] is a fellow Canadian and a local boy, and we are recognizing his sacrifice.”

Photographs by: Gerry Kahrmann, PNG