A procession and memorial will be held later this month in honour of Langford Assistant Fire Chief Lance Caven, who died last month from cancer.
Caven was just 50 and had been a firefighter in Langford for 30 years. The city called Caven’s passing a line-of-duty death. Langford Fire Chief Chris Aubrey said Caven’s cancer was related to exposure to toxins during a long firefighting career.
The public is encouraged to attend the 1 p.m. memorial set for April 29 at Belmont Secondary School, 3041 Langford Lake Rd.
Prior to the service, a procession will be held, starting from Centre Mountain Lellum Middle School at 3090 Constellation Ave. in Langford and arriving at Belmont at 12:45 p.m.
A reception will follow the memorial.
Caven is survived by his wife and young daughter.
Caven, who was born and raised in Langford, joined the department in 1991 as a volunteer after graduating from Belmont Secondary.
He moved into a full-time career position in 2002, and in 2017 became assistant chief responsible for all fire inspections, fire-safety education and fire investigations.
In 2012, Caven was awarded the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal from Canada’s Governor General.
Work-related cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty death among firefighters in North America, Aubrey said.
Forty of the 48 people honoured recently with inclusion on the Fallen Firefighters’ Memorial at the legislature had occupational cancer, Aubrey said. Caven is expected to be included in the memorial at the next ceremony in two years.
Condolences for the fire department and the family can be sent to IAFF Local 2848, 2625 Peatt Rd., Victoria. B.C., V9B 3T9.
