Canton FD To Honor Fallen Firefighter On 39th Anniversary Of His Death

CANTON, CT — The Town of Canton Fire & EMS will hold a memorial ceremony Sunday to honor Fire Police Lieutenant Arthur "Art" Vincent on the 39th anniversary of his line-of-duty death.

The public is invited to attend the wreath-laying ceremony, which will begin at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, July 12, at the Town of Canton Fire & EMS Memorial Garden, 51 River Road.

The ceremony will commemorate Vincent's service to the community and recognize the sacrifice he made in the line of duty.

"Please join us as we pause to remember a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty," the department said in announcing the event. "We will never forget."

Vincent served the Town of Canton for more than 20 years as a member of the Fire Police.

On July 12, 1987, he was struck and killed by a drunk driver while directing traffic during emergency operations.

Before joining the Canton Fire Department, Vincent served in World War II as a highly decorated member of the U.S. Army Air Forces.

He was the highest-ranking enlisted man aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress.

Town officials said Sunday's ceremony is intended to honor Vincent's dedication to public service and ensure his legacy continues to be remembered by future generations.