Response By
Lori Hamer
Hand Saw and Photograph of the Crystal Palace, London, Ontario, early 1900s
metal and wood Hand Saw: Gift of Miss. M. Matthews, 1966; Photograph: Collection of Museum London, 1984
This saw was used to release a man who was pinned under timber during a fire on January 30, 1927 that destroyed London’s Crystal Palace, located at what is today this city’s Western Fair District.
Response
At first glance the picture and saw looked like just that, a picture and a saw. I then saw the date and it brought forward in me a profound sense of sadness. Almost 100 years later and we are still dealing with arsonists and people being trapped in fire, the fire department utilizing all means and tools necessary to save a life. This saw saved a man’s life. I have to wonder what impact that had on history…..
Lori Hamer has been Chief of the London Fire Department since the summer of 2018. She moved to London in 2016, to lead the training, communications and special projects division. Previously, Lori worked for the Kitchener Fire Department for over 17 years. She is the first female fire chief appointed in London, and only one of a handful across Canada.