Surrey firefighters are grieving this week after one of their own was killed while on his way to work.
On Sunday (Nov. 20) at 8:46 a.m., Delta Police were called to a report of a collision between a Jeep and a semi-truck in the 10400-block of Ladner Trunk Road.
Ryan Hammerer, 44, a Surrey firefighter who was driving the Jeep, was killed in the collision.
Police say it appears the Jeep was heading eastbound and veered off the road, hitting a parked semi-trailer.
Condolences have been pouring in for the 15-year veteran of Surrey Fire Services.
“It is with deepest sadness and regret that we announce the tragic passing of fire fighter Ryan Hammerer,” said the Surrey Fire Service union’s Facebook site. “This morning, while on his way to work, Ryan was involved in an MVA (motor vehicle accident) that took his life. We will provide details on service arrangements as it become available. Please keep Ryan’s family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Those who knew him and worked with him say the loss of Hammerer is being felt deeply.
“I’m at a loss for words today... I had the privilege of doing lots of calls with Ryan over the several years I’ve been a paramedic in Surrey,” Adam Harris, of the B.C. Ambulance Service (BCAS) wrote on Facebook.
“Condolences to his family, his brothers and sisters at Surrey Fire, and anyone else who is grieving for his loss. The world is a darker place without him.”
Deputy Surrey Fire Chief Dan Barnscher described Hammerer as a “firefighter’s firefighter.”
“There’s so many guys like that, but Ryan stood out,” Barnscher said. “He would do anything for anybody, he was a very charitable guy… he was an all-round great guy.”
Hammerer was recognized in 2012 for his work with Bright Nights, a Stanley Park train event, which is one of the Burn Fund’s largest annual fundraisers.
Surrey Fire Association President Mike McNamara said the force is reeling from the loss.
It was the fifth sudden loss of a firefighter in the last year-and-a-half, McNamara noted. And Hammerer was close with several of his fellow firefighters.
“He was an easy guy to get along with, a fun-loving guy, loved to play hockey,” McNamara said. “It’s such a tremendous loss for us.”
Hammerer is survived by his wife and two children. A funeral service has not yet been scheduled.