'We’re at a loss': Salisbury, N.B., says goodbye to volunteer firefighter

Residents from the Town of Salisbury, N.B., lined Main Street Saturday afternoon to say goodbye to one of their own.

The funeral for Capt. Tim Dryden of Salisbury Fire and Rescue took place Saturday morning followed by a procession of fire trucks and first responder vehicles from around the province.

“We’re at a loss. We’ve lost a dear member of our community,” said Salisbury Mayor Robert Campbell.

Dryden died suddenly on Dec. 29 at the age of 45.

He served his community as a volunteer firefighter for 27 years.

“He was a great firefighter, a great friend and a great person all around,” said Salisbury Fire and Rescue Chief Brad MacLeod.

Campbell said no one loved Salisbury more than Dryden.

“Just a son of Salisbury, really,” said Campbell. “He contributed in so many ways, more than just being a volunteer firefighter. Being a friend, an advocate for our community and just a great father as well.”

The people of Salisbury, N.B., lined Main Street to watch the funeral procession of Capt. Tim Dryden of Salisbury Fire and Rescue on

According to his obituary, Dryden was a loving father and beloved son who volunteered for community events whenever he could. He was a trucker at Walmart and had passion for trains.

A post on the Salisbury Fire and Rescue Facebook page said Dryden loved being a firefighter and had a deep affection for his truck, Tanker 23, which he proudly decorated for the local Christmas parade.

An honour guard of local firefighters stood outside the Salisbury Funeral Home after the service as Dryden’s casket was placed in the back of a hearse.

The procession of fire trucks and first responder vehicles made its way up Main Street driving under a Canadian flag flying from the ladder of a Riverview Fire and Rescue truck.

Dan and Shannon Marr of Salisbury brought their children to see the procession.

“Tim did a lot for the community and it’s the least we could do to come out and pay respects to him and one last thank you for his work,” said Dan.

Shannon said her sister was childhood friends with Dryden and that’s why it was important for her to be there.

“He was an important member of the community. It was important to me to support my sister, support the community and recognize a great man,” said Shannon.

Firefighters from other communities, some as far away as Grand Falls, attended Dryden’s funeral and drove their trucks in the procession.

Tanker 23, a fire truck for Salisbury Fire and Rescue in Salisbury, N.B., is pictured on Jan. 4, 2024.

“It means a lot,” said MacLeod. “We wanted to do the best service we could for Tim because he meant a lot to us. Departments from all over reached out to me from all over and wanted to join.”

MacLeod said Dryden’s family is doing the best they can in a situation like this.

Campbell said the family appreciates the support and sympathy from people who knew him.

“It’s been overwhelming for them as they see everybody who loved their father, their friend, their son,” said Campbell. “As a community we’ve bonded together.”

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