Gun Fire in Burlington During the Internment Ceremony for Gunner Sebastian Halmagean

By Gazette Staff

February 6th, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

On February 9, 2026 at approximately 12:30 pm there will be 3 volleys of gunfire at the Woodland Cemetery, Burlington Ont.   The cemetery is located at 700 SPRING GARDEN ROAD, BURLINGTON

Seven rifles will be fired 3 times in unison as part of the internment ceremony for Gunner Sebastion Halmagean who passed away while deployed on Operation REASSURANCE.

Gunner Sebastian Halmagean, a Canadian Armed Forces member deployed on Operation REASSURANCE in Latvia

Gunner Sebastian Halmagean, a Canadian Armed Forces member deployed on Operation REASSURANCE in Latvia and who was employed by the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia, died near Riga, Latvia, on January 29, 2026.

The circumstances surrounding Gunner Halmagean’s death is currently under investigation by the Canadian Forces Military Police with support from Latvian State Police, and no further information will be provided. At this time, there is no indication this incident poses an increased threat to the safety and security of our deployed members.

Gunner Halmagean was originally from Hamilton, Ontario, and was posted to the 4th Artillery Regiment (General Support), Royal Canadian Artillery, part of 6 Canadian Combat Support Brigade, which is based at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown in Oromocto, New Brunswick.

Gunner Halmagean was deployed on Operation REASSURANCE as part of the Air Defence Battery within the Multinational Artillery Battalion Group at NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia. He had served in the Canadian Armed Forces for nearly three years. This was his first overseas deployment.