It s an alloy of metals that was used to make fire hose couplings and nozzles.
Now it s going to be used to keep alive the memory of firefighters who have died as a result of their work.
Six brass couplings from decades-old firehoses are being melted down and used in a statue that s a national tribute to firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty.
Kamloops Fire Chief Neill Moroz said Monday the old couplings weigh about seven kilograms each. They aren t used any more, in part because they are so heavy.
Now they ll be used to build the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Memorial that s being unveiled in Ottawa in September 2012.