Fire Watch: Volume 13, Issue 2

HALL SHOWCASE ON STATION 321 VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 2

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION

Publications Agreement No: 41203011

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION

VOLUME 13

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ISSUE 2

IN THIS ISSUE 5 President’s Message

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7 Secretary-Treasurer’s Message 9 Vice President’s Message 11 Chaplain’s Corner 12 Letters to the Editor 14 Roll the Heavy - Swift Water Rescue

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17 2018 Health and Wellness Seminar 18 Member Profile on Kim Dunn 20 Toronto’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial 2018 22 Hall Showcase on Station 321 25 NFPA Educator of the Year Award – Denise Hynes

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FIRE WATCH (ISSN 1715-5134) is published quarterly by the TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION 14 Cosentino Drive, Toronto ON M1P 3A2 Tel: 416.466.1167 www.torontofirefighters.org E-mail: firewatch@torontofirefighters.org CHIEF EDITOR Frank Ramagnano MANAGING EDITORS James Coones, Leanne Zinser Tel.: 416.466.1167 Fax: 416.466.6632 E-mail: firewatch@torontofirefighters.org ASSISTANT EDITORS Mykhail Baehr, Marla Friebe, Rodney Johnston, James Kennedy, Matt Rayner

26 Never Shall We Forget 28 American LaFrance History in Toronto 30 3888 Education Committee 31 2018 Media and Off-Duty Awards Gala 37 Behind the Mask - Retirement Plan 40 Toronto Firefighters’ War Veteran’s Association 43 How Post-Traumatic Stress Changed my Life 44 Fit to Survive 46 TPFFA Official Open House and Building Dedication Ceremony 48 3888 Recent Happenings

DESIGN AND ART DIRECTION Bryan Middleton

HA LL SH OW CA SE ON STATIO N 32 1 VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 2

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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n August 16, 2018 we lost the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin. As I finish off this article on the theme of respect, I can’t stop the lyrics from playing in my head. Recently, we had a very good discussion at the Executive Board about respect. Respect between; management/ employees, union leadership/members and management/union leadership. It was a very interesting conversation and gave me the idea to write about it here.

Respect is a positive feeling or action shown toward someone or something considered important, or held in high esteem or regard; it conveys a sense of admiration for good or valuable qualities; and it is also the process of honoring someone by exhibiting care, concern, or consideration for their needs or feelings. In many cultures, individuals are considered to be worthy of respect until they prove otherwise.

Courtesies that show respect include simple words and phrases like “thank you” in the West, simple physical gestures like a slight bow in the East, a smile, direct eye contact or a simple handshake.

Respect is really another word for admiration. Individual traits or qualities that make people good are things that can inspire admiration. The way to get respect is to develop the traits, in yourself, that you admire in others. Think about whom you respect and why?

Most people respect others that are honest, hardworking, carry themselves well and are successful. These traits show that you do care about things and are trying - and that is half the battle. If you put your best foot forward it helps to eliminate much of that doubt.

With respect, you can get others to follow you. Getting people to follow you willingly is a key point to leadership. People want to be part of something special. If people admire you, they will think that you have

something special to offer and will be much more willing to lend a hand. Once you get a following, you can then utilize people to achieve the goals of the organization. Great leaders will inspire respect in others and be a great example.

Respect is earned, not given freely.

This statement has been the reason that so many people hold back respect.

The truth is that it is important to show respect, whether the person deserves it or not. A lot of employees are not on the same level as their boss. The employee may feel inferior and wonder how they are valued. A great leader can come in and show people respect and admiration for their work. If the leader is genuine, the employee will feel much more willingness to work hard. The reason is that by being respected and valued, employees feel happy to do more than is expected, and that is a key component to success for any organization.

Imagine a life where people do not respect you or admire you. Then, one day, someone shows you how much they admire your hard work and dedication. They may help you feel a deep connection to the work and the vision. What will happen is that employee that was ignored for so long may now start to excel. So many times, leaders and managers make the mistake of finding fault with employees. People want to be in an optimistic environment where they feel valued. A good leader must follow the first rule of leading and that is to lead by example.

It is often said that the Local 3888 Executive Board works for the membership. In that case, the membership is our boss. I find it extremely disturbing the amount of times I witness and also experience disrespect for elected officer of our association from their bosses, “the membership.” If we are going to take issue with that negative trait in TFS management, then we must also use the same scale to judge ourselves. By no

means is the Executive Board perfect.

We are all human and while trying to do our best, sometimes we may not get it perfect. While the vast majority of our members (Bosses) are respectful and encouraging, there seems to be an upward trend as to what can only be described as abuse of our elected leadership by a small minority. This takes the form of name calling, questioning values/ morals and in some cases, even assault.

In speaking to other union leaders, they are experiencing the same issue. I recently learned of a program where one Association has their leadership take a mental health evaluation, twice each year. We are experiencing more mental health issues, not only as a membership, but we are also seeing it within our leadership. I write this article in the hopes that we can all work better together with mutual respect of each other to jointly achieve our goals and resolve our differences.

Respect and leadership work together. Think about every small thing you do. Will people admire you for your actions? If you are not admired or respected, your leadership will be weak, and performance will suffer. All great leaders convey goals, with enthusiasm and optimism, and they do it with the utmost respect for those around them.

Leaders that know how to give the utmost respect will get much more loyalty and performance from employees.

Frank Ramagnano, President Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888

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SECRETARY-TREASURER’S MESSAGE A LEGACY I CAN BE PROUD OF…

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oming in to this position as Secretary-Treasurer on January 1, 2015, I knew that there would be great challenges faced, long hours worked and many personal sacrifices made. The job would increase my stress level, take time away from being with my family and impose its will on my availability to pay attention to my own health and wellness, both physical and mental. However, I also knew that I was being given the unique opportunity to accomplish things that would have a significant positive impact on Local 3888 members - past, present and future; that I could give back to a profession and an organization that had been such a major influence in my life and brought me so much richness and fulfillment, in so many different ways.

I had the chance to bring some of my technology background and other skillsets into the position and work on advancements in areas that the membership had been asking for at that time.

I am so proud of all the work and the many accomplishments, large and small, that Frank and I, and the rest of the Executive Board have been able to achieve over the past four years. We have been able to move the yardsticks forward on a number of very important items and fend off attacks on a number of different fronts – especially the annual city budgets, which consistently threaten to reduce our staff and services, and consequently, our own safety and ability to protect the citizens that we serve.

One accomplishment in particular has meant more to me than any other. It was something that I was intimately involved in as the project lead, and which I poured my heart and soul in to for nearly two years, with the assistance of our President and a couple of our members who are very knowledgeable in the area of building and construction trades. I hope it will be my legacy when I am no longer holding this position; when I am retired from this incredible vocation; and even after I cease to exist at some unknown point in the future.

It was a task that had long been discussed by previous Executive Boards,

since shortly after amalgamation in 1998.

A task which, despite best efforts and intentions, saw only some fragmented progress made over the years. Reaching the finish line and completing the project had proven elusive for many different reasons.

On the morning of June 25th, earlier this year, the finish line was finally crossed, as I stood beaming with pride and emotion, alongside President Ramagnano, Vice President McCarthy, President Emeritus Scott Marks and President Emeritus Jim Lee, in front of a small crowd of members and family, to cut the ribbon and officially open our new Association Office at 14 Cosentino Drive.

The journey for me began in December 2015, when we listed our former Association office at 39 Commissioners Street. It wasn’t an easy thing to do, as there was so much history and character in that building that we had occupied as an Association for decades. However, I knew that it was quite necessary, as we had outgrown the space and the maintenance costs had been on a steady incline for several years.

Once 39 Commissioners was sold, the search for a new building shifted in to high gear and in September 2016, we purchased 14 Cosentino Drive.

Located in the east end of Toronto, just north of Ellesmere Ave., between Midland Ave. and Brimley Rd., 14 Cosentino Drive was originally built in the 1960’s and operated as a local bakery. It was later sold and transitioned into a machine shop.

It was not until 1984 that the building was purchased and occupied by the Sheet Metal Workers’ and Roofers’ Association Local 30, who added an extension to the building, making it 8,025 Sq. Ft. When we took possession of the building, it was very run down and consisted of many compartmentalized rooms, arranged in an awkward layout. The outside of the building had a single door main entrance vestibule area, with the majority of the building being covered in grey metal siding. It was quite unattractive, to say the least. With a great vision in mind however, we were not discouraged by the

work that would be required, as the idea of rebuilding and renovating the property allowed us to create an environment that suited our exact needs.

The Open House on June 25th and 26th allowed us to showcase the many great features of our new office to the visitors who passed through. Features such as the 44-foot by 14-foot custom mural on the west side of the building; the clock tower beside the front entrance; our heritage area, which contains several antique pieces; our glass Wall of Honour that lists the names of each of our members, dating back to 1848, who have died in the line of duty; and a fantastic new training facility, fully equipped with permanent A/V equipment.

We also created a time capsule that resembles a hose cabinet, in one of the load-bearing walls, where various TPFFA items and documents will be sealed, only to be opened by a new generation of members in 30 years, on June 25th, 2048.

I am very hopeful that this building will continue to meet the needs of all our members for decades to come and that future generations of Toronto Firefighters will continue to take as much pride in it as I do and keep it maintained to the high level that I feel it is today.

I thank the membership for their support and for the opportunity to have been a part of such a fantastic, educational and rewarding project and experience.

If you haven’t visited your building yet, please drop by any time for a tour!

James Coones, Secretary-Treasurer Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888

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VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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t was June 2018 and both General Members meetings barely had quorum, yet there was an air of discontent in the room. The participants had just discussed the current stewards’ governing policy, along with other constitutional changes. There were remnants of the open-house, which was held only hours prior scattered throughout the office. It was hard to believe it had been almost a year since Local 3888 moved into 14 Cosentino Drive.

It was evident by the debate with those in attendance that the policy may not be going through. Democracy is what a union stands for, and the people who remain involved would have the final word. However, nothing would be decided tonight. Long gone were the days of debates on the floor and a show of hands to determine the outcome. The final vote would not be tallied until days later to give time for the online voting to close.

Nowadays, every opportunity is offered to our members to engage and have their voices heard through traditional meetings, on-line forums, Town-Hall-style conference calls and on-line voting. Nevertheless, only 182 votes were cast, and changed a policy that would affect 3000 members city-wide.

I stepped back for a moment and thought, “How far we have come!” After dedicating 20 years of my life to this Association, I feel like I have seen and/or heard it all. My journey started after being voted in by the newlyformed amalgamated Executive Board. Things were so intense those days that many of our Executive Board meetings lasted two days.

Two Command Executive positions later, starting in the West and ending in the East, and the eventual honour currently bestowed upon me as your Vice-President, there have been many lessons learned, and, I don’t hesitate to say, there will be many more to come.

What seems like a lifetime ago in 1999, while most of our current new members were watching the premiere of SpongeBob Square Pants, Toronto Firefighters’ were carving out their futures as a newly-formed Local, 3888. Mike Harris had just forced us all to come together, dissolving the six constituent municipalities by an act of government. Six different Locals, six different contracts, six different cultures forming the Mega-City’s new Fire Service.

General Members’ meetings were not held at 39 Commissioners Street, the union office at the time. We had to choose various locations throughout the city that fairly represented everyone and where spaced permitted. Most times the room would be packed. The air was often thick with animosity and you could feel

the tension between the different former Locals as they attempted to come together as one.

Before Local 3888 successfully transitioned into the entity you know it as today, members of former Toronto, Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, East York and York would weigh in on decisions that would shape our direction.

Numbers mattered and if you had the votes, you could do anything. You were defined by reports, it occurred to me how much we where you were hired. have evolved. Most committees now have Sure, the differences between each contract representation from the floor and are not created barriers, but they also offered the op- limited to members from the Executive. For portunity to pick from the best. The problem example, the Human Relations and Equity we faced was that everyone thought what Initiatives Committee has three members from they had negotiated was superior to the other the floor, two of which are female. A more balfive Locals. Imagine working along side some- anced representation, which is reflective of our one who was being paid a higher wage, with membership. The New Members Committee exactly the same class and doing the same consists of members who have been on the job job. Promotional policies varied from city to for 5 years or less. This structure allows for city, and Local to Local. One was based on a consistent mentoring and helps to generate a premise of straight seniority, while others were more active opportunity for our new recruits still waiting for their opportunity to compete to share and get involved within the TPFFA since the Amalgamation. All the while, acting community. The goal is to provide support time and senior officers’ positions were being while educating them about the Association’s filled unequally throughout the ranks. Vacation role. With the last report presented, the asselection, even start times were different. So, sembly unanimously supported the motion of the halls that changed over at 6am were not President Emeritus status for Jim (Jimmy) Lee. pleased with the firefighter who decided to Jim stood in front of our membership one show up at 7am. The challenge was how to more time with a backdrop all of our members find a fair way to decide on which method can be proud of in our new facility. He looked would benefit everyone. A nearly impossible comfortable after years of holding court. task, considering each change could have last- Twenty years later, two of his original board ing results on the others, like a domino effect. members remained, now holding Principle On one side of the room there was a group Officers’ positions, proof that the knowledge, boasting that they were the highest-paid experience and vision had been passed down and had achieved it through political action through the years of succession. A neverbecause of the smaller number of councillors ending cycle of youth to maturity. The resentin their municipality at the time, a luxury ment had now subsided and nearly everyone unheard of in today’s municipal atmosphere. who was present would have only heard On the other side, there was a militant stories of the past. The mood was celebragroup forced to be that way through years of tory, a rarity in Jim’s time as TPFFA President grievances, determined to protect what they during amalgamation. President Emeritus had fought so hard to get. Six former Locals, status is a well-deserved honour for someone equally formidable, equally determined not who helped shape the organization we know to change. Often meetings would get heated today. David McCullough once said, “History and, although it was never verified, there was is who we are and why we are and the way talk of fistfights in the parking lots afterwards. we are”. History has shaped us. Democracy It was a different time, one that I am proud to defines us. Our passions will lead us into the say we got through together. future. Be engaged. Get involved. YOU are The democratic process is now complete. the future of Toronto Professional Fire Fighters The tension has been replaced with a sense Association. We have laid the foundation and of harmony. The room is no longer divided. built the walls, but it takes the commitment Operations sits alongside support divisions. and determination of our members to carry Gone are the days where members were de- on the knowledge, experience and vision that fined by their place of hire. Even the references have gotten us to where we are today. to North, South, East, and West are becoming a thing of the past because of the changes to transfer language.

Kevin McCarthy, Vice President As each committee stood up at the June Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association General Members meetings to give their I.A.F.F. Local 3888 Vo l u m e 1 3 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH

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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER Vicarious Trauma

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ost-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is getting a lot of press these days, and rightly so.

Agencies are putting more and more into supporting those on the front lines with the needed resources to engage and deal with something so deceptive and sometimes immobilizing. PTSD is also called vicarious trauma—meaning that aspects of the actual traumas you have experienced on the job is transferred to you.

We know that PTSD can impact relationships, work and personal health. Dr. Luann Pannell, the chief PTSD educator for the LAPD said, “The question you face daily is this: How do I help people and protect my city without losing my compassion, my desire to serve, my belief in humanity.” This question gets to the heart of who we are and how we live.

I remember when I served on a Fire Service in western Canada many years ago—the ethos was clear. Real men, and it was only men in those days, don’t let the job affect them. We were to be tougher, stronger and more resilient than any trauma we experienced. If the job was getting to you—handle it. To be honest—most of us were messed up in some manner and we didn’t handle vicarious trauma very well, if at all. Usually we turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Today it is getting better to admit and acknowledge that

perhaps I am not doing as well as I would like. More support resources for PTSD and other work-related issues are being put into place. Last year, TFS rolled out a prevention plan, supported by various levels of government, that is being implemented. You have an excellent peer critical incident and support team to easily call upon. And, there are the Chaplains.

The Padre is not a Psychologist or Social Worker. What we are is a presence with meaning. If you must deal with vicarious trauma, then consider your Chaplains as a source of vicarious hope. Any of us are more than happy to listen, laugh

and cry as we walk with you. We will even pray for you if that’s not possible for you to do. We do not have all the answers—but we are comfortable listening to the questions. All humanity is hard wired to believe in something.

SOUTH COMMAND Reverend Barry Parker 416-271-7540 bparker@stpaulsbloor.org

Being ‘spiritual’ is a part of who we are, which then leads to hope, meaning and purpose.

Romeo Dallaire—the well respected former Canadian General and now Senator writing in “Religion in the Ranks: Belief and Religious Experience in the Canadian Forces” said: “Religious or spiritual questions, however they are defined, are deeply interconnected with the profession of arms with its emphasis on service to others, sacrifice and duty to protect as well as the profession’s ‘unlimited liability’—the fact that on any day a soldier might be asked to place himself or herself in harm’s way.”

Exchange ‘profession of arms’ for firefighting and ‘soldier’ for firefighter—and Dallaire speaks of your reality on the job as well. As a Chaplain, we are here to serve and support you—whether it be for vicarious trauma or anything you need to unpack. You don’t need to do it alone.

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DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT… Gerlando, I want to thank you and your team on behalf of all of us for what you did. The antique truck in the morning was a huge hit, but last night is the focus of my thanks. Without your team, I’m not so sure we would have accomplished our goal. I’m glad you understood why things unfolded as they did. Sometimes you have to sit back, allow those their opportunity, knowing full well that you have the resources, people and plan to take over at the last possible minute to meet the deadline. And our core volleys along with your team did just that. The arrival of the aircraft went exactly as planned.

And the help that your team provided during the final teardown was awesome. I know what a huge asset Toronto Fire can be to the Organization, and I will make that known. I hope this year’s flight is the start of a long relationship between Dreams Take Flight and TFS. Please pass on my sincerest thanks to each of your team that was there. And thanks for reminding me why I loved to put on my uniform.

Heartfelt thanks, Mike

July 16, 2018 Rick Berenz President TPFFA Dear Rick: Re: Toronto Police 33 Division Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) 2018 Bursary Program We want to thank The Toronto Professional Firefighters’ Association for the generous donation of toys for our 33 Division (CPLC) 2018 Bursary Program. The items TPFFA donated, along with other donations from community sponsors, were used in a draw at our Open House in June, to raise funds.

Your support this year for our Bursary Program was much appreciated and very well received.

The donation was instrumental in helping us to raise funds for our Bursary Program, which provides small bursaries to postsecondary students. The bursaries are awarded to deserving students who have demonstrated outstanding involvement and leadership in their respective schools or communities. Our goal, each year, is to recognize students for their commitment and contributions, and assist in their post-secondary education. With generous donations such as yours we were able to award a $500.00 bursary to a student in five of the schools in our area. Next year we are hoping to provide bursaries in all the eight schools in 33 Division. You can see our winners on our CPLC Facebook page – just go to 33 Division CPLC. We hope we can reach out to you again next year to help support our Bursary Program.

Once again, thank you for helping to make our Open House a successful day enjoyed by all!

Please feel free to reach out should you have any questions. I can be reached at 647-379-1408 or at christineocrosby@gmail.com.

Best,

Christine Crosby Christine Crosby TPS 33 Division CPLC Civilian Co-Chair

Thank you for supporting the Toronto Fire Women’s Hockey Team Inaugural Season 2017-18

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TPFFA ANNUAL EVENTS‌ Big thank you to all the volunteers and union staff who volunteered their time to make the summer picnic at Wonderland a success! My son Adam and my nieces, bro and sis in law had a great time. Keep up the great work! Great events!

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BY KEN DE JONG, ACTING CAPTAIN, STATION 445-A

“Roll the Heavy” is a series of articles to inform members of the capabilities, equipment and limitations of the Heavy Rescue Squads. By sharing this information, we can better serve the citizens by fostering a professional, team approach. This will improve the chances of a successful outcome in the many complicated and technical emergencies that we respond to.

Introduction For stabilization, the Squads carry the Holmatro Powershore Struts.

These struts are also used for Swift Water Rescue is an important part of our rescue capabilities because when someone is trapped in fastmoving water, the average citizen, first responder or an ill-equipped firefighter can easily involve themselves in a make-shift rescue. The water may appear to be manageable, but it is very possible for the person to get “in too deep” and become a victim themselves.

The power of the water is not only stronger than it looks – it is relentless and there is no quick way to shut it off. If you make a mistake, the results can be tragic.

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The Toys The equipment we carry is dual function with Ice Water Rescue capabilities. The entry suits have different liners for different seasons and the throw bags and reach tools can be effective for short-distance evolutions. All entry PFD’s(Personal Flotation Devices) assigned to the Squads have quick-release pull cords on them because if a tied-off rescuer enters the water and is secured to shore, they can actually be drawn under and drown with the reaction of the rope. The quick release detaches the belt to which the rope is connected and the rescuer can travel downstream and self-rescue.

The RDC (Rescue Deployment Craft) aka the “Fortuna” is a very versatile part of our kit. When used on ice, the rescuers can stand in the openings and walk, they can row if there is open water and it is a very stable platform to make a rescue from. In swift water, the RDC is even more incredible.

Because of the open nature of the platform, it will not fill with water. There is still a possibility in rough water to flip it, but if handled properly, it can be drawn right up to a weir dam or churning area of a river and it won’t submerge like a regular aluminum boat or zodiac. This gives us a very safe way to reach and retrieve a victim that would not be possible with a standard rescue boat.

The Challenge The first challenge is that this is a “timed event”. If the victim is on the move, we must act quickly and deploy resources down-river to affect the rescue. Even if the victim is stationary on some debris or along a shoreline, hypothermia or weakness could cause them to enter the flow again.

The unrelenting nature of the water mentioned above is a killer. Debris, such as tree branches, shopping carts, and general garbage create structures known as “strainers”. The water passes through, but larger items (such as victims) do not. This will basically drown a person because the water has such a force that it keeps them from getting to the surface. Even if they are above the surface, additional debris can come behind them and pummel them against the strainer.

Many of the city’s waterways have Weir Dams. These are low drop waterfall control structures. If a victim is trapped in the recycling nature of the flow, they can cycle over and over again as some of the water returns to the base of the dam. These structures are called “killing machines” and we can’t risk a rescuer getting too close.

To add another challenge, the rushing water makes verbal communications difficult. Stand near some waterfalls and you will soon find that you are yelling at the person right next to you. If you are trying to coordinate ropes and procedures with rescuers on the other side of the river, it’s a big challenge.

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Roll The Heavy...Continued from page 15

The Approach While we still try to minimize the risk to the rescuers by employing the TALK-REACHTHROW-ROW-GO approach, time and layout of the “fireground” may decide the method of rescue for you. Downstream deployment of resources is very important for both victims on the move and rescuers who may enter the water. Upstream resources are also important to scout for moving debris (especially in a flood scenario which can move vehicles and very large items towards the rescuers and victims). To overcome the loudness of the flowing water, rescuers are trained in whistle blasts and hand signals.

There are a number of higher risk maneuvers that the rescuers train on. One is a highline with the RDC which can then be floated downstream by rope to the victim. If the water level is low enough, 3 or 5 rescuers can walk across to the victim. They form a chevron shape to break up the water and the victim takes a position in the middle of the V. For a victim on the move, we have a high risk option called “live bait”. A single rescue, on a rope tied to the rear of their PFD, dives to the victim on the move and bear hugs them from behind. The shore crew tensioned the line and together they pendulum towards the shore to calmer water. This is very fun to do during our training sessions at the Elora Gorge – but if you had to do it in real life, you would get one chance and it would likely be a truly lifesaving maneuver.

Want to know more?

TFS techniques are governed by NFPA Standards (NFPA 1670 Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents and NFPA 1006 Standard for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications) as well as OHSA Section 21 (6.3 Water & Ice Rescue). These form the basis of our SOG’s (G-WATR) and Training Notes (Water/Ice Technician).

There are also plenty of YouTube videos showing techniques and rescue scenarios to better understand the environment we would be in. The important thing to remember is to always stay within your training and equipment limitations. If you intentionally or accidentally become part of the problem, the resources must now focus on you and that isn’t good for anyone. Stay safe and we will see you on the pile (or river’s edge in this case!)

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Member Profile on

BY TONY MACDONALD, RETIRED TORONTO FIRE CAPTAIN

K

im Dunn inherited his passive nature from his mother. His Scottish father, who was a bit of a scrapper, thought that Kim should learn how to defend himself. He showed Kim some jiu-jitsu locks and pressure points, which piqued his interest in the

martial arts.

At 13 years of age, Kim was enrolled in the renowned Tsuruoka Karate School in Toronto. His passion got the best of him, and by the time he was 18, he was instructing others in karate. He received his black belt at the age of 19 from the Shotokan Karate Association of Malaysia. Kim was the first foreigner to have received their Black Belt certification at that time!

In the second match of his first black belt competition in 1974, he received a broken jaw from a well-placed kick to the face!

He persevered through the remaining bouts and placed fourth

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despite the injury! “Back then there were no guards for the head, mouth, feet or shins, and no hand pads, or weight divisions. However, I did wear a cup! Rough stuff in the early 70’s! The worst of it was having my jaw wired shut for six weeks.”

His diligent training paid off in competitions, where he was a three-time recipient of the prestigious ‘Ontario Sports Achievement Award’. He competed four times at the annual National Black Belt Championships, winning a total of 3 gold medals, as well as a silver and a bronze. He was the reigning Ontario Black Belt Kata Champion from 1983 to 1987, retiring undefeated. He represented Canada at such events as the AAKF USA National Championships in San Francisco, and at the 4th World Karate Championships in Cairo, Egypt in 1983.

In his mid-twenties, Kim was introduced to the world of firefighting by a friend who had just been hired by the Toronto Fire Department. In 1981, he was hired by the Etobicoke Fire Department. “I remember my interview with two of the Chiefs who probed my background and qualifications. As I answered their many questions, they were shocked to learn that my current career was in hair design. I may have been the first hairdresser in the country to become a firefighter!”

Last November, after 50 years of studying the martial arts, Kim once again took centre stage. He was inducted into the prestigious Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame in Gatineau, Quebec!

The Hall of Fame voters annually choose six to nine recipients in a variety of martial arts styles based on career achievements and contributions to the art. This time, six of the inductees were karate practitioners. “I’m still shocked by the whole thing,” he says. “It is so very humbling to be recognized and appreciated by your peers from across the country!”

Back in the 1980’s, Kim balanced his life on the job, with his hair salon and his passion for the martial arts, teaching and sharing his knowledge. A few years after his illustrious career in competition, in 1993 he was selected to co-coach the Ontario black belt team for four years, winning four national titles!

Dunn has also studied taekwondo, muay thai, kick boxing, judo, and kung fu. He studied Kyokushin for one and a half years in the United Kingdom. He incorporates many aspects of those arts in his classes, Vo l u m e 1 3 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 18

Kim Dunn but traditional Japanese karate is still the foundation upon which he bases his curriculum.

After 33 years on the job, the last 8 as a Captain, Kim retired from Toronto Fire Services in 2014. “You know when your time is up. You realize that you are not a young man anymore and the shifts begin to take their toll on you. In my years on the job, I’ve experienced the scary, the terribly sad, and the very funny. Honestly, there is still a part of me that misses the thrill of the job, but what I miss the most is the comraderie, the great people and the friendships. The morning fire hall dialogue was always educational and entertaining!”

Since retiring, Kim has been busier than ever, still practicing and teaching. With his colleague Tom Okura, they formed the ‘Traditional Karate Arts of Canada’. They teach out of ‘Oakville National Fitness’ on Iroquois Shore Road as well as other sites around the GTA. “I love what I do and have a great passion for it.” he says. “I find great joy in my practice and strive to teach those who also have the passion and joy.”

Only once in the past five decades has Dunn been forced to use his skills in a confrontation. “After dialing down the attacker’s aggression with a pointed kick that barely touched his ear, I told him the next one was going to hurt, and he backed off.” Dunn was taught, like most martial artists, to avoid confrontations if at all possible.

Kim now holds an 8th Dan black belt which was awarded to him in 2013. Higher ranks such as this are based on minimum age requirements, and a lifetime of teaching and practice. Also required is a lecture and demonstration of your knowledge and skills in front of a grading panel comprised of your peers and seniors. Research and a thesis on an aspect of your art may also be required.

Kim reflects, “I would say that when you hit 50 years of practice, you’re a bit of a geezer. In the martial arts community though, they refer to one who has trained for that long as a ‘Master’. I don’t know about that, but I continue to hone my skills, and I love to inspire students from what I’ve learned.

I’m still learning and adapting to the ever-changing evolution of the martial arts. The higher you climb the mountain, the taller the mountain becomes, and the training never stops.”

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Photo credits: Capt Karen Reid TFS photographer

BY MARLA FRIEBE, PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS CAPTAIN

June 10, 2018 - a more picture-perfect day couldn’t have been chosen to celebrate and honour the bittersweet addition of 15 names to Toronto’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial at Station 334.

Seagulls swooped above the heads of the silent sentries posted beside the Memorial as the names of our now deceased family members, colleagues and friends were solemnly spoken by Captain Jim Morache.

Deputy Fire Chief Terence Boyko …

District Chief Ian Bolton …

Fire Fighter Alfred ‘Ted’ Waites …

After each name, a single bell ringing by Honour Guard member Rob Gutray followed to signify the end of the emergency, and the return to quarters.

Master of Ceremonies and Deputy Fire Chief Jim Jessop described the history of the Memorial and the symbolism behind the ceremony to all of the invited guests. He welcomed Fire Chief Matthew Pegg to speak to the families and friends that had gathered to remember their loved ones, and to see their names that had been etched into the black granite memorial.

Each name placed on the granite stone had at one time been a husband, father, son, or brother and in their service to the Citizens of Toronto paid the ultimate price through an untimely death due to a workplace incident or recognized illness.

Local 3888 President Frank Ramagnano followed Chief Matthew Pegg, and spoke about the sacrifice that firefighters make on a daily basis - their jobs demand it.

Torontonians, out at Harbourfront to enjoy the day, slowly gathered on the hillside to listen to everyone’s sorrowful words, and to watch the annual laying of 20

the wreaths. Nine wreaths were laid, slowly, one after the other, each representing the agency or group gathered to pay tribute: Toronto Fire Services, TPFFA Local 3888, TFD Pensioners’ Association, North York Retired Fire Fighters’ Association, Scarborough Retired Firefighters’ Association, Toronto Professional Firefighters’ War Veterans’ Association and Colour Guard, Canadian Fallen Firefighters’ Foundation, families of the Fallen, and Comtech Fire Credit Union.

Mothers with babies in strollers, small children on bikes, and people just taking in the day’s sunshine stopped to honour the solemn ceremony they were witnessing, and to listen to the piper’s mournful lament. TFS Chaplain Ted Leck led the families in a prayer that honoured their deceased firefighters, a benediction that formally acknowledged the extreme sacrifices of the fallen.

“And so to those who have selflessly given their lives for the good of Toronto and its citizens, their tasks completed, their duties well done, to our fallen comrades, their last alarm, they are going home.”

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District Chief Bryan Oswin Captain Willis James White Firefighter Alfred ‘Ted’ Waites Firefighter Daniel Donnelly Firefighter Ronald James Adams Firefighter Ronald Carson District Chief Dennis M. Bowles Platoon Chief John Gibson Firefighter Harry Allan Stephenson District Chief Ronald Henry Huttman Captain Robert Ted Barnes Deputy Chief Terence Boyko District Chief James Ian Bolton Firefighter John Beattie District Chief Dennis Craig

Station 412 Station 314 Station 226 Station 231 Station 412 Station 114 Station 132 Station 112 Local 752 Station 445 Station 215 Station 332 Station 142 Station 341 Station 332

May 2, 2007 September 19, 1988 March 11, 2001 September 19, 2006 May 2, 2002 August 12, 2010 July 27, 2012 December 1, 2014 January 1, 2015 September 18, 2016 October 16, 2016 October 27, 2016 March 3, 2017 April 17, 2017 November 11, 2017

The following are three excerpts from emails sent by the family members of loved ones added to the 2018 Memorial: I attended the Toronto Fallen Fighters Memorial with a heavy heart this year. I am a recent widow of Deputy Chief Terry Boyko. His name on the Memorial Wall makes me proud that he served the City of Toronto as a Firefighter, a job he truly loved.

When he retired after a 34 year career, he always said, he would do it again.

I felt moved at the Memorial with all the warmth his fellow firefighters showed me and the many friends that he had made along the way that told me how much they miss him. I felt honoured to lay the wreath for all the families that lost their loved ones. We all have the pain of losing our husbands, partners and family members but knowing that their job to let others live makes all of us feel honoured. The Memorial is a wonderful way to show that they are not forgotten.

Terry did not stop when he retired. Within two months he joined the Burlington Rotary club. Their motto is “service above self”, something he already knew all

about from being a firefighter. He became President within a few short years, helping the Rotary club with raising funds to help the community. We both made new friends, Rotary Members, and it has been a very rewarding experience for both of us, as I have recently joined myself.

I miss him very much, his humour, always having a smile, his love of travel and history and the love of our daughter and our two grandchildren who got so much joy from him. After 47 years of being with him, it definitely is not easy. The Toronto Firefighters have supported me and my family and I want to thank them for that.

Lisa Boyko My dad’s name is Alfred Edward (Ted) Waites. He was on the Toronto Fire Department from 1957-1992 and sadly lost his battle with multiple myeloma on March 11, 2001.

When my dad was first diagnosed with cancer in March of 2000, I knew in my

heart and soul that it was job-related. From that point on I made it my quest to have him recognized.

On June 10th, 2018 my quest came to an end. I will never be able to begin to explain the range of emotions that I felt this past Sunday. It truly was bittersweet. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss my dad. It was really an honour to be his daughter.

At the end of the day our story is about a daughter’s love for her dad.

Michelle McCallen “My dad was a humble man, who never did anything for recognition, but because it was the right thing to do. His proudest achievement was that he never lost a firefighter under his command. I am proud to know that his name will be remembered forever. He truly was a hero, both to his family and to the thousands of people he touched over his decades as a member of the Toronto Fire Services.”

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STATION 321

BY BERNICE HALSBAND, TORONTO FIRE FIGHTER, STATION 343-C

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY Station 321 is in the heart of Leaside, on McRae Dr. The former was named for the Lea family that settled the area in the early 1800’s and the latter for Colonel Randolph McRae who, alongside Colonel Davidson, applied to have Leaside incorporated as a town, which it was, in 1913.

Only a year beforehand, the executives and owners of the Canadian Northern Railway had purchased 1,000 acres to build a community extending from the railyards, with an urban plan to make Leaside an upscale neighbourhood akin to Rosedale. The success of the other towns they had built, namely Port Mann in British Columbia and Mount Royal Park

Town in Quebec, spurred the expansion inside the growing city of Toronto. The Lea family home, an octagonal structure built just south of the Lea farm, was named Leaside and the structure housed a post office and Lea’s magistrate’s office after he ascended to the post in the latter part of the 19th century.

The impact the CNR had on the area can still be seen in the streets that were named after CNR executives, namely Laird, Hanna Road, and Wicksteed. They figured that one of the surrounding municipalities at the time would annex the area, however when that didn’t happen, they applied for an incorporation as a town and were granted their wish.

Photo credit: Mykhail Baehr

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WWI The war years saw the production of shells in the industrial area laid out east of Laird Ave.; Canada Wire and Cable oversaw the construction of the buildings that produced 9.2 inch shells, and they moved the rest of their company into the area. Leaside Munitions Company was a subsidiary created by the CWC, and even leased 220 acres of land to the Canadian government for an airfield between Wicksteed and Eglinton, alongside with structures that could house up to 1,000 military personnel.

The munitions factories left an interesting artifact behind that was found on October 1, 2016 when firefighters at Station 321 were brought a rusty old shell that was still perfectly good and capable of exploding had it been handled roughly. The bomb was taken away and detonated safely by the military, but TFS also tweeted to let the public know that if they find a shell of explosive to not go anywhere near it, rather leave it and call emergency services.

THE LEASIDE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE AND THE FULL-TIME DEPARTMENT The Leaside Volunteer Fire Department didn’t come into existence until 1929 when the village fire truck was donated by Durant Motors who, alongside the Canadian Northern Railroad and CWC, had been providing fire protection until then. With 18 firefighters and its first Chief, Chief D.J. Bell, a structure was built at Laird and McCrae. A second truck arrived in 1940 although, by then, storage for the two apparatus was becoming an issue and a number of locations were necessary to house them.

Chief Bell housed the apparatus at his property at Parkhurst and Bessborough. As well, a garage at Markham and Laird and a building across from the Bessborough Public School at Hanna and Sharron served as temporary houses for the truck. In this last location the school caretaker would get the call for a fire and would have to run across the street to sound the siren mounted on the roof of the garage. This was already an improvement from the original alarm: a piece of railroad track mounted from a chain and hit with a hammer.

The problem of where to keep the truck was solved by building the current structure on McRae; at the same time, the Leaside Fire Department became a professional department with 18 full-time firefighters. Since many of the industrial buildings had identical garages, it was hard for the firefighters to figure out where exactly the trucks were parked. The problem was solved with the construction of the new Hall on McRae. How integral the Railway companies and Durant Motors were to the community can be seen by the equipment LFD used in

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Station 321...Continued from page 23

the early days. Apparatus, hose and equipment were often donated by one of the industrial magnates of the area. The main Toronto-Montreal line was in service until 1982! Even the airfield that was leased to the government brought notice to Leaside; the first Canada Post Airmail was delivered in Leaside and there were 9 hangars housing aircraft. The fire crews would have had to prepare for an early airplane crash possibility.

In 1967, the Leaside Fire Department, with its 44 firefighters, three deputy chiefs and chief, merged with the East York Fire Department. Led by Ernest Bell, three halls made up the East York Fire Department and would eventually merge with Toronto Fire Services in 1998, and nobody complained ever again. Training was every second Saturday to protect the over-600 residents the area now boasted.

Toronto Fire Station 224 has a number of great artifacts from the Leaside Fire Department, a few helmets, insignias and photos lovingly collected, maintained and displayed by long-time B-Shifter and old East Yorker Dan Driscoll.

THE RUN AREA 321 runs a Rescue and an Aerial. The Aerial ran almost 730 calls in 2016 whereas the Rescue pulled in 1,349.

Even though Leaside fulfilled its aspirations to be on par with Rosedale in terms of desirable neighbourhoods, as with any run area there are some colourful buildings that keep things interesting. In March of this year, the Station received a personal visit and thank you from Mayor Tory for providing

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the residents of a building with long-awaited water: The property management company did arrange for bottled water to be brought in for residents while the taps were dry but there wasn’t enough for residents to bathe or even flush their toilets.

That is, until firefighters from a nearby station on McCrae Drive hooked up a truck to a fire hydrant outside the building and brought a hose into the lobby so residents would have a temporary water source.

On Friday, Tory visited some of those firefighters at the station to thank them for their efforts.

“I think our emergency responders do their job day in and day out and some of the things they end up doing are things people don’t really know about,” he told CP24 as he arrived at the station with coffee and donuts in hand. “In this case I was over at the Thorncliffe Park building and I could see how distressed they (residents) were. If people think about it, not being able to flush your toilet for, like, 40 hours, that is a bad situation.”

Tory said he called the Fire Chief, Matthew Pegg, as the water drought dragged on and was heartened by how quickly firefighters showed up on scene and began dispensing water to residents who, in turn, brought down “every manner of container you have ever seen.”

He said that the he wanted to visit the firefighters to thank them for their actions and all of the other small things they do but may not always get recognized for.

“The firefighters are doing things like this all the time that don’t involve big fires that get on the news,” he said.

A little more disconcerting is a string of stabbings and shootings in the area, and the not infrequent fires occurring at Thorncliffe Park. It is what Tuxedo Court is to 231, Westlodge to 426, Crescent Town to 225, or pretty much all of 325’s area; more efforts and services need to be focused on these neighbourhoods to help residents combat some of the problems their areas face.

It’s the world that we are privileged to see and interact with and to step into in order to try to extract a positive outcome. It’s the place where we are constantly teetering between blissful ignorance, compassion and cynicism and, in some lucky cases, acceptance.

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BY ANGIE SAFKO, TORONTO FIRE PUBLIC EDUCATION DIVISION

This year, Toronto Fire Services is the home to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Educator of the Year, Acting Captain Denise Hynes. Since 2000, the NFPA has selected a member of a local fire department or fire marshal’s office who uses NFPA educational programs and materials, and who demonstrates excellence and innovation while reaching out to the community in a consistent and creative way. Denise is the third Canadian to receive this award and to be recognised as a leader in making their communities safer. With Toronto being the largest city in Canada, there are numerous matters to acknowledge in regards to citizen safety. Denise works tirelessly to research and understand the fire safety concerns in the city, and to develop appropriate material and presentations for specific audiences.

Toronto Fire Services is involved in many partnerships because of Denise’s hard work and dedication. Bringing an Awareness of Senior Safety and Issues to the Community (B.A.S.S.I.C) is a group of members and associates who work together to deliver safety seminars and symposia, and produce a safety calendar.

Seniors and older adults are more at risk to be injured or killed in a fire, and Denise is determined to change that! The partnership that Denise has established between Toronto Fire Services and B.A.S.S.I.C. has encouraged senior and older adult groups and organizations to reach out for fire safety presentations and information. The NFPA program “Remembering When”, is specifically designed for seniors and older adults and offers advice on the special fire risks they face.

As an NFPA “Remembering When” scholarship winner, Denise has also facilitated Toronto Fire Services’ partnership with Circle of Care’s Personal Support Workers, who enter seniors and older adult’s homes for personal care and support. Seven hundred Personal Support Workers attended fire safety sessions, which included home fire safety topics and initiated a smoke alarm installation referral process. The partnership gave Circle of Care Personal Care Workers the knowledge to understand where smoke alarms are required, and the resources to leave homes with smoke alarms if they were needed. Because of this program, countless seniors and older adults were left with working smoke alarms in their homes.

Denise has also collaborated with the legendary Canadian showbiz institution, “Famous People Players” to co-design a theatrical fire safety show at the Toronto theatre. “Famous People

Players” is a world-renowned black light theatre company that uses glow-in-the-dark puppets in entertaining shows and educational programs for both children and adults. Denise understands the challenges of spreading fire safety messages to the city of Toronto, and that finding an approach that is creative and interesting to the public can be difficult. Denise’s partnership with “Famous People Players” attention-grabbing and memorable shows reached out to adults and children in an exceptionally successful way.

The city of Toronto’s population is made up of 50 percent immigrants, with people from over 170 countries, speaking more than 100 languages and dialects. Denise sees the importance of addressing the ever-changing and diverse needs of the communities’ safety and education. This is why Denise coordinated a strong partnership with COSTI Immigration Services to design fire safety sessions translated into Arabic for Syrians who had recently come to Canada. Providing the newcomer families with information needed for staying safe in their homes eased some of the difficult changes they faced relocating to Canada, and the adjustment to new laws and regulations. Denise is passionate about reaching out to specific communities and promoting education to our diverse city. A presentation was also designed for Toronto’s Orthodox Jewish community that educated this group about how to reconcile fire safety best practices with religious requirements, such as specific candle safety during Hanukah and many more fire safety messages.

Denise’s outreach to different communities in Toronto has had a lasting impact, allowing different cultures to feel welcomed and respected.

Denise has been an incredible Public Educator for Toronto Fire Services. The passion and dedication she has for her job is contagious throughout the fire service. She inspires us all to strive for the best and put 110 percent into every aspect of the job. It is Denise’s friendly demeanor, hard work, and dedication that allow both large projects and regular day-to-day duties to be successful and productive. It is no wonder other fire departments reach out to Denise for her input, knowledge and advice! Denise is a very positive asset to Toronto Fire, and without her these partnerships and programs would not exist. Denise’s work has had a lifelong influence on the people of Toronto, and she without a doubt, is most deserving of the National Fire Protection Association Educator of the Year Award.

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January 1 - August 14, 2018 Active Earl Strong Retired Thomas Thompson Oland Giffin Dennis Whelan Wilfrid Tyrrell Wilfrid ‘Les’ Senior James Easton Norm Morris Gwyn Evans Ken Hodgins Robert Martin Randall Merrick

20-Jan-18 1-Jan-18 4-Jan-18 4-Jan-18 5-Jan-18 5-Jan-18 9-Jan-18 23-Jan-18 25-Jan-18 2-Feb-18 15-Feb-18 15-Feb-18

George Bellinger Dave Collins Maurice Neville Edward Chandler Gord Graham John Jack Beeston Paul Macina Henry Mezzabotta Gary Frew Russell Simpson Keith Jones

Earl Strong 1969-2018 26

William Simons 9-Mar-18 14-Mar-18 5-Apr-18 17-Apr-18 19-Apr-18 7-May-18 22-May-18 3-Jun-18 4-Jun-18 9-Jun-18 13-Jun-18

13-Mar-18

Kenneth Stewart William Adams Gordon Reid Paul Crawford Joseph Byatt Ian Leslie Russ Wilson James Coles Alfred Collins Lorne Whittaker Marshall McLean

19-Jun-18 20-Jun-18 3-Jul-18 5-Jul-18 8-Jul-18 14-Jul-18 14-Jul-18 27-Jul-18 28-Jul-18 30-Jul-18 14-Aug-18

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They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

Captain Walter Churchmack 1930-2001

On March 17, 2001. Captain Walter Churchmack passed away from Lung Cancer.

Walter joined the Toronto Fire Department in 1956, and retired after 37.5 years of dedicated service.

He was very proud to be a part of this brotherhood. Walter was an avid athlete within the department. He played baseball, hockey, bowling and running marathons while representing Toronto Fire.

Walter took up golf later in his career representing Toronto Fire Department’s A Team in the Canada/USA Golf Tournaments until retirement.

Walter was presented the Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery from Governor General Lincoln Alexander on December 9, 1985 for a fire-related rescue at 174 Mulock Avenue on April 29, 1985.

He was a mentor for his son Richard who is currently a District Chief for Toronto on car 32 D Shift. His passion as a fire fighter was as great as his love for family. His zest for life, his charm, his jokes and famous spaghetti sauce will be missed.

Thomas D. Timmins 1928-1995

Thomas D. Timmins, known as Tom, was born on July 11th, 1928. He Joined the Etobicoke Fire Department (Local 1137) on June 20th, 1955 at the age of 26. He rose to the position of Captain and retired from Station 3. Sadly, Tom died at the age of 67 on December 10th, 1995, due to prostate cancer after repeated exposures to smoke and chemicals during his years of fire fighting.

From his family: Thomas David Timmins (Tom) as we called him at home; ‘Terrible Tom’ as he was known at the fire hall. A gentle giant who joined the Etobicoke Fire Service on the advice of his brotherin-law after a career in the Merchant Marines on the Great Lakes. Captain Tom was tough but fair. Tom retired on the same day his son-in-law Len Bertrand started his first shift with fire services. Yes, he liked to push people’s buttons but his colleagues and chief would describe him as an exemplary fire fighter, someone who had your back at all times. Tom often talked about the Kimberly-Clark fire that saw three Etobicoke fire fighters lose their lives. That was his crew, he fought the fire alongside them and he could never forget them. He loved his career as a fire fighter but he loved his family even more, right up there with his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs. I am sure he is watching them now. R.I.P. Dad, gone away too early.

His death is regarded as a Line of Duty Death by the WSIB as his cancer is recognized as a work related illness. Prostate cancer is presumed to be an occupational disease that occurs due to the nature of the work as a firefighter, based on Presumptive Legislation in the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. The TPFFA Memorial Plaque was dedicated to Tom on May 12, 2016 and can be found in station 445.

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BY MYKHAIL BAEHR, TORONTO FIRE FIGHTER, STATION 232-D

Acknowledgements: - Garry Wignal for his incredible wealth of fire history knowledge and collection of historical material.

- The staff at the Toronto Archives for direction and support in finding what material there is, and photos of American LaFrance Toronto.

- “American LaFrance in Canada” by John L. Holden.

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The idea for this article came up when I saw the photo of an old American LaFrance HighPressure Pump donated back to Toronto Fire Services by the Ontario Fire Buff Association. I thought to myself, “That’s one good-looking fire truck!” This piqued my interest, and I started doing some research on Google. I learned that American LaFrance (ALF) had actually produced fire trucks in the City of Toronto for many years up until, and as recently as 1972, which I found extremely interesting. An iconic brand in the fire apparatus world being made right here in our City! After doing some additional research, and most helpful, to have talked to and reviewed a collection of information from Gary Wignall, I wanted to write an article to share some of the unique fire-related history in our City.

ALF of Elmira, New York, had created their version of the motorized fire engine in 1910.

It achieved much success within the US, and soon grew to fill orders for Canadian fire departments. As a result, by 1915, ALF had purchased a plot of land at 195 Weston Road, Toronto, housing a paint shop, and apparatus assembly area. One of the first orders filled at this facility was for 3 Toronto Fire Department ladder units, which were drawn by horses at the time. This facility was to become the paint, assembly, parts, and service centre for their Canadian customers. At the time, the major Canadian competitors were W.E. Seagrave, of Walkerville, ON, and Bickle Fire Engines Ltd., of Woodstock, ON. In the 1920’s, ALF found continued expansion in to the Canadian market. During that time, the company imported engines, pumps, frames, and parts from Elmira but made whatever they could for each custom order on site. This included seats, toolboxes, hose-bodies, brackets, and fenders. During this time, ALF was recognized for having a tradition of painting and decorating, and setting their products apart from their competitors. A typical 1920’s pumper could take up to 1,200 hours to produce, and an average of 300 of those hours were for the paintwork. The final product was usually photographed in High Park and then delivered by the shop foreman and a delivery engineer to the customer.

The company survived the great depression of the 1930’s, despite a reduction in new apparatus orders, by maintaining a parts replacement program. The company had a consistent parts inventory, allowing them to ship day or night, for which many departments came to rely on ALF. Also during this time, it became a lucrative side of the business to replace custom-ordered units’ which had hard tires, with more modern and comfortable pneumatic tires.

During World War II, ALF continued producing fire apparatus and even began receiving orders for armed forces vehicles. Over 130 crash trucks with sturdy V8-powered Ford 4x4 chassis were built in the cramped factory. By 1942, the company began to have difficulty filling orders for the Toronto location due II to the Elmira plant production

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capacity needing to fulfill US wartime orders. Following the war, the company was able to expand the plant at the south end of the facility to add more room for the production of aerials. At this time, the thenpopular, and now-iconic, Type-700 series model was introduced to Canada. One of the features which made this model popular was a new cab-ahead-of-engine design, offering a shorter wheelbase, resulting in greater maneuverability. The 5-firefighter seating in the cab provided much greater safety to firefighters responding to calls, and this feature was soon copied by most other competitors once the design’s patent expired. By 1949, ALF announced that they had received the largest custom order in Canadian history. It was from the Toronto Fire Department, who had ordered a fleet of 12 Type-700 units. Eight of these were Pumpers, two were High-Pressure Monitors, one was an Aerial, and the final was a Rescue Squad.

The Canadian economy was growing and as a result, ALF became more successful.

During the 50’s, they reached their peak production with a record of 29 custom, and 24 factory base model units built in 1956. During that time frame, ALF was so successful, they continued to operate even when Bickle Seagrave dissolved in that year (Bickle and Seagrave were two separate fire engine production companies which had merged in 1936). In 1958, the Type-900’s were introduced with the cab-ahead style and a focus on greater driver visibility and a larger cab space. By the late 1950’s, the Old Weston Road plant had become outdated and overcrowded and a new modern factory was built at 60 Coronet Road in Etobicoke. The factory’s new location opened in 1960, and delivery photos were then taken showing off the new plant in the background.

By the early 1960’s, the fire apparatus market in North America began to shrink and fire engine production plants were shutting down. At the time, ALF was under the ownership of Stirling Precision Tools Corporation, and there may have been an insufficient amount of support from them to keep up with certain key industry changes, such as aerial designs. In 1965, Stirling decided to move the Canadian factory to 2520 Haines Road in Cooksville, (Mississauga) in order to merge operations with one of their other owned companies, which was producing Dempster garbage trucks. A year later, Stirling sold ALF to Automatic Sprinkler but retained ownership of the Elmira factory complex and the Canadian subsidiary of ALF. From then on, there was no more formal affiliation with the Elmira factory and all engineering occurred at the Cooksville facility. By March of 1971, the last ALF unit ever made in Canada was shipped to Imperial Oil in Sarnia, Ontario, thus ending the legacy of American LaFrance in Canada a few short years after moving operations out of Toronto.

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3888 Education Committee

BY ROB HEWSON, CHAIR EDUCATION COMMITTEE

January 2017 brought the introduction of the 3888 Education Committee to the list of TPFFA standing committees. The committee was assigned a Chair from the Executive Board, and six members. The committee got busy brainstorming ideas for educational events for the membership. Our members were asked to take part by offering their expertise in courses they would like to teach to their peers. As ideas for events grew, our Learning Centre within the new 3888 Association office at 14 Cosentino Dr was designed and growing closer to reality as the building renovations neared completion.

On January 13th 2018, the first Education Committee event was held: a First Aid and CPR course offered by one of our 3888 members who is trained to instruct these life-saving skills. The course was open to staff, family and friends of 3888. The instructor was able to offer this course at a reduced rate since 3888 offered the Learning Centre at no cost in order to benefit our members and their families.

Since the initial First Aid course, the Education committee has held a Baby-Sitting course and a second First Aid Course. With the success of the courses, the Education Committee will continue to offer these to our members,

friends and family.

Following, the Education Committee had a fantastic opportunity with two of our very skilled members offering a Photography Workshop to our members. It was cost-free, and a very successful event that received excellent reviews.

Next, a 3888 Wellness Day was put together by the committee. It included speakers on Family Law, Planning for loss of a loved one, and a key note speaker on The Permission to be Human: Exploring the Unexpected Realities of Occupational Stress Injuries (OSI & PTSI). This turned out to be a very intimate event with great reviews from the attendees.

We all know firefighters and their food. Well, the Education Committee decided to bring in Toronto’s own celebrity BBQ Chef, Ted Reader and Local Brewer, Common Good Brewery to give a session of BBQ skills and beer tasting. The Education Committee definitely knew the way to the members’ hearts with this event!

Your Education Committee is just getting started with a line-up of amazing events and they welcome all members to come out and take part, or even present their own event.

Contact us anytime.

Education Chair Rob Hewson, Committee Members Mark McKinnon, Wayne Robertson, Matt Rayner, Glenn Ginou, Rob Kular, Brent Brooks.

2018 Media Awards

Since 1949, the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (TPFFA) has sponsored an annual Media Awards to honour journalists who produce insightful, unusual and dramatic coverage of the work that Toronto Fire Fighters perform. Firefighting is by its very nature dangerous and dramatic work. We are fortunate in Toronto that our local media professionals do an excellent job of covering and capturing our actions and the dangers that we face on a daily basis. Not only do local journalists capture the inherent drama of firefighting, many of them also distinguish themselves through extensive investigation and insightful analysis of the people and stories behind the events. The positive public perception of fire fighters within our community is directly linked to the positive presentation of our profession in the media. The members of the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association are grateful for the media coverage of not only our professional actions but also of our volunteer work and charitable contributions to our community. Our annual TPFFA Media Awards allow us to honour journalists who distinguish themselves with reporting of the highest quality on events involving our members. Award categories have been developed to recognize those who excel in print, television, radio and online journalism, in a variety of distribution markets.

BEST PRINT ARTICLE, CIRCULATION OVER 100,000 Presented to: Rosie DiManno, Toronto Star A week after one of the biggest fires in our City’s history, an emergency scene that showed Toronto Fire Fighters are the very best at what they do, Rosie DiManno of the Toronto Star showed her readers why she is one of the best at what she does. Rosie took the time to interview countless firefighters who were at the Badminton and Raquet Club of Toronto fire, and gave her readers an inside look at what it’s like to do one of the world’s most dangerous and demanding jobs. Rosie captured the escalation of a major event, and gave readers a glimpse into the minds of the men and women whose job it is to save lives and property.

BEST PRINT ARTICLE, CIRCULATION UNDER 100,000 Presented to: Andrew Palamarchuk, Metroland Media Andrew Palamarchuk has been a staff reporter at Metroland Media’s Toronto division since December 2000. In his years writing for the Metroland news group, Andrew Palamarchuk has put an effort into understanding how Toronto Fire Fighters go about their work. As a result, his many articles on incidents carry a depth that goes beyond simple reporting. It’s this hard work of Andrew’s that make his articles truly reflective of the hazards and hardships that face Toronto Fire Fighters daily.

BEST WEBLOG Presented to: John Lorinc, Spacing Magazine The news industry has been undergoing a major transformation over the past years. One of the by-products of that transformation is a lack of staff to do in-depth pieces designed to shed new light on a subject. John Lorinc took the time to do a three-part story on fire risks in highrises with a focus on Toronto Community Housing, exposing some areas that were in need of improvement. As a direct result of his journalism, changes have been made that will improve fire safety in TCH and other high-rise buildings.

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BEST NEWS STORY, WEB-BASED Presented to: Serge Olivier, Ici Radio-Canada & Nick Boisvert, CBC Toronto It’s difficult enough to find sources to flesh out a news story that happened yesterday. It’s infinitely harder to do the background on a story that happened more than 50 years ago. Serge Olivier dug into heart of a tragic incident during Hurricane Hazel in 1954 and Nick Boisvert helped bring the story to a wider audience. A truly touching interview with Ken Maxell, a long-retired Toronto Fire Fighter, brings a tragic historical recollection to life.

BEST LIVE NEWS STORY, WEB-BASED Presented to: CP24 Last year, Toronto Fire Fighters executed a major live scenario of a fire at City Hall. The concept was to demonstrate the incredible resources needed on-scene in just a few minutes to be able to accomplish all the necessary tasks required at a high-rise fire. CP24, with host George Lagogianes, thought it would be insightful for their viewers, and as a result, carried the entire event live on TV and on the web. They did an excellent job of asking important questions, and showing how well Toronto Fire Fighters do their job.

BEST NEWS STORY, RADIO Presented to: Kelly Cutrara, AM640 When a difficult technical rescue at the Scarborough Bluffs was successfully executed by Toronto Fire Fighters, Kelly Cutrara hosted Chief Matthew Pegg on the John Oakley Show to discuss the intricacies of some of the emergencies Toronto Fire Fighters attend. An informative conversation centering on the ‘more than fire’ theme was the result, showing that a knowledgeable host and a knowledgeable guest make for great radio.

BEST PHOTO BY A FIRE FIGHTER Presented to: Mykhail Baehr (Stn. 232), Firefighters Without Borders ‘Bear’, as he is affectionately known, is no stranger to our media awards having won several in the past.

His photos of fire scenes, rescues, fire halls, or anything Toronto Fire related, are viewed and praised by many. This year, his considerable skills were put to work in the production of a charity fire calendar.

BEST PHOTO, PRINT CIRCULATION OVER 100,000 Presented to: Frank Gunn, Canadian Press One of the most high-profile incidents involving Toronto Fire Fighters last year was certainly the rescue of a young lady who ended up stranded on the hook of a crane. Toronto Fire Services technical rescue squads put on a clinic of their skills that culminated in a dramatic high-angle rope rescue.

Photographer Frank Gunn of the Canadian Press was on hand to capture some incredible images of the drama as it unfolded. Frank’s images were picked up by broadcasters and publishers far and wide, helping shine a light on great work Toronto Fire Fighters do, thanks to his fantastic photographs.

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BEST PHOTO, PRINT CIRCULATION UNDER 100,000 Presented to: Justin Greaves, Metroland Media It’s not easy to capture the chaos of a fire scene in one photo. But Justin Greaves managed to do just that while snapping photos at the scene of a hydro vault fire at King St. and Bay St. in May of 2017. Streetcars, hose lays across a major downtown street, smoke drifting through Toronto’s iconic financial district, all while Toronto Fire Fighters try to evacuate thousands of people, clear smoke above and below ground, and fight a fire under Toronto’s city streets.

BEST PHOTO, SOCIAL MEDIA Presented to: Steve Russell, Toronto Star There were more than a few photos taken of the massive fire at St. Clair & Yonge on February 14th.

Social mediawasbuzzingwithshotsfromthesceneoftheintenseblaze,andofthefirefightersworking tirelessly to contain it. Few photos were as dramatic as Steve Russell’s, which he shared to his Instagram feed, of Toronto Fire Fighters on two aerial platforms immersed in heavy smoke as they battled a 6-alarm fire. Remarkably, the smoke is so heavy that the colour photograph appears black and white until you examine it closely.

BEST PHOTO, WEB-BASED Presented to: Louis Tam, TFSpics.com Most fire scenes photos are shot with an eye to capturing the action. Occasionally, a photographer manages to combine the action with an artistic approach. This is evident in the beautifully composed photos shot by Louis Tam of a large house under construction that caught fire. Firefighters framed in a doorway of flames with a red sky present a beauty that is almost incongruous with the monstrous and dangerous free-burning fire that night.

BEST MEDIA REPRESENTATION BY A TORONTO FIRE FIGHTER Presented to: A/Capt. Rob Wonfor, (Stn. 313) Our Toronto Fire Fighters are very good at their jobs, but few of them expect to have to step up to communicate with the media on a large scale. It’s a skill set not taught at the fire academy. So, when Rob Wonfor was part of the team that executed a dramatic rescue of a young lady stuck on a crane, he found himself unexpectedly facing down a horde of cameras and microphones. Rob proved as adept at handling a press conference as he is at technical rescue, and did his firefighting brothers and sisters proud with his media interactions.

BEST FIRE WATCH ARTICLE Presented to: A/Capt. Ken de Jong (Stn. 445) One of the goals of the TPFFA Fire Watch Magazine is to illuminate some aspects of our job to promote better familiarity. Ken de Jong did an excellent job with his ‘Roll the Heavy’ series of articles about Toronto Fire Services Heavy Rescue Squads, highlighting their specialty rescue skills and equipment. These types of articles help all of our officers and firefigters better recognize how to utilize these highly-specialized apparatus.

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2018 Off-Duty Awards

There is no doubt that the positive public perception enjoyed by fire fighters is directly influenced by the individual actions of our members and supporters each and every day, on and off-duty. The members of the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association have established Off-Duty Awards to recognize the actions of individuals who have given of themselves to serve others while off-duty. These awards recognize efforts that range from sudden moments of selfless bravery, to ongoing commitments of devoted volunteerism. Each of the Off-Duty Award recipients has made our community a better, safer place and has brought honour to our firefighting community. May they continue to serve as an inspiration to their fellow fire fighters and the community we serve.

BARRY WHITE AWARD The Barry White Award is presented annually to a deserving volunteer from Support 7 or Box 12. These two support units attend every major incident, to provide support and supplies to firefighters on scene. It is staffed entirely by volunteers who respond 24/7 to lend a hand to our crews on duty.

Presented to: John Robinson John joined Box 12 in 1970 and is the longest serving member. In the mid ‘70s, he also joined Support 7 and is one of very few members to serve on both support vehicles. He’s been instrumental in training new members as well as helping to design the parameters by which the support vehicle functions.

BOX 12 AWARD Presented annually to a 3888 member who on their own initiative and in a voluntary capacity, undertake an activity or series of activities that improve the lives of 3888 members. The award reflects the spirit of volunteerism demonstrated by members of Box 12.

Presented to: Capt. Mike Sayers (Stn. 145) Mike Sayers epitomizes volunteerism. His work volunteering with a disaster relief team has led him to the Phillipines, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and St. Martin to aid in relief efforts. Mike is also a part of the Toronto HUSAR team.

ROY SILVER AWARD The Roy Silver Award is presented annually to a 3888 member who distinguishes themselves by performing CPR on a citizen while off-duty.

Presented to: FF Angelo Alberga (Stn. 312) Firefighter Angelo Alberga was driving home from Ted Reeve arena on a day off when he witnessed someone huddled over a collapsed patient on the sidewalk. Angelo pulled over, quickly assessed the patient and performed CPR on the individual until fire crews arrived and defibrillated the patient, restoring a heartbeat. The patient was transported to hospital where he recovered and was released, thanks largely to the life-saving actions of off-duty firefighter Alberga. On or off-duty, nothing is more gratifying than saving a life.

AL PEARSALL AWARD The Al Pearsall Award is presented annually to the 3888 member who contributed time, energy, and ability towards the improvement of their community and fellow citizens while off-duty.

Presented to: A/Capt. David Cossitt (Stn. 223) Dave Cossitt was a founding member of the Toronto Fire Fighters Celtic Society, serving as their inaugural entertainment director. He now holds the position of President. The Celtic Society has raised over $200,000 for charity. In 2017, Dave also founded the ‘Memorial Ride to Ottawa’ to support the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation raising both funds and awareness for a great cause. In his own community, Dave has also coached softball and baseball teams. David’s exemplary service to others while off-duty clearly demonstrates what the Al Pearsall award is all about.

BERNARD (BEN) BONSER AWARD The Bernard ‘Ben’ Bonser Award is presented annually to the Local 3888 member who, while off-duty, distinguished himself or herself by performing a rescue or being involved in saving the life of a citizen.

Presented to: FF Chris Stark (Stn. 431) & FF Chris Tessaro (Stn. 331) On February 14th, firefighters of ‘D’ platoon were on duty for the historic Badminton & Racquet Club 6-alarm fire, including Chris Stark and Chris Tessaro. The following day, both firefighters headed to the gym to work out the kinks from work the day before. As they walked out of a steam room, they encountered an unconscious patient. They leapt into action, working on the patient who initially presented with no pulse. The patient was subsequently transported to hospital with a pulse. Another incident exemplifying that, for our firefighters, there are no days off.

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Letter from the Editor…

Lynn Sciberras

Article author John Malcolmson

So, how many years do you have until retirement? One year, 2-5 or too many to even think about? Ah yes, retirement, the time in our life when we are no longer actively employed, no longer have to come into work or keep a schedule. It is a time we all yearn for, and work our careers to be able to reach and enjoy. I imagine it has surfaced in conversation before…how many years do you have left before you retire. Regardless of how many, have you ever considered what you will do in your retirement years? Do you have a retirement plan? Do you foresee what retirement will be like for you? It may seem clear to many of us, but for others not so much.

I was very pleased when the author of this article suggested the topic of retirement. I have on several occasions received phone calls from staff quite nervous and anxious about retiring, so much so that it consumes their thoughts, causing both physical and mental stress. OMERS provides us with our retirement date, but the real question is: do we know the date we will retire? For some, the countdown starts when they get to the one or two year mark.

For some, it’s about “can I afford to retire?” for others it’s about “what am I going to do for the next x number of years?”. Each of these situations can be equally stressful and making us uneasy, so it’s important to have a plan, no different than planning a transfer, a move, home purchase or a trip. There are things we need to establish and put into place prior to situations coming into effect. As an example, having more money for a down payment on a

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house will help decrease a mortgage if required, as well as amortization. Similarly, planning for retirement can only put us in a better place when we get to that stage. Whether it’s another career, travelling, taking up or getting more involved in a hobby - however you decide to enjoy your life. Expenses and lifestyle will come into play, including what you will do, where, how, with whom and how you will pay for it. Possibilities are endless and life can change in a split second, so I like to think about it in terms of “Can I afford not to retire?”

This article touches on differing views and suggestions from a few TFS employees who have taken the plunge into retirement. There are several resources to access, including peers, retirees, retirement seminars, and even seeking out an appointment with a psychologist. The key is to have a plan so that we are not consumed by stress and all that goes along with it. Retirement in and of itself creates good stress; however, if not prepared, it can bring negative stress. This is what we want to decrease, or better yet, eliminate. So take some time to think about where you are in your life, and what you need to do to prepare for the day of freedom from work. If you’re close to retirement, take the time to put together a plan outlining how it will all come together, even if that means continuing to work for some additional time. No plan needs to be set in stone, simply a guide and something we can adapt to.

Wishing you well with your retirement, and your plans to get you there.

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When and How?

Retirement day. A euphemism for freedom, rest and time.

Freedom from the cycle of the shift schedule. Unlimited Rest. Sleep without interruption, sleep when you want to, need to and as you choose. Time to schedule commitments and time to say no.

Firefighters have a career where these three things are in short supply and random, at best. Between this and work-related stress exposure, the dream of an easier life may be elusive.

When you start your career, you are issued an imaginary bag, backpack, or vessel of your choosing where you store the repeated exposures to stress. Those tough calls: medicals involving the young, traumatic situations, calls involving crime and suicide. They all go in the vessel. And like the bag of leaves we rake up each autumn, eventually the bag becomes too full to put any more leaves in. But you are given another vessel to carry you onward through your career and beyond. When your retirement day comes, you’ll still have those bags with you, and they continue to need your attention. Retirement goes better when prepared for.

Like several things on this job, we will not be provided with the know-how, only the necessities to help us make our way through. We are best served by building a plan and being prepared to accept what may change as life unfolds.

I spoke with several contemporaries: three retired members who have shared their individual experiences in their retirement, and an active member with over 20 years of service who provided insight to how she is preparing for life after the fire service. *names have been changed to protect identity I had breakfast with *K.C. Jones. He extended his working career because he was having fun. When he completed 32 years of service, he was prepared to leave at any time but was working with a crew where he enjoyed camaraderie and working on calls.

His home life was well prepared for the next phase as he had a well-rounded social life with his hobby group, and joined volunteer groups associated with the fire service.

He knew when it was “time to hang them up”.

He had felt changes in his health and knew he was not working at the top of his game, changes in life he was prepared to accept. K.C. had worked part-time during his working career and found he did not wish to continue dealing with those stresses as he did not need a job, so he packed that in as he found he had quite a few commitments he already enjoyed. Life was good. K.C found maintaining part of his social network with fire service related groups gave him that connection to a community that understood each other through shared experiences. I remember telling him that work-related stresses were building up, and I was struggling at processing my bag of leaves. Like a true brother, he had nothing to offer but an empathetic ear with no judgment.

The only difficulty that arose in K.C’s retirement came when his wife retired a few years after him without a pension. She no longer had her own money.

They had always maintained financial independence throughout their working careers, and now one member of the team was the single source of income. He was sensitive to her need for this independence, and ensured that there were funds regularly deposited for her until her CPP benefits were activated. A bump in the road avoided with the team developing a solution.

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Next I had lunch with *Derek and *Rich. Two thirtyyear veterans who had similar stories in the challenges they had leading to, and making the transition into retirement. Derek brought a lot of his work experiences with him and it took until after the honeymoon phase of retirement to realise how much TFS was a part of him as he was part of it.

He described his experience by saying “You never lose that identity”. Five years after retirement, the doctor’s receptionist still refers to me as the fireman, the doc asks questions about the job and the nurse thanks me for my service. He continued to outline that there are things you do not miss, like the stressful calls in the middle of the night or disagreeing with the direction the service is taking. He continued with a list of things he does miss. “The brotherhood of the job and the total dedication to doing the job well.

Working on a team with individuals that have your back, not only on the job, but off”. Derek has a sound financial plan for his retirement life. He has maintained a very active lifestyle as a competitive athlete and is socially connected with colleagues and those with whom he trains and competes. But it took some time to recognize what he has also brought with him into retirement: he always backs his car into the driveway like a truck at the hall, he keeps his clothes laid out on the floor next to his bed ready for when he wakes up, and he has recognized triggers that can instantly take him to a call. “It may be a smell, a building, a scene in a movie or just the sound of sirens. I usually stop what I’m doing. For other triggers you try to remove yourself from the environment, have positive thoughts or just get through it”. Derek unfortunately didn’t find a counsellor familiar with fire culture. This is something the Peer Support Team advocates and has researched referrals for this very reason.

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*Rich has had to work harder to have a successful retirement. I asked him how, diagnosed with PTSD prior to retirement, he managed the bags of leaves as he approached that time. His reply was pragmatic and his management of his mental health guided him to knowing when it was time to retire. “As you go through your career, you accumulate more bags of leaves, but you also gain experience that helps create equilibrium, keeping them in check. It’s when the bags start to outweigh the experiences then you know it’s time to retire. Take control and responsibility for your lifestyle and any necessary treatment. If you need help, medication, or coping strategies, keep in touch with those who provide them. Be active in your treatment, and understand as much you can about it and also try to understand yourself.” *Jane told me about her plan over coffee. She has completed over 20 years of service and has started a comprehensive plan and lifestyle adjustment that will guide her into her retirement. She compared retirement to a divorce. “You are separating yourself from people that have been your workplace family for 30 years and on the day you retire, they are no longer your family.”

She also compared it to a wedding. “You plan for a wedding” and the life you will have after you are married. Treating retirement with the same due diligence to create opportunities that will bring a positive outcome is the best strategy. Exercising the mind with positive thinking, planning and activities will help you avoid the loneliness. “Yes I have sacks of leaves I carry around. I know they are there. Sometimes I climb in it and wallow. Sometimes I take time to put them down. Stress can kill, but it is also curable”.

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The stresses of working as a firefighter, the change in lifestyle when you hang them up and the unexpected that arises in retirement are all part of the bag of leaves that we have to carry through our working career and retirement.

K.C. had a developed social community with continued ties to the fire service. Derek continues to manage his stress with fitness but desires a greater connection with his peer group. He has “found no real help for retired firefighters.” He continues, “it would be much easier to talk to a peer of the same age or older, than trying to relate to a younger person, no matter their good intentions”. Rich emphasizes planning and utilizing resources while you are still working. “Get the answers you need. The best resource for people contemplating retirement is the 3888 Retirement Seminar”. This is the starting point of a plan, and with continual review of lifestyle you will have with social connections and “take control of your life”.

Jane continues to plan and develop for the day when she hangs them up. Not everyone gets PTS, but many still suffer from occupational stress injuries. She is preparing for when she becomes unplugged from the security blanket and is already asking: “When I retire, what EAP will be available?”

She takes care of her mind first with meditation and what resounded most in our discussion is how she stressed a simple phrase. “You have to stop and smell the roses. Look at the roots of a tree and be amazed”. Mindfulness will help you move forward.

While different for each of us, we all have something.

Make it your own; just ensure you make it, whatever it is, in order to transition into a rewarding retirement.

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Originally Written by Marla Friebe, Fire Prevention Division, Professional Standards Section, Revised by the TFFWVA, July 2018

Photo credits: Larry Thorne

A History of the Toronto Firefighters’ War Veteran’s Association and Colour Guard The Toronto Firefighters War Veteran’s Association has a rich and colourful history dating back to the years just prior to World War II. Eight men, both Toronto Firefighters and World War I veterans, met at the Prisoner of War Club on Shuter and Mutual Streets in downtown Toronto in 1935.

The intent of the organization was to provide a social outlet and promote the welfare of Toronto Firefighter ex-servicemen and their families. When World War II ended, membership grew rapidly as the Association welcomed returning Firefighter War Veterans of both the Toronto Fire Department and neighbouring fire departments. Later on non-veteran Firefighters were permitted to join as Associate Members. Fire Chief George Sinclair presented the Colours to the Association just prior to November 11, 1936.

During the late 50’s, one of the Toronto Firefighters’ War Veteran’s Association’s many charitable projects was helping to fund a special summer camp for needy children as a part of a Canadian War Veteran’s Association effort. Camp Maple Leaf on Pigeon Lake was a 104-acre island in the

Kawartha region that was purchased by many local War Veteran Associations, and it allowed underprivileged children to experience a free 14-day holiday. The Toronto Firefighters’ War Veteran’s Association also purchased a cabin at the cost of $1800 for the use of the children while at camp.

This cabin was officially dedicated by our Association Padre, Reverend Kerr and was opened by Toronto Fire Chief Leonard Leigh on June 20, 1959. The Veteran’s main source of charitable income was the monies collected by the sale of draw tickets and by 1959 had risen to over $46 thousand dollars. In conjunction with the War Vets, the TFFA Local 113 contributed money, equipment and volunteers who worked tirelessly at the camp helping with repairs, renovations, and the construction of new buildings for the children. This project continued up to the early 1960’s where the camp and its management went in a different direction, and the Association itself also changed its focus from being a charitable organization to that of its members and their welfare.

Current Members are: Brian Bertram (Commander) Adam Nardi Wayne Bridger Peter Chow Steve Fitzgerald John Graziano Bill Hawley

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Robert Head Gary Hewson Ben Infuso Tim Janes Tom Karnas Morris Kozachenko

Paul Kwiatkowski Fred Lauzis Don Lines Ken Lines Scott McLaren Bill Millar

Steve Mogford Eric Motton Dean White Robin Wight

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The Colour Guard It wasn’t until the early 1950’s that a Colour Guard was formed to carry the following Colours: Canada, Union Jack, U.S.A., Ontario, City of Toronto, Toronto Fire Department, Toronto Firefighters’ War Veteran’s Association, Navy, Army (Red Ensign), Air Force, and those flags now associated with Local 3888. Members of the War Veteran’s Association always marched in many local Toronto parades, including the annual Warriors Day, and the Labour Day Parade,

much to the delight of the audience.

As many of the former Veterans were now getting older and were physically unable to march in the parades, the Association encouraged younger members of the Toronto Fire Department to join. Many of TFD’s War Veterans were active in the Toronto Firefighter’s Association, Local 113, ‘Silver Band,’ which formed in 1931 and disbanded in 1943.

Recent History After amalgamation in 1998, Fire Chief Alan Speed assisted the Colour Guard with the supply of equipment and uniforms, and Fire Chief Matthew Pegg continues to carry on this past tradition of support. The War Veteran’s Association is very grateful for their support over the years, as well as for the dedicated assistance from the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association, Local 3888.

Today the Colour Guard is as strong as ever, with an agenda of events indicative of their passion for their organization.

They can be seen at many Toronto area parades such as the Warriors Day Parade, Labour Day Parade, the Beaches Easter Parade and St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

At the request of the Fire Chief they assist the Toronto Fire Services immensely through their attendance at numerous Firefighter Recruit Graduation ceremonies, the Toronto Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony, The Provincial Fallen Firefighter Memorial, and the annual Toronto Firefighter Rescue & Merit and Long Service Medal Award ceremonies.

They can also be seen supporting other local events such as the opening ceremonies for the Ontario Fire Chief’s Convention, the Canadian Fallen Firefighter Ceremony, the Sunrise Remembrance Service, and the City of Toronto Remembrance Service.

The Association is currently looking for new members, especially those with military service.

We are also looking for those who may be interested in marching with the Colour Guard.

If you are interested in joining, contact Wayne Bridger 416-438-3741 (c43westc@rogers.com), or Robin Wight 905-822-7413 (wight7413@gmail.com).

The Association currently meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month, with the exception of July and August.

They meet at The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 527, 948 Sheppard Ave West in North York.

The meetings begin promptly at 8pm and include a light meal and bar service.

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Toronto Firefighters’ War Veteran’s Association...Continued from page 41

Historical Toronto Firefighter War Veteran Information for World Wars I and II Many Toronto Firefighters enlisted to serve England during World War I, with many volunteering their services during 1915. One Toronto Firefighter, Captain Charles O. Ardagh of the Rose Avenue Hall, enlisted in 1916 despite the fact that he was eligible for his pension and retirement. Captain Ardagh, it is noted, volunteered not just to serve his country but because he was ‘lonesome for his own two boys who had enlisted as well.’ Firefighters who died overseas are commemorated in a plaque which was erected by the Toronto Firefighters’ Association Local 113 at ‘Old City Hall,’ 60 Queen Street West. Department records show thatfive firefighters were killed in France sometime between 1914 and 1918. They were: F.D. Fisher, Clarence Kerrigan, Walter Parker, A. Caskie* and Ed Blake* (* These men do not appear on the memorial plaque but are referenced in the 1960 Toronto Fire Department History Book written by Melville Hodgson as having died in France during 1914-18).

Twenty-three Toronto Firefighters enlisted overseas during World War II to assist England during the Blitz.

Their mandate was to extinguish fires and to protect both life and property in case of fire in Great Britain, Isle of Man, and Northern Ireland, on land and ships and vessels at sea. It also included both rescue and salvage.

These men, serving in Companies 1 to 8, upon arriving in the UK partook in a 4-week training course in various aspects of firefighting. After training was completed, Britain’s National Fire Service withdrew from their stations and they were staffed entirely by Canadians (143 Professional Firefighters from across Canada enlisted).

Canadian Firefighters then attended all lull-time fires, as well as any blitz fires. They participated in normal life in England, complete with social and sporting events.

Canadian Firefighters were regarded very highly on the fireground as well, and it was noticed by one Fire Chief that the Canadians were always ready to volunteer for any sticky, dirty job … and they were never happier than when on the fireground. While in England, there were a fewncasualties to the Corps members and many injuries. When the war ended, most Firefighters returned home to their previous departments. Prior to their departure a farewell party was thrown for them in Trafalgar Square and were paid tribute for saving British lives and property. By February 1945 the men were back in Canada, along with 20 British brides. It is interesting to note that while these Toronto Firefighters were in England, Auxiliary Firefighters took their place back in Toronto; after the war the Auxiliary Fire Service was disbanded.

3 Bridlington Street, Scarborough M1H 2L4 Wayne Bridger President

Robin Wight Secretary

Eric Motton Treasurer

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How Post-Traumatic Stress Changed my Life

BY ROB SMITH, RETIRED TFS CAPTAIN, AND MARLA FRIEBE, ACTING DIVISION CHIEF

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is described by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health as a ‘natural and emotional response to frightening or dangerous experiences that involve actual or threatened serious harm to oneself or others.’ (CAMH, 2018) The thoughts or memories of these events can affect the individual long after the actual incident has actually occurred. The following interview with retired TFS Captain Rob Smith details his experience with PTSD.

What can you tell us about your experience with PTSD? I actually prefer the terminology PostTraumatic Stress Injury, as what we have long called a ‘disorder’ is actually an injury that firefighters can sustain during the process of doing their job. As of January 12 2017, I completed thirty years of service with the former NYFD and Toronto Fire Services. Since May 27 2015, I have been off the job after being diagnosed with a Post-Traumatic Injury. I started with the NYFD on January 12 1987.

Our reverend, Ron Nickle’s welcomed us to the job with an interesting analogy, he said that when we joined the NYFD we were given an invisible backpack which we would be wearing night and day throughout our careers. He stated that when we would get called out to an ‘incident of consequence,’ the things you see and do get put into that invisible backpack. Throughout your career the backpack gets fuller and heavier, until it’s possibly dragging you down. We all try to relieve ourselves of this load, in one way or another. Reverend Nickle emphasized that we need to deal with the weight of our backpacks in a positive way. However, some might drink, others may take drugs, or try to suppress it in other ways; mine was always to have a couple of strong drinks and soon much of what happened that day didn’t happen anymore. After 28 years, I stored everything up in my backpack that as a Firefighter I have seen and done, including attending funerals for colleagues as well as line of duty deaths. Seeing homes and families of others destroyed through fire – as far as I know, not one of us is immune to the potentially emotional damage of the events that we experience.

What symptoms did you notice that alerted you to the fact that something was potentially wrong?

I recognize now when it started for me, it was around November 2014. I began to distance myself from my fellow firefighters. I would avoid having to talk to anyone, and often spending time alone in my room. I had a very important role to play as a Captain, but no longer felt like I had my ‘A’ game anymore. Then in March 2015, my brother was killed in an accident in Alberta, and then later that year we had a Memorial Service for him here in Ontario. A few days later, I got up to go to work at 5:00am, but called in sick. My wife asked me what was wrong, and I simply told her that I wasn’t going to work. She said ‘today?’ I replied, “No, never again.”

What were your next steps in the process of getting diagnosed?

I called the Union Office, and they have been extremely supportive and a great help to me on my journey. I contacted someone at our Employee Assistance Program, who put me in touch with a counsellor in the Scarborough area.

However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had done something wrong, and now I was walking the ‘green mile.’ I also started to feel that no one else could be trusted, but I got through my meeting with the counsellor with one purpose, and that was to find the name of a therapist that I could talk to. On June 15 2015, I met with the therapist, and after a series of questions that you are encouraged to be brutally honest in answering, I was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress. I asked her, “Now what happens?” She replied, ‘Now you get the treatment you need.’

How did you feel now that you had a concrete diagnosis?

After the initial diagnosis, the flood gates of emotions opened, and I experienced a deep, dark depression. I didn’t trust anyone, I had horrific dreams where I often died in them, and began to see movement of things in the corner of my eyes where there was really nothing.

I also sold my motorcycle, and began to withdraw from society. I began to feel

like I had let my fellow firefighters down, and I felt guilty for quitting on my crewmembers. I felt useless, like I had no purpose or drive left. My marriage was also starting to breakdown.

Tell us a little bit about your treatment?

It’s been about two years since I started down this path. After a few appointments with the therapist, there were times when I thought the therapy really wasn’t helping. It took a long time, but eventually I began to trust my therapist, and I started to discuss with her the ‘incidents of consequence’ that I had mentioned before. I remember asking the therapist one day when the light at the end of the tunnel would appear, and when would I be better. She replied that I wouldn’t really ever be better, but that I would learn to live with the PostTraumatic injury. “Oh,” I replied, “I think I can do that.” This was a great realization for me, that I could live with this and the therapist was a great help getting me to where I am today. I also did some therapy with a Clinical Hypnotherapist who used neurolinguistics programming and time techniques therapy. I can say now that the worst of the worst is behind me, and after retirement in January 2017, I am now looking forward to the future, and not backwards to the past.

If anyone who may be suffering with PTSI needed help as you have, what would you suggest?

I wanted to contribute to Fire Watch, to let other firefighters know that you are not alone, and that there is definitely help out there, but you have to make the first move and talk to someone. Check online for therapists in your area. You don’t need to be referred by a doctor in order to get help from a therapist. If you are in my area, you can find a therapist by calling 905-985-1130 (North Durham Therapist).

You can also email me directly and I would be happy to help you: smittyt.o.fire@ hotmail.com. As my grandson says, “Pappy, a little help over here please!”

There is no shame in asking for a little help over here; instead it’s a shame when you don’t.

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Fit to SURVIVE

The fire fighter’s guide to health and nutrition

EXERCISE AND INJURY PREVENTION- PART 2 A STABLE SPINE IMPROVES PERFORMANCE AND REDUCES RISK OF INJURY

BY ALEX BOERSMA, ACTING CAPTAIN, STATION 415-A

In the first installment of this series, (Making Exercise Matter – Making Practice Perfect, May 2018) we emphasized that, at least from an injury prevention perspective, how we move when we exercise is probably even more important than whether we move. It was pointed out that the human body is designed to move in very specific ways, and that when we deviate significantly or repetitively from biomechanically sound movement patterns, we make ourselves more susceptible to injury.

Last time we discussed how focusing on the quality of our movement might help to reduce the risk of injury to the knee. We said that making sure your hip, knee and foot were always in good alignment is an effective way of reducing risk of a variety of knee injuries.

In this installment, we will focus on the back:

HOW DO BACKS GET INJURED? It would not be an exaggeration to state that most firefighters will encounter issues with back pain at some time in their career. Many of us think that suffering from back pain or dysfunction just “comes with the territory” of being a firefighter.

But do we really have to resign ourselves to a lifetime of pain and dysfunction?

Dr. Stuart McGill, a world leader in the field of back biomechanics research, doesn’t think so. According to Dr. McGill, repetitive bending and twisting of the lumbar spine (lower back) is the primary cause of back pain and dysfunction. He believes that the more you bend and twist your lumbar spine, the more likely you will be to sustain a back injury.

Does this mean we should never bend or twist the lumbar spine? Of course not. If Mother Nature had NOT wanted the lumbar spine to bend or twist, she would have designed a straight tube for a spine

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instead of a series of small vertebrae separated by flexible discs. The spine is designed to bend and twist. The problem is that it has a limited capacity for bending and twisting. Just like a coat hanger can only be bent and re-bent a certain n umber of times before it breaks, so too with the spine.

So the question becomes: Do you want to use up your spine’s capacity for bending and twisting by doing things like crunches and twists in the gym? Or, would you be better off using your time in the gym training your body to resist bending and twisting forces and learning to move in ways that spare spinal capacity?

If you train appropriately in the gym, not only will you spare spinal capacity, but you will also improve performance.

A stable spine isn’t just a safer spine. It is also a spine that absorbs and transfers force much more efficiently.

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HOW SHOULD WE TRAIN TO PROTECT THE SPINE AND IMPROVE PERFORMANCE? Lift with a neutral lumbar spine We have all been told multiple times throughout our careers to lift with the legs, not with the back. But what does this actually mean? In the pictures below, which of the two represents lifting with your back? Both.

The reality is, you cannot lift something off the ground in front of you without using your back. Many people are confused by these instructions, thinking that the more their knees are bent, the better it will be for their back.

• Instead of using the core muscles to bend the lumbar spine forward, use them to resist excessive backward bending. Think plank variations or rollouts instead of crunches or sit-ups.

• Instead of using the core muscles to bend the lumbar spine backward, use them to resist forward bending. Think deadlifts or kettlebell swings instead of back extensions.

• Instead of using the core muscles to bend sideways or twist the lumbar spine, use them to resist sideways bending or twisting. Think side planks or farmer’s walks instead of side bending. Think 1 arm pushes or Palloff variations instead of Russian twists.

Mobilize the hips and ankles If your hips and ankles lack mobility, it will be impossible to maintain a neutral lumbar spine when performing many firefighting tasks. Does this mean you won’t accomplish the required tasks? Certainly not. But in order to accomplish those tasks, you will be forced to compromise your lumbar stability, putting yourself at risk for back injury.

How many times a year do you pull on your boots? Do you want to do it in a way which erodes spinal capacity? Or would you be better off to do it in a way which preserves spinal capacity?

Instead, we should think more about the curvature of the back than the position of the knees. Lifting with a neutral spine (a spine that is roughly in the same position as it is when you are standing with good posture) is always the safest way to lift a load. The picture on the left is a safe and effective lift which will spare spinal capacity. The picture on the right is neither safe nor effective, and erodes spinal capacity.

Train the core to resist bending and twisting Eliminate exercises which bend or twist the lumbar spine from your “core training” programming. Instead, look for exercises which resist bending and twisting of the lumbar spine. For example:

Whether you are lifting a load, squatting under a load, or lunging and reaching for a load, your ability to get your hips low to the ground without bending or twisting the spine will depend, to a significant extent, on your hip and ankle mobility. If your hip and ankle mobility is compromised, then it will be important to spend some time addressing the relevant issues. Performing static and/or dynamic stretches before, after, or even during your exercise sessions may be helpful. Just make sure you are stretching the right things and you are stretching them correctly. The back itself, particularly the lower back, almost never requires stretching.

So any stretch which allows the lumbar spine to bend or twist will probably not be effective, and may actually make matters worse.

Pay attention to how you move Remember. How you move in the gym can and will transfer to how you move on the fire-ground – and everywhere else in your life! Take the time to pay attention to your spinal position in the gym and you will be rewarded with a reduced risk of back injury and increased performance for the rest of your career – and the rest of your life.

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A 44-foot long by 14-foot tall mural that covers much of the west side of the building.

The decision to move from 39 Commissioners Street to 14 Cosentino Drive was a bold and progressive move, which has allowed the TPFFA to reinvent and improve their office environment, as well as the way that they conduct business. This new Association Office will allow the TPFFA to continue moving forward in a progressive manner and to represent our members at the highest level that they expect and deserve.

TPFFA Local 3888 14 Cosentino Drive

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Toronto Fallen Firefighter Plaque Dedication Ceremony

November 22, 1848 – November 11, 2017 We conducted a very special ceremony dedicating 185 line of duty death plaques, dating back to William Thornton in 1848, which will then be mounted in the appropriate fire halls around the city. This ceremony was led by Chaplain Ted Leck and also included members of the Honour Guard and Pipes & Drums.

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3888 RECENT HAPPENINGS Pride Toronto 2018 TFS High Rise 332

We proudly presented Jim Lee, Chief of Staff to the General President at the IAFF and former TPFFA President, with TPFFA President Emeritus status by a unanimous vote of our membership.

Well-deserved. Congratulations Jim!

Canadian Blood Services and the ‘Sirens for Life’ campaign brings together Toronto Fire Services, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Toronto Police Service staff in a friendly competition to donate the most units of blood over the course of the summer, and to raise awareness of the need for blood in the community.

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agging ckey “Br o H ll a B on the ual first ann 31’ team 1 e e th is s R g h in ig r mittee b to the ‘H raised. bers Com Congratulations s d m e n M fu w e e from d a m TPFFA N ssic tournament. e b la ada will Rights” C tion to ALS Can a n o win. A d

ns & Fire Operatio 2018 Toronto it Officers ns New Recru Communicatio atulations hn Tory. Congr with Mayor Jo members! to our newest

Cheque presentation to Out of the Cold for $1500 presented by Greg Gilchrist and 343 Crew.

Congratulations to the 53 TPFFA Members who celebrated their Retirement this year at the Parkview Manor!

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