Fire Watch: Volume 14, Issue 1

HALL SHOWCASE ON STATION 113 VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 1

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION

Publications Agreement No: 41203011

Fire Watch Volume 14 issue 1 v22.indd 1

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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION

VOLUME 14

|

ISSUE 1

IN THIS ISSUE 16

18

29

36

40

FIRE WATCH (ISSN 1715-5134) is published 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

5

President’s Message

7

Secretary-Treasurer’s Message

9

Vice President’s Message

11

Chaplain’s Corner

12

Thank You TPFFA

15

Retired Toronto Fire Fighters’ Association

16

Christmas Party

18

Anatomy of a call II T.F.S. Communications

20

How to Get Fully involved

22

Member Profile on Chris George

26

IAFF in Pink

29

Firehall Cookbook

30

Hall Showcase on Station 113

34

Partnership & the Test of Time

36 Mental Wellness & Mental Health 38

Behind the Mask: Most Empowering Beliefs

40

Movember

CHIEF EDITOR Frank Ramagnano

44

Toronto Fire Historical Society

MANAGING EDITORS James Reed, Suzanne Boss Tel.: 416.466.1167 Fax: 416.466.6632 E-mail: firewatch@torontofirefighters.org

46

Never Shall We Forget

48

3888 Recent Happenings

ASSISTANT EDITORS Bill Morris, James Kennedy, Mykhail Baehr, Jerami Haden, Matt Rayner DESIGN AND ART DIRECTION Bryan Middleton FIRE WATCH PHOTOGRAPHER Mykhail Baehr & TPFFA Media Team

HA LL SH OW CA SE ON STATIO N 141

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VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 1

PRINTED IN CANADA Copyright © 2019 Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association

On The Cover

ADVERTISING Please contact Bill Monson at 416.466.9180 ext. 322 or e-mail monson@torontofirefighters.org

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

I

would like to take this opportunity to provide some thoughts and hopefully insight into the recent Captain and DC promotional processes. The Captain process experienced issues with the written component; the DC process experienced problems with the practical portion. I understand the frustration and anger that members felt over the processes and that some felt over the decisions that were made about how to move forward. We all need to understand that when we are given imperfect inputs it is very difficult to come out with perfect outputs. We are also a large membership and our sheer size often produces conflicting personal interests.

We first raised our concern with the promotional processes when the terms of reference were released. We felt that the initial determination of the terms was not given the attention it deserved. We raised our issues directly with the Fire Chief and kept sharing concerns with him as the process progressed. As a union we can raise issues, and offer solutions, but we cannot proactively demand changes. It is management’s right to determine the details of the process. We do have a right to grieve when a process fails. Grieving is the least desirable action we can take as it is reactive and slow to produce results, when our members are already suffering the consequences of what has given rise to the grievance and eager for resolution. In an ideal world, we would work with management proactively to ensure a successful process rather than find ourselves grieving a failed process.

I want to dispel a misconception. I have heard many members state, “I am going to file a grievance over this.” Members do not file grievances; only the association has the legal right to file grievances. It is important to note that when we represent individuals as an association, it does not mean we must agree with them. By law only the association has the right to file grievances and thus we must thoroughly investigate all members’ concerns or face an accusation of failing to adequately represent all of our members. The Ontario Labour Relations Board explains that “duty of fair representation” means that a trade union shall not act in a manner that is arbitrary, discriminatory or in bad faith in representing employees. (http://www. olrb.gov.on.ca/english/infob/infbul12.pdf) Here are some of the numbers we were faced with from the Captain written test. By

combining the marks from the open (20 questions) and closed book (100 questions) tests, as stated in the MOA: 36 of 198 candidates (18%) achieved a combined passing score of 75% or greater; 46 of 198 candidates (23%) scored over 75% in the closed book test. When the marking of 11 questions in the closed book exam was adjusted according to expert advice, 66 of 198 candidates (33%) were successful in the closed book with over 75%. When candidate scores are calculated using their closed book exam marks with 11 questions adjusted, and adding any marks achieved on the open book test as bonus marks, 147 of 198 members (74%) who wrote the Captain exam now achieve the 75% required.

For the DC process we had 63 members pass the written test and move to the practical portion. We had 1 member achieve the 75% threshold on the practical.

The association engaged with a University of Toronto professor who is recognized in Canada as an expert on adult testing. We also used a labour lawyer who has many years of experience dealing with firefighting promotional processes.

These experts helped us to identify options to remove many flaws from the Captain written testing process, and put everyone on the same level playing field.

The DC skills portion did not have a path to a fair resolution. Members received different prompts and instructions during the practical testing, and as such the process was not fair, no matter the results. Potential solutions were discussed with our external experts and recommendations were brought forward to the executive board, recognizing the weight of the practical testing as 60% (the majority) of a candidate’s mark.

During Executive Board review about a promotional process (Captain or DC), members personally involved in that process were excluded from discussions and decision making. There were multiple options for the executive board to consider and at the end of the day decisions were reached based on majority support.

Discussion over the promotional processes also included the stress it has caused. How a person handles, or struggles with, one type of stress doesn’t necessarily predict how they will handle another. It’s obvious to me that stress over a written promotional exam, after months of preparation and impacts on family life and future career and income, is a totally different

kind of stress than being in command at an emergency incident. But some of our members seem to think that both are the same. By the same logic, are these members suggesting that someone who aced the written exam under stressful conditions is guaranteed to be calm, cool and collected at a challenging chaotic emergency scene?

We’re becoming more and more aware in the fire service of the importance of mental health and wellness. We know that for those who are struggling, support and treatment is key to positive outcomes. We know that people who are worried about being judged for admitting they’re struggling with mental health are far less likely to get the help they need. I’ve seen, and personally known, too many who have had negative outcomes because they didn’t get the help they need. When we offer judgment instead of support, we’re contributing to a culture that makes people deny their struggles, put on a brave face, and not reach out for help they might need.

None of us wins by bringing our brothers and sisters down. We should not be fighting among ourselves, and making a tough situation harder for our brothers and sisters. We should choose to move forward, together. No denying that both processes have served to discourage many of our future leaders. We as an association need to find a way to advance our individual and collective best interests, and learn the tough lessons this process has provided. We will do everything we can to work proactively with TFS to adjust to a better promotional process moving forward. We have seen willingness from TFS to cooperate with us and listen to our concerns. Having a promotional process that is fair and makes sense is in the best interests of our members, TFS and the people of Toronto whom we serve.

Frank Ramagnano, President Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888 Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 1 | F I R E WAT CH

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SECRETARY-TREASURER’S MESSAGE

B

ack in 2018, The Toronto Fire Fighters’ Charities Inc. received its charter; it was something that had been in the planning stages for many years. Having a stand-alone Charitable Organization allows us to provide receipts for donors, hopefully generating more support. This also allowed those making donations to the United Way, to direct their donations to our Charitable Organization.

Fire Fighters have always been involved in charitable endeavours. In 1954, The Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada was founded and immediately began its relationship with the Fire Service. Toronto Fire was one of the first on-board. In the ensuing 65 years Toronto Fire Fighters have raised more than $1,277,000 to assist in MD research. Another group that we have supported is the Toronto Fire Fighters’ Toy Drive, which came about after Amalgamation. Several of our former departments had delivered toys to children in hospital on Christmas morning. The Toy Drive was born from that concept to become what is a 12 month a year operation today. Toronto Fire Fighters Charities Inc. will be combining with the Toy Drive after the 2019 Christmas Season. All involved look forward to modernizing the operation.

There are so many people to thank who have been responsible for making the Toy Drive the success that it is today. I can assure you that combining the two is something that they have been looking forward to for some time now. This fall, Rick Berenz received the “Global News Greater Toronto Award” for his work with the Toy Drive.

Rick will be handing the reigns of the sleigh to his son Geoff after this season. Tamara Sylvan will continue in her role, handling the warehouse and social media platforms.

They are always looking for volunteers as there are both small and large roles to be filled; so, feel free to reach out to them if you would like to help out. Everything you need to know can be found on their website: torontofirefighterstoydrive.org Nonetheless, our Charitable endeavours don’t end here. Lets look at some of the numbers from the last three years: • Princess Margaret Hospital’s October Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Wrapping a Fire Truck (Princess Maggie) and touring Toronto attractions selling a variety of items raising just short of $150,000.

• Variety Village, where we host our Children’s Christmas Party has been a recipient of $75,000.

• The Easter Seals have benefited from our support in the amount of $21,000.

• Through our participation in the Michael Garron Hospital Soccer Tournament we provided $25,000 in support.

• We are still counting our Movember receipts, but I anticipate our donation total to approach $20,000.

• The United Way has benefited to the tune of $40,500. You should now be aware that any donation to the United Way Campaign can be directed to the Charity of your choice. That most certainly includes the Toronto Fire Fighters’ Charities Inc. While those are the Charities that have benefitted most from us in the last 3 years, there are many more. Here are some of the other groups we have been able to support:

array of items. On top of that a 50/50 draw, door prizes, swag bags, photo ops as well as a dance floor with a live band playing great music. We understand that not everyone can come out to the Charity events that we run throughout the year; therefore, we always encourage our members to attend the Charity Gala by taking the opportunity to participate while having a great time in the same process. I am asking you to consider reaching out to people in your district or in your work locations across the city. Put out a challenge to them. We get together and participate in district challenges for hockey; we put teams together for the Rob Penny Slopitch. Why not get together for a great event (or two) and help us to raise the money that we will be giving out in your name in 2020.

Finally, there is another way that you can help. We are always looking for members to work on our Committees. The Charity Committee has historically drawn an impressive group. Recently, however, there has been a turnover, which has left us with vacancies. If you are interested, please watch for our Union Notice early in the New Year and put your name forward. It can be a very rewarding committee to take part in as doing charitable work exposes how much help is needed for those in need; may it be a physical, metal or material needs, our goal to assist where we can and raise awareness within the City of Toronto and to also encourage the public to participate and support where they can.

• Breakaway Addiction Services • Camp Bucko • Cystic Fibrosis Canada • Sick Kids Hospital • Tony Stacey Centre • William Osler Health Network • Red Door Shelter • Shelter Movers • Women’s Habitat Etobicoke • Out of the Cold • CNIB • Heroes are Human • Franklin Horner Community Centre • Wounded Warriors So, where does that money come from?

We do many fundraising events throughout the year. Each recruit class does a boot drive at Union Station, where all funds go towards MD. Our annual Pink campaign provides our donation to Princess Margaret.

But our largest fundraiser is our Toronto Fire Fighters Charity Gala, which takes place each spring. It is tied into our Off-Duty and Media Awards presentations. The Gala is a wonderful opportunity to get together with James Reed, Secretary-Treasurer friends, colleagues and significant others. We Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association have a large Silent Auction with an amazing I.A.F.F. Local 3888

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VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Y

ou could see that time had left a mark on the people who started to assemble in the auditorium. Some came in groups of two and three; a few accompanied by their significant others.

“How many is that been for him?” I heard in the background, as they passed by laughing.

Years of sacrifice and being exposed to the unthinkable were etched into their faces. The term ‘senior’ was not taken lightly with this group. Instead, it was a badge of honour passed on from one firefighter to the next. There was a time when it would have been considered a brotherhood. Yet, through the years, brave women broke through the barriers and proved they belonged. It was interesting to see how many were present. I suspect, as time passes, the ratio will be close to equal. A few decades ago, these firefighters present here were in the best shape of their lives. Nonetheless, even today, in most cases, an athletic form remained. To an outsider, the rich NRA 60 plan was extravagant. However, in reality, it came at a cost. Too many walked with a limp or had lost their hearing. While most possessed invisible scars as reminders of that call that didn’t go as well as we wanted it to.

As I was called to the front to address the assembly, I realized the many similarities I had with this respected group. Luckily, I had all my hair, but the colour had changed to highlight the wisdom I had accumulated. The years had taken their toll; marking the times I carried the load of others, while I worked through my own issues. Looking out I recognized the faces, many of whom were peers, even a few which were classmates.

THE CYCLE OF LIFE “When do I start the process to retire and whom do I need to contact?” A good question heard from the back of the room.

• Benefit Representatives are the first point of contact in the retirement process and will ensure you have all pension, payroll and benefits information necessary for you to make an educated retirement decision.

• They act as the liaison between your department, HR and pensions and payroll.

• They ensure all necessary paperwork and documentation are complete for your retirement.

• They ensure you receive a written letter outlining your discussions and provide you with details on your benefit entitlements after retirement.

The TPFFA Retirement Seminar was always well attended. Considering there were presentations from OMERS, City Benefits and MROO; no question was left unanswered.

“When Should I contact the City and what is their contact information?” Another question could be heard from across the room.

• Contact Benefit Rep 6 - 8 weeks prior to retirement date to set up appointment.

Retirement Counselling – Stephanie Caines (416) 392-3903 • Retired employees can contact Retiree Representative at (416) 397-4563 for all benefit inquire Pension Estimates.

• Contact my OMERS at www.omers.com Call 416 369 2444 or 1-800-387-0813 “Sit down Jim.” “You haven’t worked a day in your life.” The laughter filled the auditorium.

“How tough of an adjustment do you think it really will be when you finally hang it up?”

• When you work full-time, you spend more than 2000 hours per year working and commuting.

• If you have a partner, the time you spend away from each other during the workday is spent together when you’re retired. It will require some readjustment, planning and good communication: clearly expressing thoughts and feelings, careful listening, and mutual decision-making. Couples who talk about and plan for retirement well ahead of time have better success.

• Recognize that you spend a lot of time in your job, and that it affects your sense of self-worth; you feel like you’re contributing to part of a big picture. In retirement, boredom can be a major, negative factor.

You will need time to adjust to the new rhythm and reality of being retired.

• Develop your social network. If work left you with little time for friends, take time to rebuild your friendships in retirement.

Replace the friendships you had at work with new friends outside work. Are any of your friends or family members close to retirement age?

• Make a list of the top 20 things you’d like

to do in retirement. Taking courses, gardening, traveling, community theatre, political involvement, volunteering…If you have a partner, have them also make a list.

Jim smiled “You were lucky to make it through recruit class” he returned the jab and the room erupted with more comments and joking. Jim reminisced; was it really that long ago he started this journey?

The bag pipes sounded as the Honour Guard escorted the recruits into the auditorium, each in step as they marched to their seats. Their faces fresh and untouched by the future tragedy’s they will surely bear witness to and endure. Hopefully, the lessons learned from the past will provide the tools of prevention. With 16 weeks of experience under their belts, they eagerly anticipate moving to the frontlines. Strong and in the best shape of their lives; prepared to serve and protect. The excitement was in the air marking the beginning of the greatest career anyone could ever dream of.

“Representing Local 3888 Vice President Kevin McCarthy” the Division Chief introduced.

Before stepping to the microphone to address the Graduating Class of 2019, I noticed the diversity. Although I know there is more work to be done and it wasn’t my time yet, I knew there was someone who would take my place. It didn’t seem that long ago that I sat with my peers looking at the stage of VIPs wondering what the next 30 years would hold.

I sat down.

Passing the torch to the next generation in the cycle of life.

Kevin McCarthy, Vice President Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888

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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

W

e just recently said farewell to our Coordinating Chaplain, the Rev. Hugh Donnelly. It was bittersweet as Hugh is taking on a new and exciting ministry opportunity outside of the G.T.A. He has been a highly valued colleague for years, and us as the Chaplains, along with all of TFS, will miss him.

Hugh’s retirement from TFS chaplaincy has caused me to pause and reflect on how we as Chaplains can be added value to TFS. What does a Padre contribute anyway?

It has always intrigued me; how do we best support emergency personnel? How do we care for the caregivers, the first responders? No one is immune from relational stress; work demands and life pressures. It is even more pronounced for those who lead a stressful and potentially high-risk life and profession. We usually see the fallout in two primary areas—chemical dependency (name your poison) and relational fragmentation.

I have been impressed that both the TFS and the TPFFA seek to serve

and support the members well. The contemporary focus by Chief Pegg, President Ramagnano and all of the senior leadership on PTSD and mental health is a refreshing change in the Fire Service. Having been around institutions for a long time, I see that there appears to be a willingness and concern for better support in the Toronto Fire Service for the needs of the members.

As a Chaplain, the area where I can be value-added is in the ‘glue’ or spiritual area. The glue for all of humanity is the spiritual core of life. Every person, regardless of religious beliefs (or lack of), is spiritual by nature.

The human spirit is where the hopes, dreams, purpose of life, all those ‘big picture’ issues, live.

I believe that there are two possible reasons why Firefighters run into buildings while everyone else runs out. At its worst, it is a selfdestructive messiah thing. At its best (and I think for most Firefighters) it is the driving core of the human spirit that seeks to serve the community, regardless of cost.

South Command Rev. Barry Parker 416.271.7540 bparker@stpaulsbloor.org

However, when that drive becomes all-consuming, life starts to fragment due to trauma, stress meltdown and just tough stuff. It is ultimately the spirit that takes a beating, let alone other aspects of our humanity.

The Chaplain’s role is to care and provide support for the spiritual component of life.

I know there are exceptional counselors, therapists and care-givers to serve the members of TFS. The TPFFA has a dedicated ‘in-house’ peer-support team. As a Chaplain, I bring a unique perspective that sees all persons as human beings, regardless of how broken and fragmented life is experienced at any given moment.

By connecting the divine, I call God, with humanity, God’s creation, we see amazing ‘spiritual glue’ form in the lives of people. To that end, Chaplains speak by listening.

So, back to the beginning. What is our role? We are in the people business. Whether people are broken beyond belief or living lives of sainted perfection, my job is to “afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted.” Serving the human spirit and all aspects of our humanity, in any way, as a Firefighter in whatever capacity of the Fire Service, is our role. I can reassure you that as a TFS Chaplain serving others is a growth industry; human need never runs out. It is our privilege to seek to serve that need.

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 1 | F I R E WAT CH 11

DEAR THE TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION,

TPFFA

THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT… …Saturday’s Kick the Stigma soccer tournament and the Heart of the East Community Festival were a tremendous success! Funds are still coming in, but I’m pleased to share that we have raised over $240,000 to improve mental health care for our East Toronto community. We are estimating nearly 3,000 people came out in support of our cause – it was a great day, and a powerful testament to what can happen when a community works together. We could not have done it without your leadership. The fire truck in particular was a huge hit, as was Sparky!

Through your support, we were happy to bring together East Toronto’s diverse neighbourhoods to meet the needs of our growing and often under-served community through the transformation of our hospital campus. Construction is underway on the eight-storey Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre.

Two floors will be dedicated to our inpatient child/ adolescent and adult mental health units, offering an exceptional therapeutic environment to support healing of mind, body and spirit. These modern spaces will reflect the exemplary care and sense of community that are the hallmarks of our hospital.

We couldn’t have done it without you. On behalf of all of us at Michael Garron Hospital and Michael Garron Hospital Foundation, please accept my thanks for your commitment.

Shannon Moon Vice President, Annual, Events & Operations Michael Garron Hospital Foundation

12

On behalf of William Osler Health System, its patients and our Foundation, we are delighted to thank the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association for its gift of $10,369.05, proceeds from your Boot Drive event and top-up gift, in support of Etobicoke General Hospital. It is through the generosity of donors like you that we are able to meet the growing health care needs of our community.

As part of the Osler Foundation’s You Have the Power Campaign, your donation fulfills our community hospital’s most urgent needs. You have the power to make a difference and you have done just that – helping us provide leading technology to equip our doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with the tools they need to provide exemplary care close to home.

The doors of the new patient care wing at Etobicoke General are now open! Etobicoke needed a new patient care wing to serve its ever-growing community and we’ve built a new emergency department, critical care unit, labour and delivery unit, diagnostic services unit and more – thanks to you!

On behalf of our team and the patients we serve, thank you for choosing to partner with us.

Warn Regards, Nicole McCahon: VP, Philanthropy and donor Kristen Thomas: CFRE Senior Manager, Development and donor YouHaveThePower.ca

ON BEHALF OF SCOUTS CANADA… …Greater Toronto Council and the Youth we serve, thank you for your generous donation. Your commitment to helping youth in our community is sincerely appreciated.

Each year, Scouts Canada provides opportunities for youth to discover new things and have new experiences they would not have elsewhere. Along the way, they develop into capable, confident, well-rounded individuals, better prepared for success in the world.

With the help of donations from supporters like you, we can continue to provide quality programs that offer a world where you can discover the best in themselves and the best in others.

Once again, thank you for your generous support of our efforts to provide quality programs to the youth we serve.

Sincerely, Dave Osborne Operations Manger

HELLO TPFFA ADMIN STAFF,

WE JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU

I hope you and everyone else is doing well. I received the Fire Watch magazine a couple days ago and was surprised we made it into the magazine! I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get back to you sooner as I’ve just been so busy these days, juggling around schoolwork. I was able to read through the magazine last night and it really brought back memories from all the events we attended to reading Frank’s retirement article. I really appreciate the time and effort that you have put in to including us into the magazine!

I hope to visit the Association when I find the time and I’ll be sure to bring treats!

We just want to thank you and the guys for making Colorado Springs Memorial even more special than what it was. We humbly appreciate making us still part of the Toronto Fire Fighter family. It allows us to celebrate and still grief, in the most positive way, our father’s life.

Keep in touch, Michael Zee 2019 Summer Staff

BROTHERS AND SISTERS, It is heart warming to see letters from across our great Union, with such kind words about our beloved brother Captain Thomas Szpila. We thank you for reaching out to us, in these difficult times, and are comforted in knowing that Brother Szpila has so many brothers and sisters who care for him, and our members, to share such kind thoughts. We are forever grateful.

Fraternally, Easthampton Fire Fighters Association Local 1976

DEAR TPFFA, On behalf of the community and the Joseph J. Piccininni (JJP) Advisory Council, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to you for the contributions you made to the Joseph J. Piccininni Community Centre’s Canada Day BBQ. Your commitment to the community is greatly appreciated by the JJP staff, the JJP Advisory Council, and the participants. Your generous donation helped to make the event a great success!

The Earlscourt Park Canada Day BBQ is an important event, bringing people from across Toronto together to celebrate our common appreciation of our great county. Canada is a special country that we are all fortunate to live in. What makes it special is the love and support people extend to one another, which you have shown through your support of the Canada Day BBQ. Sincerely, Ana Bailao Deputy Mayor Councillor – Ward 9, Davenport

With the most warmest thoughts, The O’Hallorans

POSITIVE INSTAGRAM ENERGY VIA @Toronto_firefighters @hayleybrooks1990 Thank you Toronto Firefighters for keeping us neighbours of this home safe last night all of us on Westbourne watched you work tirelessly to fight this blaze and your hard work does not go unnoticed!

Thank you. @thatontariogirl Thank you! @marekbad64 Thanks for the repost, @Toronto_ Firefighters! Even more, thanks for your Service!! @livgagliardi To all our firefighters, thank you. @aw_freedom God bless you all and your family’s for all your service. @zhivsgal So very proud of my family and all the firefighters who participated in the ride. Congrats to everyone from a firefighter mum! @gigglesecret10 May God Bless you all and always watch over you! @towomens_runs Thanks for coming out and supporting us as always! @pogo4kids You are the best! Thank you for your support – again! @kellytallonfranklin So proud of my son and all those firefighters who have his back. @_manu_silva_21_ True heroes…

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Greetings from the

Retired Toronto Fire Fighters’ Association!

As mentioned in the last issue, there are huge efforts being made to preserve all of our histories.

We spoke about those whom we owe our existence, and the spotlight we will focus on where we have come from. Last issue, we began with the Toronto Fire Department Pensioners Association. This issue we are featuring the history of the Retired North York Fire Fighters Association. We very much appreciate their contributions The Retired North York Fire Fighters Association 1989 To 2019 (Written By Charles Jennings) It all began in the Spring of 1989. I was in attendance at a fire fighter retirement party at the War Veterans Club on Yonge Street in Willowdale, where I was approached by Jim Lee (Union President Local 752); who said to me, “You would be doing me a large favour if you would organize a retired fire fighters association”. I was recently retired and after a short conversation, I agreed to look into the matter. I contacted three other retirees from different group numbers. They all agreed to participate in the venture. I got back to Jim Lee and told him that it was a go. Jim promised to help in any way he could.

I went to a Union Meeting and spoke to the members. The Union gave us one thousand dollars and agreed to have our stationery, membership cards and envelopes printed for us.

They gave us two keys to their office so we could enter and use the equipment. They also gave us space in their newsletter to communicate with our retirees.

The four of us; Ross Bushert, Byard Donnelly, Charles Jennings, and Anthony Saunders, formed an interim committee to organize our new association. We held four meetings, starting on Saturday, September 9, 1989. Some of the tasks ahead of us, were: a) Open a bank account at the North York Municipal Credit Union. b) Get our Membership cards, stationery and envelopes printed. c) Put an advertisement in the Union’s newsletter, with a membership application form. d) The Interim Committee acted as a nomination committee. e) Prepare a constitution and a set of By-Laws and Policy. f) Set a date for the inaugural meeting. g) Arrange for a meeting date at the Toronto Fire Fighters Club.

By the time of our third Interim Committee meeting we had thirtyone members signed up and decided that we should proceed. We arranged to have our inaugural meeting on Tuesday, May 9, 1990 and since that time our spring meeting is always on the second

Tu e s d a y of May. We had $2,051.84 in the bank. The nominating committee put forward four names for election. They were Anthony Saunders for President, Ross Bushert for Vice President, Charles Jennings for Secretary and Al Holliwell for Treasurer.

Byard Donnelly indicated that he did not want to serve on the Executive of the new association.

At the time of the inaugural meeting, we had 68 members enrolled and 38 in attendance. Jim Lee (Union President) and The Reverend Dr. Ron Nickle (Union Padre) spoke; both of whom offered best wishes and their promise of assistance. It was a good, enthusiastic meeting, with many questions and suggestions.

Our Constitution included Retired Members, Associate Members (the widows of retired members) and Affiliate Members. We also set up a Charitable Donation Fund to help members and others in need.

In our early years we relieved the Union of responsibility for assistance to families at the time of passing of a member. When requested, we provided an Honour Guard at funerals and later, a Bell Ceremony. At the time there were some problems and many questions, that had been previously looked after by the Union and we moved into this field as we made our presence known to Borough officials. We arranged social activities for members, such as a monthly luncheon, an annual corn roast, dinner and live stage plays, and many other activities. Groups of members took trips to various locations for special events, even as far away as England and Ireland.

By 1992, it was decided that we should have our own newsletter.

Thus, in December 1992 the first edition of the Golden Age Communicator was mailed to all 106 of our members. The newsletter was, and still is, published six times a year. At that time the dues were increased to $25 per year, a cost which has not increased to this day. At our best, we had 365 retired members, 90 Associate Members, and seven Affiliate members. We currently have 350 active members - Quite remarkable, considering that there has not been a North York Fire Department for more than 21 years.

Going forward, you will start to see our new organization emerge into the mainstream of social media. As of our last count we have just over 250 members and are still growing. In the future issues of Fire Watch, we will continue to keep all of you updated on our progress. Our membership drive is continuous; if you’re interested in becoming a member, feel free to contact us at active.retired@ torontofirefighters.org . The dues are still only $25—payable annually on the 1st of May. We will be holding two General Membership Meetings each year. One in the spring, where you can sign up and/or pay your dues in person, and another in the fall. Meetings will involve food and fellowship, what could be better! Come join us.

President Alan Thomas - Secretary/Treasurer Chuck West - Alan Hall - Paul Halls - Ron Coates - Al Falkner

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W

hat do you get when you have 1000 kids in a room with cotton candy, popcorn, sno-cones, cookies, sugar straws, crafts, face painting, balloon animals, entertainment, magic tricks, inflatable bouncers, a simulated roller coaster ride, games and Mr. & Mrs. Claus…the Annual TPFFA Children’s Christmas Party!

On December 7th, 2019 the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association hosted their Children’s Christmas Party at Variety Village and it was, without a doubt, another successful year. Our guests arrived full of holiday spirit, excited to mix and mingle with their friends and family. Everyone enjoyed the luncheon and snacks provided by the TPFFA while they played games, participated in the crafts and activity centre and/or were entertained by the Mighty Mike Show and the Gingerbread Man who scooted around on his skateboard! As usual, Santa & Mrs. Claus took some time out of their busy Christmas schedule to celebrate the holiday season with our Jr. Fire Fighters and their family members; individual and family photos were taken with the famous couple along with exciting conversations of Christmas lists and wishes. One Jr. Fire Fighter even invited Mr. & Mrs. Claus to their house for dinner – Hopefully they were able to make it!

This year the TPFFA would like to acknowledge and thank everyone involved in making this event such a memorable one. Special thank you to all of our members and supporters over the last year who have made our charitable donation of $35,000 possible in support of Variety Village and all it’s good causes.

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Thank you to the TPFFA Entertainment Committee, Executive Board Members, and to all our members who volunteered their time the night before the party and of course, at the party.

Their help along with the Toronto Fire Services and all the pre-service fire college students, fire ventures and high-school students, the Christmas Party wouldn’t have been able to be so successful. Everyone who volunteers their time and efforts for this event is needed; all volunteers play a significant role in making this function run, and without them we wouldn’t be able to do it. So, thank you again to everyone involved in the Children’s Christmas Party, your help does not go unnoticed and will always be very much appreciated. Until next year!

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The first of 3 night shifts has just begun on this sunny Friday afternoon in Communications. Members have done a check of their equipment and received the update of the day’s events from the day-shift crew. South Command has been relatively quiet - the occasional car crash, typical alarm responses and the unfortunate medical calls.

At 17:20, the first of many calls is received for the report of smoke showing from the front window of a townhouse residence. One of the call takers is working tirelessly to calm a resident. Excited and upset, she continues to scream “FIRE! FIRE!”. This is a common issue for members in Communications, the sometimes difficult task of getting the address through all the commotion. Our call-taker continues to repeat calmly “What is the address?” and “Where are you?”.

Occasionally raising our voices is necessary to gain the individual’s attention; this is avoided, if possible. The call-taker has an ANI/ALI (Automatic Number Identifier & Automatic Location Identifier) drop with a general location near Jones Avenue and Gerrard Street East.

After creating the event in CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) and sending it to a Dispatcher, the call-taker continues to struggle through the noise and excitement to gather more information. Meanwhile a few feet away, another call-taker takes a second call. This is from a neighbour of the building on fire. The elderly gentleman

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states that the home attached to his is on fire, with smoke and flames visible out of the front window. The call-taker is able to ensure that this man is able to make his way to safety, across the road, even though he is coughing and scared. They are then able update the existing response with the correct address. Toronto Paramedics are quickly notified of the situation and Police are already on the way, having been on the phone with both callers and Toronto Fire.

Still on the phone with the original caller, the first calltaker also confirms the address. This eliminates the concern of multiple fire events in close proximity to each other.

This is a rare occurrence, but does happen, particularly with an arsonist being active in a neighbourhood. Now, they ask the caller for her name and confirm her phone number; this allows them to re-establish contact with her should they become disconnected. Using the caller’s name can assist in calming the terrified person by helping to build a relationship and trust. The panicked caller says her name is Kaliah and that she is “stuck inside her secondfloor bedroom at the rear of the townhouse and there is smoke everywhere”. The call-taker advises her that “firefighters are on the way and will be there momentarily”, telling her to stay in her bedroom and close the door.

They’re still trying to gather more information on other residents or hazards in the home, while also trying to ensure that the trapped resident stays calm and remains

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in the bedroom. Sometimes one of the most challenging aspects of being call-taker is working with callers who are difficult to understand. There are many reasons for this: a poor phone connection, language barriers, and the commotion and background noise so often present at an emergency scene, may all combine to make gathering the necessary information very difficult. Dispatchers must work hard to keep track of the caller in the building and the conditions they are experiencing. Kaliah, coughing and upset, says there is smoke coming through the closed door.

The call-taker has her place a blanket at the base of the door. She’s told to open the bedroom window and hang a bed sheet from it. This will allow firefighters to find her quickly from the exterior.

Alert tones are activated on the tactical channel that firefighters are responding on, to gain their attention. With a slight sense of urgency and adrenaline rushing through them, the dispatcher announces the current conditions of the fire to the responding crews.

Arriving at scene, the first-in apparatus adopts a fastattack strategy while announcing heavy smoke and flames from the bedroom.

Back in Communications, the Captains are monitoring the fire when the arriving District Chief announces a second alarm. Communications Captains begin the process of notifying Platoon Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs and Commanders. Training and teamwork have made the process of notifications seamless and smooth. The colleague assisting the primary dispatcher for the fire is speaking with the District Chief’s aide, known as a F.I.T., on the Strategic Channel regarding notification of the hydro and gas companies. All of this is done while handling all of the other active events ongoing in the command. Multitasking all of these events can be challenging but is why Toronto Fire Communications members are able to provide an exemplary level of service.

At scene, the second-in apparatus has started the primary search of the second floor, searching for Kaliah and anyone else while another crew conducts a primary search of the ground floor. The first in is now attacking the fire while the second in crew has located Kaliah in the back bedroom. A Charlie sector crew has set up a ladder and is assisting with the egress of Kaliah and firefighters from the bedroom window.

The dispatcher has been recording all the benchmarks of the event. One by one, they come in. Not long after the dispatch, the record of the event begins to look like a dramatic novel full of courage, compassion and service.

The resident has been rescued, the fire has been contained to the bedroom and the secondary searches have revealed no one else in the residence. Almost an hour into the event, phones are still ringing and calls still being dispatched. Citizens and visitors to the area can still see

smoke many blocks away and call 911 to report their situation. Firefighters are sent to check the area and confirm there is no fire, and Communications gathers a wind speed and direction to assist crews with locating the source.

Suddenly a loud beeping alarm vibrates throughout the room. Everyone in the Communications Center jumps to check their radio screens. “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday!”

A firefighter yells into their radio, describing a terrible scene. Their partner has become trapped under a portion of ceiling which has fallen onto them as they exited the building. Alert but trapped, they are able to provide their location, identification, and position (L.I.P.), activating their PASS Alarm. A mayday protocol is activated and the dispatcher tones the tactical channel, announcing radio silence. Communications members play back the transmission a few times to ensure they have accurate information. The chatter of other members who may have not heard the mayday, the sounds of fire and falling debris inside the building, the PASS alarm and the firefighter being on air have made it difficult to hear.

A RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) is quickly deployed.

The trapped firefighter’s crew were able to extract the downed firefighter quickly and safely. A third alarm is initiated and the benchmark recorded. The dispatcher tones the channel again requesting that all crews except R.I.T. switch to channel 16. Quiet moments on the radio can create some tense times for members on the fireground and in Communications. Seconds seem like hours. Moments later: “Toronto Fire, Firefighter located, Firefighter outside.”

A sigh of relief and joy is expressed as members know that their colleague is now safe and seeking assistance of Toronto’s Paramedics. Captains, dispatchers and call-taker have all worked together to make sure all the required services and individuals are notified and accounted for.

In the case of a Mayday, the alarm level is automatically upgraded and the dispatcher immediately picks the closest R.I.T. crew prior to dispatching. This ensures that CAD doesn’t assign a crew 5 kilometres away when another trained crew is 2 kilometres away. At the direction of the Incident Command, the dispatcher announces the conclusion of the Mayday and for all crews to switch back to the tactical channel.

With the Mayday concluded and the announcement of fire under control and loss stopped, the process of a safe overhaul and clean up begins. Communications and operations members work well hand-in-hand to ensure a safe outcome of all of the events Toronto Firefighters attend. Often challenging and confusing, communication is a key element of this profession to ensure that members and citizens alike, can go home safely at the end of the day.

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INTRODUCTION This is a series of Q&A articles on Toronto Fire-related organizations that can get you more involved in the firefighting community. Some of the best people on the job give back to the fire service and their community in fun and exciting ways.

If you find this organization interesting, consider reaching out to them for more information.

KEN: What does your organization do and what is its history?

GREG: We were established in 2014 by a union/management initiative (thanks to Mike Ogle and Deputy Mike McCoy) under Fire Chief Sales after an estimated 40 years of trying to form one (just about every other large fire service has one). The Honour Guard attends funerals, memorials, parades, graduations, retirement nights, the Gala and other special events. We also train the recruit classes to march and to salute properly.

KEN: What is the basis of your techniques?

GREG: Most of the drill that we do is Canadian Forces drill. We have Canadian Forces drill books and our Commander (Andrew Berg) and Deputy Commanders (Dan Bellamy and Jason Gil) all have a military backgrounds and bring their knowledge and “old school” experience to the Guard. Most of what we do is by the book but we have modified a few things to fit to the fire service (which is not as regimented).

KEN: How do you recruit members?

GREG: We did the initial formation and got a lot of members and, since then, we have had organized recruiting campaigns.

When we train the recruits for marching and saluting, we also

encourage them to join if they are interested. Word of mouth is probably the best method these days. I’d like to see us at 40 members but, most of the time, there is room to add people. You have to be an active member; once you retire, you can consider the Veterans Colour Guard, but because it’s a management and union organization, you have to retire from the Honour Guard when you retire from the job.

KEN: What is the commitment expected of a member?

GREG:We have what we like to call the “3 BIG” show-up events: the Toronto Memorial, the Ontario Memorial and we try to have a big showing at one of the Remembrance Day Ceremonies. If you can get to the Canadian Memorial in Ottawa, that is a great one and we even send people to the International Memorial in Colorado Springs. We try to practise once a month and I know that everyone has a life, but I expect people to make 30 to 50 percent of the events overall, and to take it seriously.

KEN: How hard is it to learn and get good at the skills for your organization?

GREG: It’s interesting that you ask it that way. A lot of the people who have joined in the recent crew are ex-military, so they walk right in and their drill is spot on. There are a few variations for our sentry or weapons drill but they pick that up quickly. If you’re an average Joe, you are starting from scratch and you have to be taught the small points and build your confidence for when you’re out on parade. There’s a level where you can march and then you can advance to learn the weapons stuff and the casket stuff.

BY KEN DE JONG, ACTING CAPTAIN, STATION 445-A 20

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KEN: Where and when do you meet for practices and events?

GREG: We try to meet once a month, and we typically have one or two events per month and, at those, we run through the drill before we “step off” (especially for funerals for the casket and sentry protocols). Some of the weapons stuff is more extravagant, so it tends to get done at the practices. We have different locations – we’ve done it at the Academy, we’ve done it at East Training, we’ve done it at 422. We have a casket “prop” to help get the feel of the weight, and we have a deal with a funeral home to make a real one available, if we need it.

KEN: Are there any costs that are the responsibility of the members?

GREG: The city and association share the financial side of the uniforms (the city covers the uniforms, and the regalia and other stuff comes through the association). A lot of the bigger events we also arrange the transportation, so there’s a savings there. At special far events that are far away, we can even arrange accommodations.

Really, the only cost would be events that you choose to drive to that we can’t arrange to get you to.

KEN: What is your most epic event that you’ve attended?

GREG: The Raptor’s parade this year was probably the biggest crush of people and provided the biggest atmosphere. People were cheering us for no other reason than to cheer! “Oh, look! It’s Police, Fire and Ambulance all together”. They put one big band together as well. It was pretty incredible!

KEN: Have you met anyone famous or done any other special events?

GREG: We’ve carried flags at Toronto FC games, Argos games, and Maple Leafs games. We were scheduled to be the flag team for Raptors game 7 – but it didn’t go that far! Our Fire Prevention group has developed a really good relationship with MLSE (Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment), and some members have actually gotten to do some photoshoots. In the near future, you may see some Toronto Honour Guard members in some promotional material (so THEY have met some famous people now).

KEN: What would you say to someone out there thinking of joining the Honour Guard?

GREG: I would say that it can be serious – but we have a lot of fun! We have a great, dedicated team. If you’re into it and you want to learn, we’ll teach you. We’ll bring you in as part of the family and you will never know you weren’t part of the team. It’s really tight and we have our own “toasting kit” - we have bottles donated to us and we have our own traditions encompassing honour and family. We’ve got a great team and we’d love to have more people join us.

KEN: Any final thoughts?

GREG: Get in it for the right reasons and appreciate that we are there for the families of the fallen and the firefighter community and, if you do that, you won’t be disappointed.

CONTACT INFORMATION Greg Haley Station 325A Cell: 647-221-0968 wudee@live.ca

Rob Gutray Station 441C Cell: 416-567-9705 rgutray@gmail.com

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Member Profile on

C

hris George started on the Etobicoke Fire Department on August 22, 1988 at Station 413, on B Platoon. Like all recruits, he was protected by the Captain and crew until some future date when they eventually prove they are able to perform their job safely, and reliably. His crew quickly realized that with his previous training and experience, Chris excelled at medical calls. Immediately, he was given more responsibility at medical incidents than most other recruits.

His Acting Captain of the time recalls that this was also a period of adjustment for the keen Rookie. “I moved back into Station 413 as the Acting Captain. I observed that our rookie Chris, was extremely good at medical calls, and that the rest of the crew seemed to be “Parting the Red Sea” to let him handle these calls. After a couple of weeks of this, I talked with Chris privately to say that I thought that our crew’s medical skills would quickly erode without practice, so this could not continue. Remember that this was a rookie who only had one thing that he was allowed to shine at in those first few months of his career, and I was

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BY TONY MACDONALD, RETIRED TORONTO FIRE CAPTAIN taking it away. Chris readily agreed, even though it must have hurt. When I let the crew know my decision going forward, I asked Chris to help the rest of us improve our medical abilities. He did a great job of that, and the crew embraced the training!”

His drive and abilities in other firefighting areas were obvious, and he progressed to become an established firefighter much sooner than most new guys. He spent his first 12 years working at Stations 413, and 415. He worked on a Pumper (3,300 calls per year), Aerial (2,250 calls per year), and Squad (3,100 calls per year) at these two stations, which were the busiest in Etobicoke.

As proficient as Chris was at the medical side of our job, his first and truest love as a firefighter has always been the offensive fire attack. After only a couple of years on the job, his Captain saw him covered with debris after a fire and dubbed him “The Attic Rat”. This was due to his propensity to insert his wiry body into whatever small, dirty recesses that had to be entered to attack a fire.

“That quiet moment in a structure on fire, before you open up the line, when the flames and their endless colours dance across the ceiling, or advance down the hall to challenge you, is the moment that we all live for and need no words to describe”.

Sport has always been a significant part of his life. Like most people of his generation, he played all sports as a kid. He became one of those “jock-of-alltrades” who could play pretty much every sport at a good enough level to make the school team, and then to also enjoy playing it later in life. He initially went to York University to be a Phys. Ed teacher as that seemed to be the greatest job in the world. Chris comments, “They pay you to play sports?” As he aged into adulthood and parenthood, he became immersed in the coaching and administrative side of numerous sports. He refereed two sports, ringette and box lacrosse, at a National level. “And of course, I continued my lifelong adoration of my beloved Boston Bruins”.

During that time, Chris became the BLS Instructor/Coordinator for B Platoon.

This was similar, but larger in scope than an EMS STI is nowadays. He came from a medical background with a nurse, and family physician in his family. He studied Physical Education at University, and earned a degree in Psychology. He was also running his own company that taught first aid, CPR, and EFR to rural Fire Departments. With this background, he was a natural for handling the BLS Coordinator duties.

He was involved with many groundbreaking initiatives. In 1993, Chris and Tim Metcalf worked with Toronto Paramedics to develop and deliver the first Emergency Childbirth program. After this training was rolled out, every fire truck in Etobicoke carried an Emergency OB kit. In 1996 he was chosen to be on the initial team of instructors that worked under Dr. Richard Verbeek from Sunnybrook Hospital to assist him in developing the first Fire Fighter Defibrillation Program. They also delivered this program, which has now become a core element of our service to the people of Toronto.

He fell deeply in love with the sport of ringette as a 15-year-old who started refereeing for some Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 1 | F I R E WAT CH 22

Chris George extra cash. He ended up decades later receiving the humbling honour of being inducted into both the Ringette Canada (2011) and Ringette Ontario (2018) Halls of Fame. “I switched to coaching 20 years ago and still coach an elite adult team, the Durham Flames Ringette Club, which competes every season for a Provincial Championship. A goal which was achieved in both in 2013 and 2017 (and will be again in 2020)”.

A very long time ago a quotation resonated so deeply within Chris that it became a guiding principle for all aspects of his life. He read somewhere that ‘I will never be perfect, but I can always be excellent’. Chris states “I believe that the pursuit of excellence, which is simply the application of all of our skills, desire, dedication, motivation, commitment and self-sacrifice towards any goal we wish to attain, be it in athletics, our relationships or in our chosen field of employment, is the only just expectation we can have of ourselves and others. There is something inherently noble about throwing everything you have into the fray along with a group of like-minded, equally dedicated people and seeing where it takes you. Sports and firefighting are not all that different in my world.”

Chris was drawn to the emotional and mental health support of his brother and sister firefighters. He was honoured to be part of the first Interagency Peer Support Group that was trained by Bella Streiner. As part of this group, he took part in defusings and debriefings for many fire departments in the GTA. Chris says, “The unseen emotional scars that all first responders acquire are the ones that never completely heal. I’m pleased that we have recognized this, and continue to develop support strategies to enable all firefighters to maintain a strong mental health base during, and after their careers.” He found that his Psychology degree, and previous work in the social service and mental health fields assisted with this work.

Chris also began to work for Humber College in the delivery of their Pre-Service Firefighter Program. Starting as an Instructor, his role evolved into becoming the Assistant to Program Coordinator and good friend Ian Sim. Chris says he was the “Vice-Principal”. As such he was involved in the selection and development of over 500 graduates of the program during his tenure of approximately 12 years.

“It will be forever etched in my memory that I was part of a team of instructors running a live fire exercise for Humber College students at the Brampton Fire Tower on the morning of Sept 11, 2001 when the Twin Towers came down, taking 343 of the best of us with them”.

“As proud as I am of my 31 plus years of personal service, my most significant positive impact upon the lives of the public we serve has probably been whatever small role I played in getting several hundred exceptional Humber College graduates placed onto the back of fire apparatus in numerous Fire Services throughout Canada. The fact that my current Acting Captain is a former student of mine at Humber brings me great satisfaction”.

Just after the amalgamation of Toronto, Chris was moved to C Platoon as he became an Acting Captain for a short time in 133, then was stationed at 426.

“My ten years at 426 became the firefighting experience of a lifetime. I worked with outstanding fire crews in one of the busiest firefighting areas of the city. There were times during those years I thought I was actually living the life of FDNY Firefighter and author Dennis Smith on Engine Co. 82. Memorable events are too many to list here but included the Duke’s Cycle fire of 2008 on Queen St. West and a 6 alarm Queen St. East fire in 2006 that nearly left my partner and I in the store basement of a ferocious gas fed fire. Along with several others, Sam Halls, Grant Bowler, Mark Sargeant and Mark Craig showed me every day what loyalty, commitment, and inclusion in a crew dedicated to fire-fighting excellence should look like.”

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Member profile...Continued from page 23

His love of sport opened another door to Chris. In 2013 he was hired as a casual employee by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) in the position of Doping Control Officer (DCO). The CCES is an independent, national, not-for-profit organization with a responsibility to administer the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP). As a DCO he is responsible for conducting urine and blood sample collection sessions which take place both in-competition (events) and out-of-competition (training and home visits). Following a strict set of procedures and protocols, he collects samples from elite athletes to be sent for laboratory analysis to ensure banned substances are not being used to enhance performance.

In performing his anti-doping duties he has been afforded the opportunity to attend elite athletic events. One of these was the 2018 Winter Olympic Games held in South Korea. “For a complete sports junkie like me this was a game changing experience”. As one of two Canadians selected to join an international team of almost 100 DCO’s, he lived in South Korea for a month.

“As glamourous as attending the Olympic Games sounds, this was not a vacation. For my first two weeks, I was stationed at one of the Olympic villages where athletes from all countries were tested upon their arrival to the Games. I awoke at 0215 to travel to work, and returned to my residence at 1800. We were housed, or should I say warehoused, in a remote residence building, literally on the top of a mountain, more than 90 minutes from the athlete’s village.

Dinner, a little socializing or Korean TV, (three golf channels!) and then it was back to bed with the alarm set for 0215. The bed was a mattress on the floor, but the sheets were clean! Well, once a week they were. Thankfully my roommate, a 23-year-old medical student from Kazakhstan, didn’t snore. He wasn’t so lucky”.

Once the Games actually started, Chris was rotated to various venues to administer in-competition sample collection. Due to confidentiality rules he cannot be very specific, but he attended several memorable Olympic events. He had one day completely off in his 29 days in Korea.

“This was the experience of a lifetime. I was immersed in the culture of the most friendly and accommodating people on earth. I met athletes, officials, volunteers and Doping Control personnel from every continent. I left Korea with new friendships with dozens of people from all over the globe that have remained strong to this day.

This included a couple of Korean firefighters assigned to the temporary station located at the village, similar to our 346. I also witnessed athletic history in the making. I would not have changed one second of my time at the Olympic Games.”

“This Doping Control Officer gig is pretty cool. Along with the Olympics, I have been involved with doping control at major events such as the two World Junior Hockey Championships held in Toronto, the Olympic Swim Trials, the World Junior Badminton Championships and the Pan-Am and Para Pan-Am Games. My assignments, known as “missions” are quite varied. One day I could be boarding a plane to another part of Canada, and a few days later I could be waking up an athlete at their home as early as 0500 to acquire a sample.

No athlete in Canada knows when or where they will be tested. It could be wherever they are staying on any given day, or while they are training or at any competition.

I have also had the pleasure of engaging with athletes and support personnel from all over the world at international events held both in Canada and abroad. Several of our 3888 members have accompanied me as chaperones to various local events. As retirement gets closer, I envision continuing, and hopefully even expanding, my role in the world of anti-doping.”

Along with a strong belief in the value of clean and fair sport, this role requires a considerable amount of adaptability and inter-personal skill. Anyone who has worked with Chris knows that these are qualities he exhibits daily.

If you would like more information about the CADP, the role of DCO’s and chaperones in anti-doping or any of the other work done by the CCES on behalf of sport in Canada, please visit their website at www.cces.ca. If you can find your way to the Sample Collection page (under the Anti-Doping tab), you might recognize the DCO in the video.

Here are the comments of 2 firefighters who wanted to describe the value of working with Chris: “Captain George came to 421 in 2013, about three years into my career. Chris was unequalled in the care given to the development of our young crew. With the exception of our senior man, the combined total years of experience of this crew totalled 8 years, and he was keen to get us up to speed. Daily training, one-onone coaching, and the most thorough annual reviews ever witnessed, were par for the course with Chris. He lives and breathes this job and is determined to leave a legacy through every young firefighter that he inspires along the way.

“The thing that sets Chris apart from the pack on our job is the fact that he simply does not check out of it - ever. The shift may end, but Chris spends every waking hour of his life seeking out ways to do good, and to leave a positive impact on society. This was reinforced to me, when my own personal life took a turn for the worse. While many provide well wishes and emails in your time of need (which were very much appreciated), Captain George showed up on my doorstep to help. He

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has such a genuine interest in the well-being of his comrades. The selfless donation of his personal time toward the benefit of others is where Chris most exemplifies the qualities of a firefighter in my opinion. Couple this with an innate ‘knack’ for the job, a ‘lead by example’ attitude, and a heart that is immeasurable by current medical standards, and you have Chris George in a nutshell.”

“If I were to share what I know about “The Professor” as we call Chris, it would be about his personality. Chris is tenacious, he has outstanding character, his compassion is second to none and he invests in his crews. Above all, he is a great family man and friend. I haven’t seen many people outwork Chris at a fire. He doesn’t rest until the work is done or until a resolution is found for an emergency. He treats the lowliest street person with same dedication as everyone else.

He prides himself on building and being a part of a crew that is keen, well trained and makes a difference on a scene. Chris becomes a member of everyone’s family, because he genuinely cares about his crews.

He remembers everyone’s kids and he knows what they are up to. I have personally called him for his advice for work matters and personal matters.

He listens, and is very wise. He will stick up for his crew to anyone. He is very eloquent; he speaks from his heart and is sincere in everything he says. Chris is a great father, a great friend, a great firefighter and a great human. He always does the right thing for the people he serves, even if it isn’t always a popular decision” So, not only does Chris make these ‘unpopular, but correct decisions’, when needed, but as one of his earliest Acting Captains stated earlier, Chris also gracefully accepts this type of decision when it affects him! Chris was promoted to Captain in June of 2013 and after 3 months of nostalgic time at Station 413, he chose to join the crew at Station 421, where he is still assigned. “For the third time in my career I find myself in a Toronto community that requires the constant support of its first responder services. I could not have hand-picked a better young crew.

For the past 6 years I, like all officers, have found a new role as a mentor and facilitator as I try to help firefighters with unparalleled abilities and attitudes to maximize their service. Don’t tell anyone, but the job is ridiculously easy, when you have a crew as dedicated to excellence as I do at 421-C”.

“Retirement from the TFS is on the near horizon and as I look back on a career of over 31 years of service I’m reminded of something I heard from someone in the fire service somewhere along the line…you really only have one job at every stage of your career, to train your replacement. To that I add my own caveat; Train your successors to be better than you”.

“Seeing the strength of the firefighters I work with; I know that my career in the Fire Service will come to the most successful possible conclusion”.

“Good morning Toronto Fire, Rescue 421 is on the air…”

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foyer and out front of the theatre to promote the campaign by selling baseball caps and socks as well as accepting general donations, all while they conversed with their audience members and fans. They also promoted our campaign by including an insert in their theatre Programme advising all of their guests of the IAFF in PINK campaign and to support generously on their way out. We thank the cast of Come From Away as their positive enthusiasm and participation was a greatly appreciated by all who helped organize the October events this year.

Princess Maggie was also busy attending multiple events at the Scotiabank Arena by attending Leafs and Raptors pre-games alongside musical performances by The Black Keys, Carrie Underwood and Elton John.

For the third year in a row the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association teamed up with Princess Margaret Hospital for the month of October to help raise funds and social awareness on Breast Cancer through our 2019 IAFF in PINK campaign.

This year we raised $45,000 that will be allocated towards the Canadian Fire Fighter Cancer Research Fund via Princess Margaret to help support cancer research common among fire fighters, which includes Breast Cancer.

The TPFFA Charity Committee put together a fantastic campaign by selling PINK t-shirts, baseball caps and socks to both its members and the public. In addition to selling PINK merchandise, the Committee had a new TFS High Rise Truck (generously donated by Chief Pegg for the month), wrapped in PINK, which they named ‘Princess Maggie’.

Big thank you to Vid Sansanwal from Fleet Solutions and his team for designing and wrapping Princess Maggie so beautifully; the truck wrapping was seamless and done perfectly to help promote the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign.

Princess Maggie had a busy October as she visited a variety of locations throughout the City of Toronto alongside our members and volunteers who donated their time and efforts by interacting with Torontonians and encouraging them to donate to our IAFF in PINK cause, as well as welcoming them to check out Princess Maggie and take some memorable photos.

The PINK schedule was a great success this year with multiple visits to The Elgin Theatre where the Broadway hit Come From Away was premiering. At each event the cast and crew of Come From Away would join our volunteers within the

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We also visited BMO Field for TFC, Canada/US soccer and Argo games and the Coca-Cola Coliseum for Marlies games. On two occasions we had a large number of volunteers supporting our campaign making those nights very successful.

The Charity Committee would like to thank Coach (and Toronto Fire Fighter) Douglas Brooks and his Toronto Titans Bantam AAA hockey team as they came out to the Scotiabank Arena one evening accepting donations via Pink fire boots and selling baseball caps and socks. One of their coaches, Darcy Tucker also attended the event supporting not only his team but our campaign, in addition to acknowledging his own fans by signing autographs and encouraging donations.

The second acknowledgement and thank you goes to the event Princess Maggie attended at the Ford Centre for the Pink the Rink hockey tournament. The TFS Women’s Hockey team, and others, volunteered and participated in our campaign for three days straight, working hard and encouraging social awareness on Breast Cancer also by selling baseball caps and socks. Pink plastic firefighter helmets, donated by Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, were also handed out here and were a big hit with many of the players and fans alike.

As we wrapped up the campaign at the end of October, there were so many members and volunteers who were a huge contributor to our successes; Thank you to all of our Charity Committee members, our Public Relations Committee, the TPFFA Executive Board, Stewards and New Members, and all the brothers and sisters in Toronto Fire along with Comtech Fire Credit Union and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre – all of which donated their time to not only help the Charity Committee run a smooth campaign but also raising awareness to the public and members of Toronto Fire. We couldn’t have had such a successful campaign without the help of all those who participated.

Thank you again and hopefully we will see you next year!

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Ingredients Serves: 1 firefighter (Two large pancakes) Prep time: 2 minutes Ingredients 1) D ry ingredients sifted into a bowl • 1 cup all-purpose flour into a bowl • 2 teaspoons baking powder • ½ teaspoon salt • 2 tablespoons of sugar 2) Wet ingredients in a separate bowl • 1 large egg • 1 cup of milk •2 tablespoons of melted butter or oil (butter is always better) 3) Topping • Real maple syrup • Fresh fruit and confectionary sugar Directions • Heat large pan on medium until nice and hot • Mix the two bowls together, but don’t over mix (some lumps are okay) • Grease the pan with vegetable oil wipe down with a paper towel to disperse the oil evenly • Warm the serving plates in the microwave for 2 minutes • Add a ladle of batter to the hot greased pan • Cook until bubbles appear, also check the bottom until golden brown • Flip pancakes and cook for another two minutes • Serve hot with topping If you have a Fire Hall recipe that you’d like to share with our members, please contact Suzanne Boss via email at sboss@torontofirefighters.org

• pound hot Italian sausage • 3/4 pound lean ground beef • 1/2 cup minced onion • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes • 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste • 2 Jars of classico bolognese sauce • 1/2 cup water • 2 tablespoons white sugar • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

•1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided, or to taste •1 /4 teaspoon ground black pepper •4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley •1 2 oven ready lasagna noodles • 16 ounces ricotta cheese • 1 egg •1 pound mozzarella cheese, grated •1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions 1) Preheat oven to 410 degrees 2) Cook sausage, ground beef, onion and garlic in a sauce pan until browned. Sift out grease. Combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, classic Bolognese sauce and water. Add in basil, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and parsley. Let mixture slow cook for 1 ½ - 2 hours.

3) In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg and mix until fluffy.

4) Construction time! spread 1 ½ cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange noodles over meat sauce.

Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese over noodles. Add ¼ of the grated mozzarella cheese. Spoon out 1 ½ cup meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Repeat for all layers. Cover with aluminum foil.

5) Bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes. Let cool For 10 minutes.

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STATION 113

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

THE BEGINNING OF A DREAM For those of us who attended Seneca Collage for PreService Firefighting at some point in our lives, Station 113 will always serve as an icon of the possibilities to come.

The Newnham Campus lies adjacent to station 113, and when I attended Seneca, I watched those trucks leave the hall to run calls, hoping desperately to one day be counted among those ranks.

I knew that as an applicant, you should not have a preference to which Fire Service you became a member of, but for me it was Toronto Fire Services or nothing.

Back in 2007 when the Pre-Service Firefighting program still ran part-time courses, you could always count on a motley crew of potential fire recruits being present at least three times a week, taught by mostly TFS staff and the odd Mississauga ‘guy’.

Station 113 was built in 1969, with features of a fairly typical North York fire hall; fairly large, with two levels,

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offices, bathrooms and plenty of space on both floors. Eventually a bay was added to accommodate room for an Aerial truck.

Located on the south side of Finch Ave., station 113 is nestled between Leslie St. and the DVP, just west of the Highway between the historic Hillcrest Village and Don Valley Village.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY As the City of Toronto was slowly evolving, North York started to develop in neighbourhoods closer to the south-west, near the northern end of Etobicoke. At this time, farming was the most common use for the fertile land just north of the Great Lake. Unfortunately, and as one would perhaps expect with the nature of city growth, there isn’t much left of the historic farmhouses or farmland from the early days, as this area is now one of the most densely populated areas in Toronto.

However, if you really enjoy your history, you can check out the Old Zion Schoolhouse at 1091 Finch Ave. E.; a classic Ontario building that was erected in 1869 for the education of children in the area. In those days, free

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education for children was fairly new and everyone referenced this location where the schoolhouses were as L’Amaroux.

Prior to the 1850’s education was a privilege of the upper classes and it was not until Egerton Ryerson became the Superintendent of Schools for Upper Canada that universal, non-sectarian and accessible education was made available.

It was not until 1871 that a province wide system opened up to all children starting from the age of 6, was instituted.

Every 3rd concession boasted a schoolhouse, built with government grants and attendance made mandatory. The Zion schoolhouse remained fully functional until 1955 when a population boom hit, resulting in housing developments and enhanced public transportation, which eventually led to the centralization of the education system.

FOUR CORNERS The area surrounding Station 113 is incredibly diverse. Economically speaking, it is mostly affluent and established in its neighbourhoods, but similar to many Toronto neighbourhoods, poverty does exist in many of the high-rises and row houses in the area.

Ethnically speaking, over 60% of the population in this area speak another language besides English. Luckily, we, both the firefighters and the people of the communities, don’t always need a common language to communicate; often faces and pictures tell stories, pain can be pointed to, relatives can translate. In the best cases, smiles or just our presence can connect us. On more than one occasion, I have felt gratitude in a simple gesture of a hand being squeezed or gently placed on a shoulder.

According to Rapdict.org/4_Corners: “Each community is located within the vicinity of one square block on the corners of Leslie Street, Sheppard Avenue East, Don Mills Road and Finch Ave. East.”

Of the four corners in question, 113 runs Brahms and Sparroway; an area that is populated with Toronto Community Housing. These properties unfortunately produce certain types of calls that can sometimes be very challenging for first responders. Majority of the calls that come in surround the issues of crime and poverty, which can be aggressive calls to mediate for firefighters, especially when on occasion, people feel the need to throw flaming furniture off a high-rise towards the arriving crews down below.

Even though there are very wealthy areas within these communities, the crime rate in the four corners is above average; theft, stabbings and shootings are a common occurrence. The Allenbury Goon Crips (ABG), a local gang, command the loyalty of many community members.

Chester Le, another community housing complex situated in Scarborough and frequented by 113, has a history of gang activity and gun violence so prolific that it has been targeted as a priority neighbourhood across the City for ‘focused investment to strengthen neighbourhood supports.’

THE CREW A visit with 113-D Shift made for a pleasant afternoon; as I arrived the Aerial was backing in and the Pump was out on their sixth Natural Gas call of the day. Pump 113 is a HazPump, which means it runs the entire city; especially if the attribute gets pulled off any of the other Haz Support Pumps.

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Station 113...Continued from page 31

They were returning from a 20km run, after having already completed a 19km and 20km run earlier that the day.

After enjoying a coffee and joking around with the Aerial crew, I started to ask Jamie, Lisa and Ashley for the good stuff; what’s the 113 scoop? They scratched their heads and were quiet for a moment, having a hard time recalling anything specific to share; things become the norm when you’re exposed to so much as a firefighter that thinking of something different is almost difficult. However, once the floodgates opened, the stories and the laughs were well on route. Jamie prompts Ashley to tell the story of her melted visor, a story that did not disappoint! A hot basement fire that pushed the crew (including Sandy from the Pump) to the ground, a crawl downstairs, a wrestling match with what turned out to be a burned-out mattress and frame and a successful loss stopped benchmark achieved. They even have the pictures to prove it and the grin on Ashley’s face confirmed that she enjoyed every minute of it - Grit and guts are in full force at 113.

One story that stood out to me was the day the 113 crew, plus one unlucky reliever, were called to an apartment fire.

A woman’s children had called 911 because their mother refused to let them rescue her from their apartment. Sadly, smoke conditions no longer allowed them to stay, and they had to evacuate sans mother. Their mother was trying to cast a spell by setting her freshly cut hair on fire, placing it in the oven, while she sat in front of it…chanting.

When the crew arrived to carry the mother out, she fought them with all her might; spitting, biting and setting her feet against the doorframe with all her strength fighting to stay, while she continued chanting. She even bit one of the firefighters so hard that she drew blood! I did not get a chance to speak to said firefighter personally, but I think it goes without saying that she did not start her day thinking that bloodwork was in her near future. Nonetheless, despite the backlash and chaos involved, the rescue was a success.

Aside from the calls within the 113 neighbourhood, Blaine Patterson, the Acting Captain on the Pump should be acknowledged as he received the Roy Silver Award for saving a person who died during a performance at the Princess

of Wales Theatre this year, information his crew gleefully volunteered for him. AC Patterson performed CPR on an individual for approximately 5 minutes and used the theatre’s defibrillator to shock the patient who had died during theatre performance. When I asked brother Patterson about the off-duty rescue, he was very humble and honoured that his actions were recognized by the Association via the 2019 Awards Dinner & Charity Gala and in the previous issue of Fire Watch, Volume 13 Issue #4.

Sadly, station 113 falls victim to fake news in similar ways that many fire stations with two trucks suffer from. Their stats are slightly skewed due to the frequency of their fillins: The crew says 8-14 calls a day is their usual but this is not reflected in their 1,500/year (P113) or 1,900 (A113) call statistics. With the North Command Tower being out of service more than it is in service and 244 pulled almost every shift, 113 doesn’t stay in often. Since the end of the summer, D-shift says it’s gotten better, but the 42-shift run of being pulled over the summer makes it hard to keep the revolving door from spinning.

That being said, once you realize what a hidden gem 113 is for the types of calls they run, including fires, car accidents, shootings and stabbings you can’t deny that it makes for a great workday for keen firefighters. Many of the crew members have long tenures; Sandy has been there since she started 13 years ago, my class-mate Jamie Archibald has put in 10 years and Ryan 12.

They’re a lively bunch at station 113 and you can tell they’re tightly knit. It’s always refreshing to see how close some of our members have become due to their work environments, their teamwork, shared experiences and/ or troubles. Being a mentor to a newer member or building strong bonds between crews is one of the things I love about being a firefighter; we should be proud of our relationships with our brothers and sisters within Toronto Fire and always work toward bettering them as that is one of the key elements to this career; working as a team will only result in a better outcome when our services are needed within the communities we help keep safe.

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BY KEVIN CONNOLLY CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, COMTECH FIRE CREDIT UNION

Partnership & the Test of Time W

hat is the value of a partnership? How does one go about measuring it, particularly when partnerships tend to come and go, or ebb and flow depending on circumstances that seem to be in constant change?

For Toronto Fire Fighters, there is one partnership that has existed for 79 years, survived a world war and spanned the eras of 13 Prime Ministers. The partnership I am referring to is of course, your Credit Union.

We have been through a lot together. We have seen multiple generations of Fire Fighters join the Credit Union; making investments, doing everyday banking, setting up personal savings accounts, handling canteen accounts, getting mortgages, loans and lines of credit and saving money on car and home insurance. And while our product line has grown significantly over the years, there is one foundational thing that drives the relationship: our commitment to serve Toronto Fire Fighters.

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I love the stories I have heard from many of our members over the years, including the way we did things decades ago; like agreeing to a mortgage or a car loan with signatures on a napkin, or delivering cash to a fire hall or to a fire fighter hockey game. This predates all of the technology we have today and of course, all of the current regulatory requirements we must follow, making napkin agreements a bygone relic of a simpler time. But we still have the same dedication to our members, we just exhibit it differently. I do, however, long for the days when a Fire Fighter joined TFS, the Association and the Credit Union all on the same day using the same pen. The first two still happen. The third, not so much.

Over the years, we have been to literally hundreds of events supporting L3888, including retirement celebrations, family picnics, holiday parties, hockey tournaments, golf tournaments, fundraisers, galas and many other Association events, sadly including celebrations of life. We are proud to support all of these and we will continue to support the initiatives that, hopefully, mean the most to Toronto Fire Fighters.

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Recently, the value of our partnership moved to a whole new level, a partnership program that is such an honour for us at the Credit Union, that we wanted to make sure that every member of L3888 was aware of it.

A Bit of Background: On December 24th, 1941, 24 Toronto Fire Fighters formed a new cooperative corporation called the Toronto Fire Department Employees Credit Union (who else but fire fighters would start something on Christmas Eve). Since that day, thousands of Toronto Fire Fighters have become owner/ members of the Credit Union. So, our Credit Union was established by your predecessors for you. Over the years, we have evolved and changed, in service capability, trade name, size and scope and we are still driven by the same core values and principles.

Through the course of it all, we have seen generations of members come and go, and we have also endured, like you, the loss of members, some in the line of duty. These are the heroes. They made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the citizens of Toronto and their memories deserve to be honoured and cherished.

On October 1st, 2019, we gathered at the L3888 offices with representatives of the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, members of the OPFFA and the IAFF, Credit Union leadership and staff and Credit Union Board Members both present and past. We came together to celebrate the memories of the fallen who are displayed on the Association’s Wall of Honour, located in their main foyer of the office. We came to dedicate this wall of heroes on behalf of the now 15,000 members of what today is known as Comtech Fire Credit Union. We will never forget; many of the names on that wall were also members of our Credit Union. On the matter of our partnership, there is no more important way we can define our commitment than this, which for us is a statement of how our relationship has withstood the test of time.

Next time you visit your Association office, please take a look at the plaque that is displayed adjacent to the Wall of Honour. We think it appropriately expresses our Credit Union’s appreciation for the brave Toronto Fire Fighters who are memorialized on that wall. Take a moment to read the names of the people on that wall who died in the line of duty serving our city. You can also see the original Credit Union charter on display in the foyer with the names of the 24 Toronto Fire Fighters who started it all.

On a personal note, I would like to express our Credit Union’s appreciation to the Executive of the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association for allowing our Credit Union to be involved with the dedication of the Wall of Honour, as well as the Fire Hall Memorial plaque initiative.

Kevin Connolly is the Chief Marketing Officer of Comtech Fire Credit Union. Mr. Connolly sits on various charitable boards, including the Toronto Fire Fighters Charitable Foundation, the Ontario Credit Union Foundation and serves as an official Ambassador of the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

He can be reached at: kevin.connolly@comtechfirecu.com.

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Our mental health affects not only how we think, feel, and behave in our daily life but also our ability to cope with stress and support meaningful relationships.

Mental Wellness &Mental Health

By Chris Rodrigues, Psychological Associate

Toronto Fire Services employees face unique challenges, including critical incidents and operational stress. While previous articles have promoted improved resilience through diet and exercise; developing supportive and meaningful relationships; checking in with a mental health practitioner, etc., my contribution will look at how we can improve mental wellness and resilience through self-awareness and reflective techniques.

The World Health Organization defines mental wellness as the following: “Mental health is not the mere absence of disease or infirmity, but rather a state of well-being in which every individual can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.”

As you learned in R2MR, mental health exists on a continuum.

Just as an unwell person may not have a serious illness, so too may a mentally unwell person not have a mental illness. Here are some suggestions for developing mental wellness:

Acceptance – Accepting and working with “what is” i.e. the reality of the situation, is practical. If I see things honestly, I can address them more purposefully. It’s also helpful to accept that change is a part of life. Certain goals may no longer be realistic as your life progresses, but accepting unchangeable circumstances can help you focus on your changeable circumstances and possibilites.

Taking Action – This one goes without saying, since Fire Services members are problem solvers and action oriented by nature. When it comes to mental health and wellness, it is better to face issues as soon as possible. Ignoring your problems or wishing they would go away is not a helpful approach. Instead, listen to your emotional messages. They are like an early warning system, and ignoring these emotional messages by “sucking it up” or self-medicating only allows the problem to worsen.

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Moving Toward Your Goals – Setting smaller, realistic goals and regularly working towards them will enable you to achieve your bigger goals, even if these accomplishments seem insignificant.

When something seems unachievable, try to break it down into smaller parts in order to make it more manageable. Ask yourself, “what is one thing I can accomplish today that can help me move towards the direction I want to go tomorrow?”

Learning From Your Past – Reflecting on life experiences can help you learn about your strengths, your coping strategies, and

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areas that need development, but this exercise is not meant to find reasons to attack yourself or beat yourself up. It is merely for self-awareness. Past behaviours can be good predictors of future behaviours. It is valuable to reflect on your past behaviours and decide if they worked for you, or not? Some questions to consider: what events have been the most stressful for you and how have they affected you? What did you learn about yourself during those difficult times? How have you been able to overcome obstacles in your life? What is your “normal,” i.e. what’s been going on in your life for the past couple months? Do you want this to continue to be your “normal,” or do you want to take small steps towards something different?

Nurturing Positive Self-View – No, this isn’t sitting in front of a mirror telling yourself how wonderful you are.

We are all human: we have both strengths and areas we need to work on. Life becomes hard if you only see your faults or weaknesses, but if you see the strengths that can be applied to your life, and its problems, it will help increase your mental wellness. One way to accomplish this is to write out your strengthens. Think of what you might say in a cover letter and ask your friends what they see as your strengths and attributes. Sometimes those closest to us are better able to identify our strengths more clearly.

Keeping Things in Perspective – Even in difficult circumstances, try to place the stressful situation in a broader context and keep a long-term perspective. Avoid seeing problems as immediately overwhelming. Stressful events will always happen, but you can change how you interpret and respond to these events. Sometimes it’s helpful to ask: “Will this be an issue for me five years from now? How much influence and power do I want to give this in relation to my life and my sense of self?”

Maintaining a Hopeful Outlook – Expecting that good things will happen to you and being optimistic is helpful. Life is like a wave: there are high points and low points. The bad times end but so do the good times. Try not to worry about the latter because you will miss them by being anxious instead of enjoying the present moment. Find things in life that you appreciate, that you are passionate about, that sooth your soul. They will help you through the hard times, along with knowing that everything is subject to change.

Staying Flexible – Flexibility is a sign of mental health. It allows you to problem solve, apply your creativity, and adapt to new situations. Reflect on your own cognitive process (i.e. where is it that you go first in your head?). Then ask yourself if there is another way of looking at the problem or situation. Is a glass half-full or is it half-empty? A lot of times it’s both, but we all have a tendency to lean one way or another. Flexibility is about being open to other possibilities beyond our initial perceptions and judgements, but it also means allowing yourself to experience strong emotions. You may need to wait until you find a time and space to do that, in order to continue living in the present, but allowing ourselves to be flexible with our strong emotions helps us maintain mental wellness.

Mental wellness is a part of the bigger picture of supporting your resilience and health on the job and throughout your life. Your profession can take a toll on your physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing in many ways, and it is important to consider your mental wellness. I hope you find some of these suggestions helpful and worthwhile in your overall wellness plan.

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Letter from the Editor…

Lynn Sciberras

When I read this edition’s submission by Michael Sehl, I am reminded of the first session of R2MR – Optimizing Performance and how our body is impacted by Fight-Flight-Freeze, moreso while on shift and after traumatic calls. Thinking back we learned about tools to aid us in reducing the levels and effects of hormones adrenaline and cortisol release. Our body and any condition, illness or disease, parallels a computer or machine and the longer it is left unattended, the potential the outcome is to worsen and/or take longer to repair or require additional time and effort to do so.

In Session 2 of R2MR, on Recovery, we will learn more about our physical and mental health as well as behaviour. We will delve deeper into discovering triggers, signs and symptoms and understanding impact.

When we think positive, our outlook improves, we feel more confident and we feel good. The sooner we can get a grip, relinquish the beast, peel the onion or free the toxin(s) – whichever metaphor may be most familiar to you – the more empowered and better off we are - inside, outside and deep within. We need only take small steps to get there and believe in the power of self.

Michael’s article below outlines several of his personal beliefs that empower and continue to guide him into positivity. Read on, be empowered!

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TORONTO FIRE SERVICES EAP/CIS NEWSLETTER 2

In one of our courses called “Surviving to Thriving” (John Roberston) I heard the term “sweat-flush-fill.” In all of his years of work in the mental health and first responder arenas, these were the three words he used to sum it up. Being a scientific man, he had dug deep into why those three words were so important. So let me, a “non-sciencey guy” try to explain what he was saying for you (you’re going to wish you were there haha).

Essentially John emphasized and explained a lot of the things we at a lot of levels know. That when we have a call our body goes into that primal fight, flight, or freeze mode. We produce a lot of chemicals some of which being adrenaline and cortisol, etc. What he goes on to explain is that those chemicals continue to circulate in our body even after a call. It is very much in the same way that even our thoughts can create a real physiological and chemical response. How something invisible can create/effect something physical.

Whether that be a bad call, or even just false alarms, John believes if we had a fight/flight/freeze response, it’s a good idea to cleanse ourselves of these harmful chemicals. If it is a bad call, he believes it’s even more reason to “sweatflush-fill.” It’s really a matter of taking responsibility for our chemistry. That if left unchecked and/or the longer that lingers, the more likely we’ll stay in that affected place, down mood, lowered energy, stuck thinking, etc. He believes that by exercising, sweating and literally flushing the urine and feces, and by filling our minds with positive material, that while we can’t remove a bad call, we can get that toxic chemistry out and a more positive and resilient chemistry in. This aids in our ability to process the call and in our short and long term recovery. These 3 simple things.

On the other hand, alcohol, caffeine, and other drugs all hamper with our inner physiology and chemistry. This can make us less resilient. So outside of doing two things many of us do very well (exercise and poop) I thought I would share some of the most empowering thoughts I’ve found to date to fill my mind with. This is in my best attempt to create positive chemistry through my thoughts. When you read them, ask yourself, how does it make me feel?

TORONTO FIRE SERVICES EAP/CIS NEWSLETTER

My Core Empowering Beliefs: 1. I radically accept and love my reality, “what is.” Instead of wishing for “what isn’t.”

2. I know that it and I are perfect and so are my feelings of it. The flow I do not need to grasp, but rather experience. The peaks and troughs. Good thing, bad thing, who knows? I can step outside and observe it.

3. I know everything I need is already here. Nothing is missing.

4.

I know nothing outside me can make me more complete.

5. I know I change the world most as a consequence of WHO I AM. I don’t speak people into change, I just need to BE what I believe.

6.

I know adversity is the clearest and best opportunity to show love.

7. I know beliefs can only be empowering and disempowering and I can improve my life anytime I stop and find something I’m grateful for. Anytime I change a disempowering thought for an empowering thought.

8. I know what I focus on expands.

9. I know every disadvantage has an equal and opposite advantage.

10. I know when I change the way I look at things the things I look at change.

11. “I truly believe, in fact I know, something beautiful is happening.”

12. Small changes make the biggest differences. Imagine going back in time and causing even the slightest new ripple effect. That’s what I can do today.

-It’s because I’ve seen loss that I want to see you succeed.

-Our mission is to empower the cells inside us and beside us.

Further reading: Non-Violent Communication and On Combat

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N TORO

Movember is saving and improving men’s lives through projects focused on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. It only happens because of people like you.

– Movember Canada

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IGH FIREF

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The Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association along with many of its members participated in the 2019 Movember Campaign in various ways to help improve the quality of life for men. To make change happen you must be a part of that change, so we teamed up with Movember Canada and the Toronto Movember Committee to help raise awareness on men’s cancers and to help change the views on mental health.

It’s important for our members to know what they are supporting and why they are raising awareness; Movember Canada focuses on early intervention, engaging men and working to their strengths. It is their goal to reduce the rate of male suicide by 25% by the year 2030. Men who experience prostate cancer and testicular cancer are faced with great difficulties during and after treatment, and as with many cancers and illnesses, there is a mental element that is greatly associated with it. Some men suffer serious side effects as a result of treatment and have difficulties dealing with their illness and/or recovery in a mental capacity.

Movember has and continues to work on groundbreaking projects within Toronto and all over the world by engaging with men and helping them to understand what works best in accepting their illness, how to deal with it, how to support it and how to accept it on both a physical and mental level.

Firefighting is a profession with a higher prevalence of cancers, injuries and mental health pressures due to the nature of the occupation, which is one of the reasons why we believe it is so important to help support the Movember cause. With all funds received going towards the Movember Foundation, our members participated by selling and buying toques, scarves, shirts and aprons; to shaving a 20-year-old mustache, to growing a mustache to show support – Our members participated in raising awareness on men’s health in such a significant way that our many thanks can’t be expressed enough. Thank you to all who supported; who volunteered their time and facial hair to the cause; thank you to Vid Sansanwal from Fleet Solutions Inc. who donated the Black Movember Fire Truck; thank you to Movember Canada and the Toronto Movember Committee who helped generate the campaign and the events we attended to show support and raise awareness; thank you to the TPFFA Charity Committee for all their assistance in running the campaign and lastly, thank you again to all our members and their families who helped support the Movember campaign throughout the month of November, without you we wouldn’t have been able to contribute to raising awareness on men’s health. We look forward to another successful campaign next year.

For further information on the Movember Foundation please visit www.movember.com

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PE Fire Fighter An drew McCaw I was diagnosed w ith Testicular Cancer September 2016 and had my testicle removed as a result. June 2017 the cancer re turned, and I wen t through 9 weeks of chemotherapy, some weeks 5 tim es a week.

November 2017, th ey found a mass in my lung that was removed as soon as I recovered from chemo. This November I will be 2 years cancer Free! Early detecti on saves Lives!

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Captain Greg Martin (42 6-C) I am a prostate cancer sur vivor, with my cancer currently in rem ission.

While I will be living with cancer for the foreseeable future, the re is more to be done to advance res earch, therapies and treatments for men’s cancers. Prostate cancer is the second most common can cer in men worldwide.

Communications Fire Fighter Damien Stepien I’m raising funds and awareness this Movember for all the dads, brothers, sons and mates in our lives.

r Greg Fire Fighte (444-B) Needham bit helps!

Every little

is (312-C) Fire Fighter Terry Leimon cause for the g rtin I have been suppo o moths tw t ou Ab many years now… ttle with ba his to ago, I lost my uncle to stay me t gh tau o cancer, a man wh d that an t, fee my motivated, think on ng out thi nt rta po im family is the most the lessons there. Thank you for all you. for es Uncle Gus, this on

Fire Fighter Ryan Algar (116A) For my dad and best friend who have beaten cancer.

Supporting men’s health and everyone else fighting cancer.

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Movember...Continued from page 41

Acting Captain Colin Price (231-B) part icipated in the Movember campaign in support of lung cancer research by shaving off his mus tache for the FIRST time! He had 80 supporters at the Nickle Brook Brewing Co. for his big shaving event. By the end of November he was able to raise over $11,000. Congratulations AC Price!

Thank You TPFFA You are the reason that Movember is changing the lives of so many men in Canada. Because of you, we are funding some of the most innovative programs and research in the areas of prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health & suicide prevention. So many Canadian men rely on the programs we fund and your passionate support is what makes them possible.

In 2018 the TPFFA was once again the top fundraising team in Movember’s Great Canadian Fire Challenge. Toronto Firefighters eclipsed 150 other firefighting teams from coast-to-coast by raising $30,000 in support of Movember and our men’s health programs.

You registered 130 members from across your ranks, you supported Movember at numerous events through the city and most importantly, you generated countless conversations about the real issues affecting men. And your team is well on its way to reclaiming its top spot again in 2019. Thank you so much for your hairy efforts, your incredible support for our work and your amazing advocacy for men’s health.

Movember is the leading charity dedicated to changing the face of men’s health around the globe. Our fathers, partners, brothers & friends are facing a health crisis that isn’t being talked about and we want to encourage all men to take action in order to live happier, healthier & longer lives. You can read about every single program we fund at movember.com and I welcome any of your members to reach out should they have questions about our programs, our research or our campaign. You truly are helping to stop men from dying too young.

Yours in Moustachery, Shane DeMerchant Development Manager, Community Shane.demerchant@movember.com

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June 11 2019 to October 23rd 2019 January 11th, – December 4th, 2019 Retired Retired Stan Lorr Wallace Gardiner Bob Hagg Vincent Dubek Victor Spinney Wilf Delory James Neal Greg Simerson Ronald Gilligan Andris Rozenberg Don Bulger Wayne Ronald Beck Peter Mizzoni Paul Kenneth Davis Robert Blake Healey Percy “Budd” Dave Latvanen Gordon A. Watt Frank Beal John Gary Purdy Eddie Stadelman Ken Paterson Al Booth Norman Peter Brown

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15-Jan-19 11-Jun-19 16-Jan-19 19-Jun-19 22-Jan-19 25-Jun-19 22-Jan-19 26-Jun-19 26-Jan-19 26-Jun-19 30-Jan-19 2-Jul-19 13-Feb-19 5-Jul-19 19-Feb-19 6-Jul-19 23-Feb-19 7-Jul-19 1-Mar-19 9-Jul-19 8-Mar-19 12-Jul-19 8-Mar-19 15-Jul-19

Al Booth 10-Mar-19 Robert Smith 26-Jul-19 James Dennis 11-Mar-19 John Taylor 18-Aug-19 Bill Cheetham 20-Mar-19 Francis Victor Clayton 31-Aug-19 Clifford Smith 2-Apr-19 Gordon Skrepnek 2-Sep-19 Joe Gibson 8-Apr-19 William Wretham 21-Sep-19 BryanLouis Ford Pursley 10-Apr-19 Walter 28-Sep-19 Kent Truman 15-Apr-19 Glenn Elden Raymer 5-Oct-19 Frank Clark 25-Apr-19 John Gaffey 02-Nov-19 Gordon Crawford 30-Apr-19 David Atwell

08-Nov-19 Alex Richard Smith Morris 15-May-19 Frank 16-Nov-19 Neil Murphy 26-May-19 David Mollison 23-Nov-19 Ronald Baskey 1-Jun-19 Richard Arthur Shangrow 23-Nov-19

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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.

William Davies

On December 28th, 2016 Toronto Fire Captain William Davies passed away at the age of 74 from Kidney Cancer. Captain Davies, also known as ‘Bill’, joined the Toronto Fire Department on April 10th, 1964 and was very proud to be of service to his community throughout the duration of his career. In 1978, Captain Davies was the very first fire fighter to be nationally recognized as ‘Firefighter o the Year’ by the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. Captain Davies was cremated and celebrated by his family, friends and fellow Fire Fighters on January 7th, 2017 at the De Stefano Chapel, Oshawa. In Honour of Toronto Fire Captain William Davies, a Memorial Plaque has been hung at TFS station 226.

District Chief Paul Dzuba

On September 12th, 2019 Etobicoke District Chief Paul Dzuba passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones. District Chief Paul Dzuba joined the Etobicoke Fire Department on February 18th, 1979 and was very proud to be of service to his community while he was on the trucks. DC Dzuba started and spend most of his career in Etobicoke at TFS Station 445, until his promotion to District Chief to TFS Station 212 on Car 21, A Platoon. DC Dzuba served Toronto Fire for more than 37 Years and was well respected by all. DC Dzuba’s funeral, attended by family, friends and fellow Fire Fighters, was held on September 18th, 2019 at St. Elizabeth Section Church in Newmarket, On. In Honour of District Chief Paul Dzuba, a Memorial Plaque will be hung at TFS Station 212.

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3888 RECENT HAPPENINGS

ns to the A humbling congratulatio Fighters’ e Fir l na sio Toronto Profes minated by Association for being no da as the Muscular Dystrophy Cana r Award.

Fire Department of the Yea

A proud group of Toronto Fire Fighters attended the 2019 Ottawa Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial honouring those members who have dedicated their lives to the Toronto Fire Services.

Congratulations to Fire Fighter Jess Clermont (231-A), who was honoured with the 2019 Fire Services Women of Ontario President’s Trailblazer Award.

While attending the IAF F Biennial Canadian Policy Conference this year, me mbers of our Association conversed with our Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and gifted him one of ou r TPFFA Fire Fighter Toron to Maple Leafs Jerseys.

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ther successful The 2019 Labour Day Parade was ano members, family year for the Toronto Fire Fighters; Our each other and and friends all came out to support Parade and the City of Toronto by marching in the CNE afterwards! celebrating with a fun filled day at the at the CNE this In addition, it was one HOT summer ters teach year; not only did our Toronto Fire Figh a hose line, but Toronto’s Jr. Fire Fighters how to use a little sun-shower! also helped them beat the heat with

One of Toronto’s Jr. Fire Fighters working away in the kitchen for his crew; wearing the new Red TPFFA Jr. Fire Fighter youth t-shirt, which can be found online at torontorfirefighters.org/store/ or at the Association office.

Toronto Fire Fighters volunteering at the Toronto Ladies 10k Run; helping motivate, encourage and hydrate all the runners who participated. Thank you!

BIG Thank You to our ne west recruits who canvas ed the streets of Toronto on Sep tember 27th, 2019 raisin g money for Muscular Dystrophy through a TPFFA Boot-Dr ive.

With countless donations from Torontonians, our newest members were able to rai se $28,940.11, which wa s donated to MD Canada. Congrat ulations to this recruit cla ss who graduated on Friday Decem ber 13th, 2019.

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