Fire Watch: Volume 14, Issue 2

VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 2

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION

Publications Agreement No: 41203011

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6

53.1%

Investigator

10

158

HAZ

2

3761

55 28

131152 63229

8

1.0%

0

6.0%

Pumper Rescue

4

2.8%

Senior Staff

10

Speciality

5

241

Squad

5

13018

4

High Rise

7.5%

29

81

1

NA TOTALS

Freightliner/ Emergency-One

1

2020

134' (41 meter ) Bronto

Emergency-One or Spartan/Bronto

230' (70 meter) Bronto

Mack/EmergencyOne/Bronto

1

Development

610 307105

-01-01 to 2019-12-31)

2019

Canteen Trucks

Freightliner/PK Vans

1

2020

Squad

TBD

1

2020

Command Spartan/SVI

2019

Service Truck

24

Busiest Unit by Unit Type

Busiest Unit by Unit Type Unit Type Aerial Air Light Chief Car Fire Investigator Command Vehicle HAZ High Rise Pumper Rescue Squad Senior staff Speciality Water tanker

ry (2019-01-01 to 2019-

ummary (2019-01-01 to 2019-

Unit ID A325 LA333 C33 FI13 CMD 10 HZ332 HR332 P314 R325 S313 C1 FB334 WT211

Sum of 2019 3022 297 5477 34 195 1991 4599 5868 4061 3586 14 188 4

26

Summary By Unit Type

lume 14 | Issue 2 | FIRE WATCH 20

Unit type Aerial Air Light

Chief Car

38

Command Vehicle

Count of unit ID 30 4

sum of responses 50906 910

2

382

19

Fire 10 Investigator

FIRE WATCH (ISSN 1715-5134) is published by 2the HAZ Rise 1 TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ High ASSOCIATION Pumper 55 14 Cosentino Drive, Toronto ON M1P 3A2 Rescue 28 Tel: 416.466.1167 Senior 10 Staff www.torontofirefighters.org E-mail: firewatch@torontofirefighters.org Speciality 5 CHIEF EDITOR Frank Ramagnano

This unit is anticipated to be ordered once the 2020 Capital Budget is approved This unit is in the process of being purchased using a non-competitive purchasing process.

The Freightliner chassis have been ready for some time, however there is a significant delay receiving the bodies due to large orders from other sectors (FedEx, UPS, Amazon).

The specification is almost complete with the expectation of a bidding process once the 2020 Capital Budget is passed.

This unit is anticipated to be ordered once the 2020 Capital Budget is approved The purchase order is being processed, with a pre-construction meeting expected soon.

|

ISSUE 2

IN THIS ISSUE

5

President’s Message

7

Secretary-Treasurer’s Message

Freightliner/Depen dable

*2020 funding is not completely allocated and other units may be ordered and/or existing priorities may change*

14

2019-12-31)

The cab & chassis is on order with the "pre-paint" inspection anticipated for March/April 2020.

VOLUME 14

2

1

1 to 2019-12-31)

d Total

High Capacity Foam Pumper/T ender

80

25 197

2020. A second group of units will be ordered once the 2020 Capital Budget is approved.

2019

Water THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TORONTO FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATIONFunds 1 PROFESSIONAL 4

%

e

1

4599

Tanker

/Rescues

38055

Vice President’s Message

11

Chaplain’s Corner

12

Hazmat IQ – Flame Impingement – A Source of CO?

14

TFS Demographics

22

TFS Communications – Anatomy of a Call

24

Grab the Torch

26

Member Profile on Glen Villa

29

Firehall Cookbook

30

Toronto Fire Historical Society – Early York Apparatus

32

Hold the Scene! A Fire Investigators Outlook

34

How to Get Fully Involved

Volume 14 | Issue 2 | FIRE WATCH 21

32

158 3761 4599

36 Behind the Mask: Maintaining Good Mental Health During our Retirement Career

131152 63229

38

Remember When...

80

41

Retired Toronto Fire Fighters’ Association!

42

Never Shall We Forget

44

Fit to Survive

46

Thank You TPFFA

241

Squad

5

13018

Water Tanker

1

4

MANAGING EDITORS James Reed, Suzanne Boss25 NA TOTALS 197 Tel.: 416.466.1167 Fax: 416.466.6632 E-mail: firewatch@torontofirefighters.org

9

610 307105

ASSISTANT EDITORS William Morris, James Kennedy, Mykhail Baehr, Ken De Jong, James Coones DESIGN AND ART DIRECTION Bryan Middleton FIRE WATCH PHOTOGRAPHER Mykhail Baehr & TPFFA Media Team CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL Agreement No: 41203011

VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 2

PRINTED IN CANADA Copyright © 2020 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

Our popular annual demographics issue!

A look at many interesting statistics from 2019.

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The Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (TPFFA) does not assume responsibility for statements of fact or opinion made by any contributor. Comments made by individuals may not reflect the official position of the TPFFA. Acceptance and publication of articles, advertisements, products and services does not indicate endorsement of same by the TPFFA, and the TPFFA assumes no responsibility for their accuracy.

THE OFFICIAL

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TORONTO PROFESSIO NAL FIRE FIGH TERS’ ASSO CIATION

Publications Agreeme

nt No: 4120301

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

T

he reality of life post-COVID-19 is not known yet, and its consequences for our society will play out over the rest of 2020 and beyond. Right now, we really need sober, smart, value-driven and focused leadership. Remember the old adage, “Crisis does not build character, it reveals it.”

There is no easy route through the crisis. Besides the obvious problem of selecting the correct path to take, leaders also face the monumental task of reassuring the public and persuading them to follow through on government decisions.

A wrong move could erode trust and unleash unrest that exacerbates the existing dangers. There’s no “playbook” for leadership when the stakes are high, and there’s certainly no playbook for what to do in the face of a 21st Century pandemic. We are all facing threats on multiple fronts at once: to self, family, employment, friends, suppliers, business, governmental and financial systems, and potentially our social fabric.

When it comes to taking action, a leader needs to judge exactly how much they can rely on individual co-operation through persuasion, and when they need to cross over into more rigid command and control. All of this will determine how you limit the damage of an emergency.

Leaders need to craft a good narrative that helps clarify the problem and unite the population if they are to attain the permissive consensus that is essential to be able to make decisions and formulate policies.

One common mistake, for instance, is to create a message that lacks consistency; discrepancies that will soon be reported in the media. Conflicting messages – such as the UK government’s initial statements over its aim to build “herd immunity” – can simply add to the feelings of confusion and distrust.

We have seen this play out in the USA as well. In the TFS, we have seen messages from the top leaders on how things should be done, only for it to be interpreted differently from managers who execute those decisions. This has been limited and addressed when it happens, but with any large organization that will take place.

South Korea’s rapid response may be an exemplary demonstration of the principles of effective crisis management.

The country had apparently started to stockpile coronavirus testing kits long before an outbreak had occurred on its own shores, allowing testing of 10,000 people a day when the infection rate started to climb, and a mobile app kept citizens constantly updated with the evolving situation.

Some of South Korea’s success must also be credited to President Moon Jae-in’s messaging, which was clear and consistent. The public were primed, from the very beginning, to see the outbreak as a national emergency, with regular television broadcasts and subway announcements reminding citizens of the danger. I also believe the way the City of Toronto’s Emergency Operations Centre has operated is an example of effective leadership as well.

Toronto was one of the first to act and provide clear communications.

Many leaders don’t appreciate how important messaging can be during times of crisis, particularly regarding consistency and openness. Some leaders, in contrast, may have been too optimistic in their initial attitudes to the outbreak, thus eroding the public’s trust in their capacity to contain disaster.

Recognize as well that things are changing on a daily or even hourly basis. Today’s realities are quite different than they were yesterday, and vastly different from just last week. Be flexible, be adaptive, and be willing to make difficult choices. Anchor everything in what’s most important: the

safety of everyone you’re responsible for. Recognize that much will change, but at the same time be extremely focused on your game-plan, week-byweek and even day-by-day. Things are changing at an incredible rate. Think strategically, conduct (and re-conduct) scenario planning—Plans B, C, and D—and be willing to adapt quickly.

Be judicious in your communication. Leaders must ensure that overall communication is increased, yet they should not overdo all-hands calls or organization wide e-mails. All leaders should be telling the same story, with confidence, compassion, and optimism: how to keep safe, how to work together, and how to ensure that everyone is focused on what’s most essential for the organization/family.

Most of all, manage yourself. You’re a human being and you’re stressed like everyone else—and probably in ways you may not even realize. Don’t let yourself get to the end of your rope.

Take the time to make sure you are as prepared and focused as you can be.

Stay balanced: get your exercise, eat properly, and make time for the people who are most important to you. You may be a leader at home, work or for some other organization. Be a leader that will be remembered for how they behaved during this crisis. As a leader, you should treat this COVID-19 crisis as a defining moment for yourself. Step up and lead accordingly.

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

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SECRETARY-TREASURER’S MESSAGE

D

eciding what to write in these articles is no easy task. I try to think of what people would like to hear about; a peek behind the curtain perhaps. I think about conversations I have had with members, things that may have surprised them. I consider current issues. Those are often long forgotten when the magazine is published.

Lately, it has been one critical issue after another. Luckily, I can bring you all of these things in one article.

It was a Saturday in the middle of October last year. A “Special Executive Board Meeting” to deal with issues surrounding both the Captain’s and District Chief’s promotional processes had been called. The Captain’s process was discussed first. Executive Members that had competed were not allowed into the room. That group stayed in an office at the other end of the building. Everyone remaining in the board room was fully aware that the decisions that we would make that day could have far-reaching consequences to individuals within the process. The Promotional Review Committee had several recommendations to consider. As well, there were several other options brought forward in the meeting. A lively debate took place.

Each of us taking turns having our say, arguing the merits of the proposal we supported. It was clear that nothing could fix the problem. What we were looking for at this point was a solution that had the least negative impact. It took a long time to hash out all of the options, but in the end, we agreed on what we would bring forward to management.

It was then time to deal with the District Chief’s Process. Again, several Board Members had to leave the room, and those who had competed in the Captain’s process came back in. They presented and debated ideas. The pros and cons were evaluated. That group knew that the task at hand could have significant pension implications for those involved. They reached an agreement

after a lengthy discussion. These would be the proposals that we took to management for consideration. As the next few weeks went on, we saw the implications of our decisions play out. Other issues arose based on the earlier decisions we had made. People were re-writing exams; others placed into temporary acting positions. Each change to the process created its own issues.

In March of this year, a by-election took There were no right answers to the proplace in South Command. Five members motional issues, but we did the best we stepped up to run for the vacant position. could. The same is true with COVID-19.

That was more than ran in the entire We don’t yet know if our decisions were 2019 Executive Board Election. the best or not. What I can assure you I assumed that people recognized is that the group makes the decisions; the significance of the decisions that the everyone gets an opportunity to make an Executive Board had been making. Then argument. we received the results, less than a 30% Perhaps I have given you that peek return rate. I have to admit to being very behind the curtain. A look at the types surprised. After what we had just been of issues we deal with, and how, I hope through, and are still dealing with in the for several things a year from now as promotional situation, only 30% voted. we approach our next Executive Board I spoke to many of the candidates after- Election. I hope those of you who have wards. Of course, no one wants to lose, been active in this Association consider but the most important thing for each of running. Stewards and Committee memthem was the low turn-out. bers from the floor, take every opportunToday we find ourselves amid the ity to learn and prepare yourself to seek COVID-19 Pandemic, likely the most election. Don’t be afraid to lose. Get your challenging time many of us have ex- name out there and get experience runperienced. The Association has been ning in an election. Campaign and listen involved since the beginning. We have to the membership. But the most importtried to ensure the highest level of com- ant thing that I can ask is that you vote munication, and even created a COVID- when the time comes. Remember what 19 Committee, making adjustments to the Executive deals with, problems that our other committees. We regularly have can affect your rank, pay, pension and break-out groups that work on specific benefits. You get to decide who is in the items to bring to management, to better room, making those decisions. We have the working conditions of our members. been through some trying times, and I The Board currently has a conference am proud to have been a part of the curcall every weekday and, if necessary, on rent Executive Board that has performed the weekend. We are regularly making exceptionally. It is never too soon to start difficult and important decisions on your planning for the future. behalf.

Throughout the Promotional Review Process and the COVID-19 Pandemic, members have both praised and criticized our response. Generally, when people James Reed, Secretary-Treasurer on both sides are unhappy, you know Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association you have reached a fair compromise. I.A.F.F. Local 3888

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH

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VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

T

he sky was dark as the rain began to fall. Each droplet pooled on the crowns of their service caps, forging a path down to the brim, ultimately finding the road below. Traffic was abruptly held at a standstill, while a sea of uniforms stood in puddles at attention. To the general public, this was a spectacle that drew onlookers. There was no break in the precession of women and men standing together in support of their fallen comrade. Firefighters lined both sides of the street, a formidable assembly of people not divided by rank, division or age.

All eyes were forward peering across to their brothers and sisters, opposite to them.

The single bagpipe whine pierced the silence, and the Honour Guard snapped to attention. It sent an eerie chill down my spine.

“Too many too often,” my mind painfully wandered. A mournful base drum, pounding out a repetitive tempo, that guided the precession of parade uniformed members out of the church.

Each step of the pallbearer’s unit marched in perfect precision, surrounding the coffin on either side. The vessel draped in a Canadian Flag enters the caisson pumper for the last call.

All the other represented flag colours bowed in honour when the deceased passed. An apparatus layered in bunting readied to assist with the final journey. The music grew louder when the rest of the band roared in time, signifying the beginning of the closing ceremony.

While exiting the church, Family and Friends were taken back by pure emotion at the first glimpse of the attachment shared by this profession. They were finding comfort, knowing that they were not alone. Understanding the magnitude of the number of people their loved one touched. Nothing would make this better, but compassion gave them strength. For the first time, they understood what it was like to be a Firefighter. The pride was overwhelming; they were part of an extraordinary bond, tied together forever.

A giant Canadian Flag strung up between two aerial ladders, flapping in the wind offered a patriotic landscape. As the motorcade started to weave a path through the long chain of blue, there was a sharp “Attention,” commanded the Marshal, and in unison, the company stood, silently, with their bodies stiff and straight. Standing shoulder length apart

concealing the view from the general public, a mass of over 500 stretched down the street.

Each person was waiting for their turn to pay their final respects.

In the full throat, the Toronto Fire Pipes and Drums set the pace, wearing their recognizable tartan. Each colour of the tartan represents or signifies a different meaning. Red is the symbol of fire. Blue, representing both the uniformed Fire Fighters and water. The white signifying the senior officers and the light, which finds its way through the smoke. The gold represents Staff Officers. The black is the smoke seen between the white and flanking the gold represents our fallen comrades.

A few steps behind the Toronto Firefighters War Veterans followed in suit. A dedicated group made up of volunteers who give their time and service to both Toronto Fire and the Military in the GTHA. The Cap bearer, with her arms extended, her handshaking passes. Although visibly standing alone, you cannot help but notice the support of the many that surround her. There is no greater honour, yet an unthinkable burden, for anyone who takes this journey.

As the in-service Pumper approaches, I wonder will it make that turn squeezing between the lines of firefighters on either side of the street. The truck staffed with the crew that last served with the man of honour. It was apparent the emotions of the day have taken a toll on everyone. There is an incredible bond that is hard to describe to an outsider. You would think the mind would dwell on the time spent together, dealing with the unthinkable, but it is only the beautiful memories that standout.

One by one, the Firefighters lining the street raise their white-gloved right hand to form a holding salute. It creates a domino effect as the procession passes. You cannot help but notice the strain etched into their faces. To some, it is too close to home as they reminisce about the words shared by family minutes before.

To think, “I have a daughter the same age” how hard it must be on these brave souls.

Nevertheless, standing as one gives the mass the strength to get through this. A tradition that will continue to provide support for those who will inevitably come next.

The antique vehicle with the Honour Guard flanking either side reaches the acknow-

ledgment. As their friend and comrade pass, there is a moment of reflection, a question of “WHY?” fills everyone’s thoughts.

One by one, each Firefighter’s release their gesture of respect as their hands fall to attention as the immediate family drifts along. The eyes of two families connected, sharing the pain. One knew him as Daddy or Honey, while the others had nicknames often not suitable to share outside of their group. As they move by, there is a sense of compassion and understanding. They are not alone; instead, that feeling replaced with a level of fellowship and belonging.

Although the events of this article are entirely fictional, it represents anyone we have lost.

It highlights the importance of our Firefighter Family. The importance of supporting one another, regardless of where you work or how well you knew someone.

A daughter of one of our members recounted her experiences after the celebration of the life of her father. I found it very touching, providing insight into what our traditions and rituals mean to the family of our fallen. That is what inspired me to write this article.

With her permission, I will share her Tweets: “you can picture a procession where the firefighters line the street, but you don’t understand the magnitude or how impressive” “And as we walk behind and you saw all the firefighters saluting. It was just………

No words will ever be able to describe the magnitude or how amazing it was” “I know my dad was so respected and honoured” The rain continued to fall, helping to conceal the emotions of many onlookers.

I often wonder if these are tears from heaven.

Kevin McCarthy, Vice President Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888 Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH

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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER Connected!

H

ow connected are you? It would be easy to think; “I have 300 contacts in my phone, 500 Facebook friends, 400 followers on my Instagram, 100 LinkedIn contacts, 9 cousins, 3 siblings, 2 children, etc., etc.” Now, how many of those folks would you have join you at your cottage or on a 1000 km car ride?

I’m willing to bet that your numbers just got whittled down to a handful.

We were made for relationships with God and with each other and yet relationships are hard because in some respects we’re all a little bit like a troop of porcupines that poke each other with their quills when they get close to one another. Relationships that are two way, caring, and mutually beneficial take work, commitment, forgiveness, patience, energy-- and yet they come with a huge payoff. When we just have a few significant friendships and connections, we are healthier, happier, and quite a bit more resilient for the curve balls that come with being on this planet.

While I’ve decided to focus on being connected, because it’s a positive approach, the impetus for this article actually began after I read an article on loneliness.

Before dropping some facts about getting connected (full disclosure), I only have a handful of close friends who I feel that I can truly be myself with. This is actually pretty normal and I’m very grateful for these folks being in my life.

Some facts (because who doesn’t love facts?): Men tend to have fewer friends as they age than women. Not having deep friendships denies a person the opportunity to share personal and emotionally sensitive information with others.

From Mental Health America: An Article Called “Connect with Others” In a recent study of older people, • loneliness is associated with a higher risk of high blood pressure.

• People with strong social and community ties were two to three times less likely to die during a 9-year study.

• In the UK there is a Minister for Loneliness!

• At the end of 2017, a UK government commission issued the results of a yearlong investigation into the prevalence of loneliness in the UK (conducted with the help of more than a dozen nonprofit organizations). According to the report, 9 million Britons suffer from loneliness—14% of the population.

Loneliness defined: To be without company. To be cut off from others.

Yet some feel this emotion despite being surrounded by others who care for them. This perceived sense of isolation is important to be cognizant of and to personally refute when that little voice in your head is telling you “Nobody cares”.

From an Article on the Canadian Family Physician Website (http://www.cfp.ca/content/64/3/166):

“Increasingly, loneliness is recognized as being an important social determinant of health. In late childhood and early adolescence, loneliness results in impaired sleep, symptoms of depression, and poorer general health. These same effects are seen across the lifespan, but also with increased doctor visits in adolescence and increased emergency department use in early to middle adulthood. Among older people, loneliness is common (prevalence ranges between 28% and 63%) and is recognized as a serious public health issue associated with increased cognitive decline, dementia, the likelihood of nursing home admission, health care use, and mortality in later life.” In response to this, Doctors are actually prescribing staying connected!!!!

Where Do We Go From Here?

Can you be the person that helps?

Every hall and every branch of the TFS needs at least one person who acts as a “connector”. Many families have a person who functions in this capacity. They are that person who makes peace, helps build bridges between people, maintains confidentiality, fosters sharing, and who overall lifts up others’ spirits.

Pick up that phone! If you own a car, use some of your drive time to call your mother, father, brother, sister, high school friend, etc. and check in. Please use headphones or bluetooth when making the call.

West Command Rev. Todd Riley 416.318.9167 tsriley@teksavvy.com

If possible, eat without a screen in front of you. Talk it up. Attempt some small talk. Ask about the other person’s interests, what they did on the weekend, etc., etc. If they shut you down - at least you tried.

Make an internal decision to be a friend and helper to others - understanding that in a lot of cases, you might not get a return, but be assured, you will find some “diamonds” along the way.

Maintain confidentiality. Telling a person’s story to entertain others is uncool.

Maintain confidentiality and be careful who you tell your stuff to - but do take the risk to be vulnerable in small chunks because there are some good people out there.

Join groups that foster community and care - hiking clubs, book clubs, church, synagogue, mosque, temple, hockey, soccer, etc.

Volunteer - whether it is at the food bank, a seniors home, place of worship, or with a neighbour who needs help. Serving others without thought of “what’s in it for me” is often its own reward - and the best thing is this - we are with other people and the focus is not on us, but them.

At the church I serve at, there is a lady, who, for the last 20 years, has run a once a month group called “The Encouragers”. The group has a simple premise and invitation - come and meet a friend. Come and be a friend. Find encouragement. Enjoy a nice lunch. All are welcome. There’s a lot of wisdom in that. Have a great day. Stay safe.

Thank you for your tireless and sacrificial service.

Todd.

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Hazmat IQ Flame Impingement A Source Of CO?

BY STUART WEST, TORONTO FIRE FIGHTER, STATION 145-B

O

ne summer day, early on in my career as a Toronto Fire Fighter, my crew and I were handing out information for our annual Alarm for Life Campaign. As my partner and I moved to the next house and approached the door, we could hear the distinct sound of a smoke or CO alarm going off. After knocking a few times it seemed that nobody was home, until suddenly, a woman came running up the driveway. She was quite concerned that something was wrong, as why else would fire fighters be knocking at her door? We assured her that we were just handing out fire safety information, but that we could also hear what sounded like an alarm going off inside her home. She invited us inside and we quickly realized that it was her CO alarm going off, which necessitated a quick sprint back to the truck to retrieve the CO detector. The CO levels were over 100ppm and after investigating, we came to find out that she had been boiling tomatoes on a gas range stove in the basement. The pot was quite large and had seemingly smothered the flame, preventing the proper ratio of fuel to air, resulting in a buildup of CO in her home. Since that experience, I have become a Hazmat Technician and also a Civilian Gas Technician. In my training, I have come to learn that what took place that day is known as Flame Impingement.

As fire fighters, we are keenly aware of the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. At the same time, we are also very familiar with what the common sources of Carbon Monoxide are in residential settings.

However, some may not be aware that an object, simply impinging on a flame can also cause incomplete combustion, resulting in the production of Carbon Monoxide.

How does flame impingement cause the production of Carbon Monoxide? In the case of gas appliances in our homes, it is critical that excess air be permitted to access the combustion zone to prevent incomplete combustion. When an object impinges upon the flame, that excess air is prevented from participating in the combustion process, and without a proper amount of air to balance with the fuel, the result is incomplete combustion and the production of Carbon Monoxide. Another common example of flame impingement that occurs commonly in residential settings are gas fireplaces. When your Gas Technician commissions the appliance for the first

12

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 12

time the logset will have a particular arrangement. If you’ve had someone clean the inside of the firebox and the logset was not returned to exactly the correct positions, the logs may begin to impinge on the gas flame. Signs of this will include the glass front of the fireplace becoming coated with soot in a very short order, in addition to the inside of the firebox and the vent termination on the exterior of the house.

Where flame impingement can be of particular concern, is in the case of an, unvented appliance. Examples of unvented appliances in the home are gas ranges and dryers. If the flame in your furnace was being impinged upon, it might be an annoyance, in that your system would likely be very inefficient and drive up your gas bill.

However, because the products of combustion are vented to the outside in a furnace, it would likely not impact human health, unless the venting system was compromised. Although, if the flames on an unvented appliance are being impinged upon, there is nothing to prevent a buildup of Carbon Monoxide in the living space itself.

Most over the range exhaust fans are not close enough to the burners nor powerful enough to exhaust all of the CO and is only present as a Building Code requirement in order to exhaust moist air from cooking activities.

Typically, we do not use our gas cooktops for all that long; certainly not long enough for a household CO alarm to register a high reading. However, there are occasions where this can occur, such as in the case of the home we encountered doing our door to door Alarm for Life campaign on that hot summer day. People who have existing health conditions, like the elderly and/ or young children, are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of CO poisoning and may not require the same cumulative dose of CO as a healthy adult to cause some serious harm.

The moral of the story here is to do a thorough investigation. All gas appliances in the home have the ability to cause CO production, so we need to look past the typical culprits, such as the furnace or hot water tank. Follow the SOG’s and the training notes, eliminate one source at a time. A faulty CO alarm should only be considered after all potential sources have been eliminated.

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 13

Toronto Fire Services Staff Complement by Rank - 2019 ION DIVIS tion on ti reven Fire P blic Educa u and P ons unicati Comm nd tems ation a Inform nication Sys u m m o C

re/data Softwa is s analy e istrativ Admin s e ic v r e S hanis-Mec ervice S in m Ad nce intena cal Ma s Service nce Admin ical Maintena n a h c Me

FIREFIGHTERS

DISTRICT CHIEFS

MANAGEMENT/ EXCLUDING STAFF/ LOCAL 79

TOTAL

51

9

12

235

60

9

4

3

76

10

4

2

2

18

4

1

1

2

8

7

1

1

46.3

55.3

37

7

2

4

50

37

7

2

3

49

29

4

3

36

4

1

1

6

60

23

2,714

1

2

7

7

7

105.3

3,212.30

g lannin ency P Emerg

2,121

509

1

4

ct and , Proje Policy Information Public ent agem r Man Senio Staff*

DISTRICT CHIEF/ SENIOR FIRE BOAT CAPTAIN

163

g and Trainin l Operations a Technic

* tions* Opera

CAPTAINS

2,402

619

1

85

Note: Based on approved positions as reflected in the 2019 Operating Budget and Organizational Chart. *Senior Management Staff* - Fire Chief, Deputies & Administrative Assistant at Fire Chief’s Office*

14

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 14

1 1 8 8 4 10 10 10 2 6 5 2

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Average Age 45.9 46.0 46.3 46.6 46.9 46.7 46.2 45.9 45.6 46 45.6 45.6 Average Years of Service 17.4 17.5 17.6 17.9 18.1 17.7 17.9 17.9 17.5 16.9 16.4 16.3 Average Age when starting 31.7 30.7 30.6 28.3 31.4 30.1 30.3 30.5 29.8 29.4 30 29.6 Average age when retiring 56.1 56.3 56.8 56.9 58.6 57.7 57.9 59 58.6 56.5 57.7 58.8 Average sevice when retiring 30.4 30.5 31.6 29.3 32.0 30 30.8 30.8 30.6 30.5 32.1 30.5 Operations

Captain Average Age 52.9 53.3 53.9 53.9 54.4 54.7 53.6 54.2 53.6 54.8 55.4 55.9 Captain Avg Years of Service 28.0 28.3 28.6 28.5 28.9 29.1 28.8 28.2 28.5 28.7 30.4 29.5 DC Average Age 58.2 57.4 57.6 56.8 57.1 56.9 55.8 55.8 56.3 56.1 56.6 59 DC Avg Years of Service 33.8 33.7 33.8 33.2 33.1 32.6 32.4 31.2 32.1 32.3 33.8 34.6

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973

100 149 97 87 157 89 160 93 40 89 97 79 49 50 52 40 63 158 84 93 105 0 135 68 133 67 69 68 126 190 181 129 111 67 99 83 71 35 52 52 24 27 9 5 3 0 1

Left TFS

28 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

# of Members

1 2 4 6 9 8 9 7 8 5 5 2 1

# of District Chief per each Service Year

51 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 68

District Chief Years of Service

31 40 39 71 103 94 53 31 17 22 10 7 5 2 3

# of District Chiefs each age

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 38 39 40

Age of District Chiefs

2 7 8 20 24 34 40 46 62 55 51 48 41 29 25 20 9 4 1 1

# of Captains per each Service Year

47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 66 67

Captain Years of Service

# of Captains each age

249 93 83 153 46 100 90 34 71 87 68 43 34 39 37 48 138 61 75 91 121 59 111 54 59 53 93 129 117 72 44 22 36 24 20 4 12 7 5

Age of Captains

0-1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

Start Date

# of Members each Service Year

# of Members each age 1 5 3 19 30 28 29 49 65 53 67 62 55 75 68 68 62 51 53 51 49 64 45 54 77 95 84 85 79 104 88 92 98 103 111 105 97 96 75 64 43 32 27 10 1 1 1 1

Years of Service 3888 Members

Age of 3888 Members 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 66 67 68 69

117 107 100 91 78 120 116 70 120 84 113 87 60 49 60 50 91 65 98 124 70 65

* This chart is produced from data on record January 1st, 2020 in Operations Division.

498 members can retire without a penalty as of this date. 333 are over 50 years old with at least 30 years service and 164 are 50 with an 85 factor*

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 15

Demographics and Statistics...Continued from page 15

FleetFleet Purchasing Status asFebruary of February Purchasing Status as of 10, 2020 10, 2020 New Truck(s)

Quantity Budget Year

Builder Chassis/Body

Status

2019/20/21

Pumper /Rescues

Spartan/Dependabl e

1

2019

High Capacity Foam Pumper/T ender

The first group of eleven units are currently in production with the first deliveries expected in May 2020. A second group of units will be ordered once the 2020 Capital Budget is approved.

Freightliner/ Emergency-One

The cab & chassis is on order with the "pre-paint" inspection anticipated for March/April 2020.

1

134' (41 meter ) 2020 Station 332 Bronto

Multiple

1

Top 5 Busiest Stations This unit is anticipated to

312 230' (70 Development 325 meter) Funds 331 Bronto 313

2

1

1

1

Emergency-One or

Sum of 2019 Spartan/Bronto 17500 11590 Mack/Emergency10234 One/Bronto 8650 8036

be ordered once the 2020 Capital Budget is approved This unit is in the process of being purchased using a non-competitive purchasing process.

The Freightliner chassis have been ready for some time, however there is a significant delay receiving the bodies due to large orders from other sectors (FedEx, UPS, Amazon).

2019 The specification is 3,440with the almost complete expectation of a bidding 3,180 process once the 2020 Capital Budget is passed.

179,535 This unit is anticipated to be ordered72,848 once the 2020 Capital Budget is approved 1,606 The purchase order is 16,989 being processed, with a 9,764 pre-construction meeting expected soon.

19,743

Busiest Unit by Unit Type

Busiest Unit by Unit Type

Unit Type Unit ID Sum of 2019 Aerial A325 3022 Air Light LA333 297 Chief Car C33 5477 Fire Investigator FI13 34 Command Vehicle CMD 10 195 HAZ HZ332 1991 High Rise HR332 4599 Type Pumper Busiest Unit by P314Unit 5868 Rescue R325Unit ID4061 Sum of 201 Unit Type Squad S313A325 3586 3022 Aerial Senior staff C1 LA333 14 Air Light 297 Speciality FB334 Chief Car C33 188 5477 Water tanker WT211 4 Fire Investigator FI13 34 Command Vehicle CMD 10 195 HAZ HZ332 1991 Summary By UnitHR332 Type 4599 High Rise Pumper P314 5868 Count of unit sum of Rescue R325 4061 Unit type ID responses Squad S313 3586 Senior staff 30 14 Aerial 50906C1 Speciality FB334 188 Air Lighttanker 4 910 WT211 Water 4 Chief Car

19

38055

Summary byBy UnitUnit TypeType Summary Unit Call Report Response (2019-01-01 to 2019-12-31) Command 2 382

2019

Canteen Trucks

Freightliner/PK Vans

Carbon monoxide TBD hazardous materials Emergency Fire Medical 2020 Command Spartan/SVI Non-Emergency Other Emergency Events Service Freightliner/Depen Technical Rescue 2019 Truck dable Vehicle Incident *2020 funding is not completely allocated and other units may be ordered and/or Totalmay unit responses 307,105 existing priorities change* Total unit Emergency 305,499 Responses 2020 CBRNSquad and

Vehicle

Unit type

Count of unit sum of ID responses 30 50906 104 158 910

Aerial Fire Air Light Investigator Chief Car 19 HAZ 2 Command High Rise 1 2 Vehicle Pumper 55 Rescue 28 Fire 10 Investigator Senior 10 Staff HAZ 2 Speciality High Rise 5 1 Pumper 55 Squad 5 Rescue 28 Water 1 Senior Tanker 10 Staff NA 25 Speciality 197 5 TOTALS

38055 3761

4599382 131152 63229 158 80

3761 241 4599 131152 13018 63229 4 80 610 241 307105

Unit Responses and Dispatch Summary (2019-01-01 to 2019Unit Responses and Dispatch Summary 12-31) (2019-01-01 to 2019-12-31) Command North East South West Other Total

2019 69,969 61,802 111,212 62,827 1,295 307,105

Squad

5

13018

Water Tanker

1

4

NA TOTALS

25 197

610 307105

Events by Command Command South East North West total 16

Non emergency events

Emergency events

Grand Total

29

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 16

111 231 332 334 114 335 421 333 212 321 324 411 345 TFS Station 341

Air Light Air Light

Command Vehicle

SPECIALTY

Command Vehicle

PUMPER Air Light Air Light CHIEF CAR AERIAL AERIAL AERIAL AERIAL Unit Type AERIAL

LA111 LA231 CMD30 FB334 CMD10 P335 LA421 LA333 C21 A321 A324 A411 A345 Unit ID A341

158 171 187 188 195 236 284 297 866 886 930 1000 1050 Unit Response 1054

Unit Response Summary

TFS Station TFS Station 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 332 332 4330 4330 211 211 234 234 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 235 235 4330 4330 145 145 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 111 111 231 231 332 332 334 334 114 114 335 335 421 421 333 333 212 212 321 321 324 324 411 411 345 345 341 341 421 421

Unit Type Unit Type

Fire Investigator Fire Investigator Fire Investigator Fire Investigator

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Senior Staff Senior Staff HAZ HAZ Senior Staff Senior Staff Water Tanker Water Tanker SPECIALTY SPECIALTY Senior Staff Senior Staff Senior Staff Senior Staff Senior Staff Senior Staff Fire Investigator Fire Investigator Fire Investigator Fire Investigator

N/A N/A N/A N/A Senior Staff Senior Staff Senior Staff Senior Staff Senior Staff Senior Staff Senior Staff Senior Staff SPECIALTY SPECIALTY SPECIALTY SPECIALTY HAZ HAZ N/A N/A SPECIALTY SPECIALTY Fire Investigator Fire Investigator Fire Investigator Fire Investigator

N/A N/A N/A N/A Fire Investigator Fire Investigator

N/A N/A N/A N/A Fire Investigator Fire Investigator Fire Investigator Fire Investigator

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A CHIEF CAR CHIEF CAR N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A CHIEF CAR CHIEF CAR CHIEF CAR CHIEF CAR CHIEF CAR CHIEF CAR Air Light Air Light Air Light Air Light Command Vehicle Command Vehicle

SPECIALTY SPECIALTY Command Vehicle Command Vehicle

PUMPER PUMPER Air Light Air Light Air Light Air Light CHIEF CAR CHIEF CAR AERIAL AERIAL AERIAL AERIAL AERIAL AERIAL AERIAL AERIAL AERIAL AERIAL AERIAL AERIAL

Unit ID Unit ID FI2 FI2 FI6 FI6 ALPHA1 ALPHA1 CHARLIE1 CHARLIE1 DELTA1 DELTA1 DELTA2 DELTA2 MR2 MR2 ZMPS1 ZMPS1 C4 C4 HS332 HS332 C6 C6 WT211 WT211 DE234 DE234 C2 C2 C9 C9 CFI1 CFI1 FI7 FI7 FI10 FI10 FI14 FI14 FI15 FI15 C3 C3 C7 C7 C8 C8 C1 C1 TRS235 TRS235 SUP7 SUP7 HS145 HS145 FI16 FI16 BOX12 BOX12 FI9 FI9 FI5 FI5 FP306 FP306 MPV341 MPV341 FI4 FI4 FI12 FI12 REHAB01 REHAB01 FI8 FI8 FI3 FI3 FI13 FI13 FP301 FP301 FI11 FI11 FP302 FP302 C10 C10 FP305 FP305 FP304 FP304 FP303 FP303 C20 C20 C30 C30 C40 C40 LA111 LA111 LA231 LA231 CMD30 CMD30 FB334 FB334 CMD10 CMD10 P335 P335 LA421 LA421 LA333 LA333 C21 C21 A321 A321 A324 A324 A411 A411 A345 A345 A341 A341 A421 A421

Unit Response Unit Response 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 13 13 13 13 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 22 22 23 23 23 23 23 23 26 26 28 28 28 28 30 30 34 34 34 34 40 40 43 43 67 67 84 84 87 87 92 92 100 100 104 104 107 107 119 119 158 158 171 171 187 187 188 188 195 195 236 236 284 284 297 297 866 866 886 886 930 930 1000 1000 1050 1050 1054 1054 1073 1073

4330 421 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 332 4330 211 234 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 235 4330 145 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 111 231 332 334 114 335 421 333 212 321 324 411 345 341 421

Fire Investigator

AERIAL

Fire Investigator

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Senior Staff HAZ Senior Staff Water Tanker SPECIALTY Senior Staff Senior Staff Senior Staff Fire Investigator Fire Investigator

N/A N/A Senior Staff Senior Staff Senior Staff Senior Staff SPECIALTY SPECIALTY HAZ N/A SPECIALTY

Fire Investigator Fire Investigator

N/A N/A

Fire Investigator

N/A N/A

Fire Investigator Fire Investigator

N/A N/A N/A N/A CHIEF CAR N/A N/A N/A CHIEF CAR CHIEF CAR CHIEF CAR Air Light Air Light

Command Vehicle

SPECIALTY

Command Vehicle

PUMPER Air Light Air Light CHIEF CAR AERIAL AERIAL AERIAL AERIAL AERIAL AERIAL

FI2 A421 FI6 ALPHA1 CHARLIE1 DELTA1 DELTA2 MR2 ZMPS1 C4 HS332 C6 WT211 DE234 C2 C9 CFI1 FI7 FI10 FI14 FI15 C3 C7 C8 C1 TRS235 SUP7 HS145 FI16 BOX12 FI9 FI5 FP306 MPV341 FI4 FI12 REHAB01 FI8 FI3 FI13 FP301 FI11 FP302 C10 FP305 FP304 FP303 C20 C30 C40 LA111 LA231 CMD30 FB334 CMD10 P335 LA421 LA333 C21 A321 A324 A411 A345 A341 A421

1 1073 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 4 4 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 11 11 11 13 13 14 15 15 16 17 18 22 23 23 23 26 28 28 30 34 34 40 43 67 84 87 92 100 104 107 119 158 171 187 188 195 236 284 297 866 886 930 1000 1050 1054 1073

TFS Station 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 332 4330 211 234 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 235 4330 145 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 4330 111 231 332 334 114 335 421 333 212 321 324 411 345 341 421

Unit Type Fire Investigator Fire Investigator

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Senior Staff HAZ Senior Staff Water Tanker SPECIALTY Senior Staff Senior Staff Senior Staff Fire Investigator Fire Investigator

N/A N/A Senior Staff Senior Staff Senior Staff Senior Staff SPECIALTY SPECIALTY HAZ N/A SPECIALTY

Fire Investigator Fire Investigator

N/A N/A

Fire Investigator

N/A N/A

Fire Investigator Fire Investigator

N/A N/A N/A N/A CHIEF CAR N/A N/A N/A CHIEF CAR CHIEF CAR CHIEF CAR Air Light Air Light

Command Vehicle

SPECIALTY

Command Vehicle

PUMPER Air Light Air Light CHIEF CAR AERIAL AERIAL AERIAL AERIAL AERIAL AERIAL

Unit ID

FI2 FI6 ALPHA1 CHARLIE1 DELTA1 DELTA2 MR2 ZMPS1 C4 HS332 C6 WT211 DE234 C2 C9 CFI1 FI7 FI10 FI14 FI15 C3 C7 C8 C1 TRS235 SUP7 HS145 FI16 BOX12 FI9 FI5 FP306 MPV341 FI4 FI12 REHAB01 FI8 FI3 FI13 FP301 FI11 FP302 C10 FP305 FP304 FP303 C20 C30 C40 LA111 LA231 CMD30 FB334 CMD10 P335 LA421 LA333 C21 A321 A324 A411 A345 A341 A421

Unit Response 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 4 4 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 11 11 11 13 13 14 15 15 16 17 18 22 23 23 23 26 28 28 30 34 34 40 43 67 84 87 92 100 104 107 119 158 171 187 188 195 236 284 297 866 886 930 1000 1050 1054 1073

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 17

Demographics and Statistics...Continued from page 17

Operational Events

Top Stations Top5 5Busiest Busiest Stations Station 332 312 325 331 313

Sum of 2019 Top 5 Busiest Stations 17500 11590 Station Sum of 2019 10234 332 17500 8650 312 11590 8036 325 10234 331 313

8650 8036

Unit Call Report Response (2019-01-01 to 2019-12-31) 2019 Unit Call Report Response (2019-01-01 to 2019-12-31) to 2019-12-31) Unit Call Report Response (2019-01-01 Carbon monoxide 3,440 2019 CBRN and hazardous 3,180 3,440 materials Carbon monoxide Emergency CBRN Fire and hazardous 179,535 3,180 materials Medical 72,848 179,535 Emergency Fire Non-Emergency 1,606 Medical 72,848 Other Emergency Events 16,989 1,606 Non-Emergency Technical Rescue 9,764 Other Emergency Events 16,989 Vehicle Incident 19,743 9,764 Technical Rescue Total unit responses 307,105 19,743 Vehicle Incident Total unit Emergency Total unit responses 305,499 307,105 Responses Total unit Emergency 305,499

Responses

Unit Responses and Dispatch Summary (2019-01-01 to 201912-31) Unit Responses and Dispatch Summary (2019-01-01 to 201918

12-31)

Command 2019 Command North 69,969

2019

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 18

Command Vehicle HAZ High Rise Pumper Rescue Squad Senior staff Speciality Water tanker

CMD 10 HZ332 HR332 P314 R325 S313 C1 FB334 WT211

195 1991 4599 5868 4061 3586 14 188 4

Summary

By By UnitUnit Type Summary Type Unit type Aerial Air Light

Chief Car Command Vehicle

Count of unit ID 30 4

sum of responses 50906 910

2

382

19

38055

Fire 10 Investigator

158

HAZ

2

3761

Pumper Rescue

55 28

131152 63229

High Rise

1

4599

Senior Staff

10

80

Speciality

5

241

Squad

5

13018

Water Tanker

1

4

NA TOTALS

25 197

610 307105

Operational Unit Responses

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 19

Demographics and Statistics...Continued from page 19

20192019 Command Dispach Summary Command Dispatch Summary

Command

Non-Emergency Events

Emergency Events

E

313

30,081

Grand Total 30,394

N

258

28,950

29,208

S

526

44,282

44,808

W

251

29,768

30,019

Grand Total

1,348

133,081

134,429

Data obtained from TFS CAD system Data period 2019-01-01 to 2019-12-31

Operational Performance 2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

# of Emergency Incidents

114,703

115,782

121,131

132,669

133,081

# Effective Firefighting Force Incidents (Limited to Structure Fire Incidents)

18,376

17,512

17,538

18,889

17,823

90 Percentile

00:51

00:49

00:48

00:50

00:47

% of Standard Achieved

95%

95%

96%

95%

96%

90 Percentile

02:12

02:08

02:20

02:31

02:16

% of Standard Achieved

45%

50%

50%

46%

51%

90 Percentile

05:03

05:03

05:02

05:07

05:18

4:00min

% of Standard Achieved

76%

75%

76%

76%

72%

Total Response Time

90 Percentile

07:11

07:03

07:03

07:17

07:17

% of Standard Achieved

82%

83%

83%

82%

81%

90 Percentile

10:29

10:28

10:29

10:39

10:50

% of Standard Achieved

89%

90%

90%

88%

87%

Call Processing All Emergency Time Incidents 1:04min Turnout Time

1:20min

th

th

th

First-In Response

Travel Time

6:24min Total Effective Response Firefighting Time Force Response 10:24min

20

th

th

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 20

Age of Current Fleet Year of Manufacture

TFS Unit No.

Disposition No.

Make

Model

AERIALS

Disposition No.

Year of Manufacture

TFS Unit No.

2007

24152

P324

Spartan

Disposition No.

Year of Manufacture

TFS Unit No.

Smeal

2013

25054

R231

Spartan

ERV

Make

Model

Make

Model

2001

27014

A222

Spartan

Smeal

2007

24153

P432

Spartan

Smeal

2013

25055

R421

Spartan

ERV

2004

27024

A321

Spartan

Smeal

2007

24155

P426

Spartan

Smeal

2014

25057

R412

E-One

E-One

2005

27027

T333

E-One

E-One

2010

25033

P211

Spartan

Crimson

2014

25059

R425

E-One

E-One

2006

27030

A131

Spartan

Smeal

2010

25034

P333

Spartan

Crimson

2014

25062

R321

E-One

E-One

2007

27032

A113

Spartan

Smeal

2010

25035

P312

Spartan

Crimson

2014

25063

R345

E-One

2007

27033

A244

Spartan

Smeal

2010

25037

P325

Spartan

Crimson

2014

25064

R122

E-One

2007

27034

A411

Spartan

Smeal

2010

25038

P141

Spartan

Crimson

2014

25065

R241

E-One

E-One

2007

27035

A213

Spartan

Smeal

2010

25040

P322

Spartan

Crimson

2016

25072

R413

Spartan

ERV

2007

27036

PL432

Spartan

Smeal

2010

25041

P331

Spartan

Crimson

2006

27037

T114

E-One

E-One

2010

25042

P314

Spartan

Crimson

2009

27038

A341

Spartan

Smeal

2010

25043

P323

Spartan

Crimson

2009

28015

S313

Spartan

Seagrave

2012

27039

A322

Spartan

Smeal

2013

25056

P332

Spartan

ERV

2012

28016

S331

Spartan

Dependable

2012

27040

A142

Spartan

Smeal

2014

25058

P433

E-One

E-One

2013

28017

S143

Spartan

Dependable

2012

27041

A415

Spartan

Smeal

2014

25060

P445

E-One

E-One

2016

28018

S445

Spartan

Dependable

2012

27042

A441

Spartan

Smeal

2014

25061

P315

E-One

E-One

2016

28019

S232

Spartan

Dependable

2012

27043

A133

Spartan

Smeal

2017

25066

P227

Spartan

ERV

2012

27044

A433

Spartan

Smeal

2016

25067

P121

Spartan

ERV

25068

P132

Spartan

ERV

Dependable

E-One E-One

SQUADS

SUPPORT

2015

26034

A315

E-One

E-One

2016

1998

30017

DECON 234

2015

26035

A331

E-One

E-One

2016

25069

P114

Spartan

ERV

2005

30031

WT211

Freightliner

2015

27045

A135

Spartan

Smeal

2016

25070

P233

Spartan

ERV

2005

30032

HAZ332

Spartan

Seagrave

2015

27046

A421

Spartan

Smeal

2016

25071

P311

Spartan

ERV

2008

30034

COM10

Freightliner

PK Vans

2015

27047

A226

Spartan

Smeal

2017

25073

P142

Spartan

ERV

2009

30035

HMS332

Ford LCF

DEL Unicel

2015

27048

A345

Spartan

Smeal

2017

25074

P146

Spartan

ERV

2010

30036

HAZ145

Spartan

Dependable

2017

26036

A312

Spartan

Smeal

2017

25075

P221

Spartan

ERV

2010

30038

A/L 421

Freightliner

Dependable

2017

26037

A426

Spartan

Smeal

2016

25076

P313

Spartan

ERV

2010

30039

A/L 231

Freightliner

Dependable

2017

26038

A324

Spartan

Smeal

2017

25077

P344

Spartan

ERV

2012

30044

COM30

Freightliner

EVI

2017

26039

A325

Spartan

Smeal

2017

25078

P442

Spartan

ERV

2015

30061

MPV341

Ford F550

CET

2018

27049

A215

Spartan

Smeal

2017

25079

P145

Spartan

ERV

2015

30062

P552

Ford F550

CET

2018

27050

A231

Spartan

Smeal

2018

25083

P222

Spartan

ERV

2015

30065

TR235

Freightliner

Dependable

2018

27051

A423

Spartan

Smeal

2018

25084

P226

Spartan

ERV

2015

30066

A/L 333

Freightliner

Dependable

2018

25082

P135

Spartan

ERV

2015

30067

A/L 111

Freightliner

Dependable

2018

25085

P343

Spartan

ERV

2015

30070

Rehab

Freightlinter

PK Vans

PUMPERS 1997

24076

P335B

E-One

E-One

2018

25080

P111

Spartan

ERV

2018

30073

HR332

Spartan

Dependable

2004

24114

P131

Spartan

Smeal

2018

25081

P232

Spartan

ERV

2018

30072

HR 114

Spartan

Dependable

2006

24118

P335

Ford

Dependable

2019

30076

HMS145

Isuzu

NRR DEL Unicel

2007

24133

P123

Spartan

Seagrave

RESCUES

2007

24134

P422

Spartan

Seagrave

2009

25026

R411

Spartan

Smeal

2007

24136

P431

Spartan

Seagrave

2009

25027

R341

Spartan

Smeal

2007

24137

P443

Spartan

Seagrave

2009

25028

R224

Spartan

Smeal

2007

24138

P234

Spartan

Seagrave

2009

25029

R235

Spartan

Smeal

2007

24139

P244

Spartan

Seagrave

2009

25030

R133

Spartan

Smeal

2007

24140

P116

Spartan

Seagrave

2009

25031

R115

Spartan

Smeal

2007

24141

P143

Spartan

Smeal

2009

25032

R112

Spartan

Smeal

2007

24142

P125

Spartan

Smeal

2010

25036

R426

Spartan

Crimson

2007

24143

P242

Spartan

Smeal

2010

25039

R423

Spartan

Crimson

2007

24144

P113

Spartan

Smeal

2010

25044

R225

Spartan

Crimson

2007

24145

P342

Spartan

Smeal

2013

25045

R444

Spartan

ERV

2007

24147

P223

Spartan

Smeal

2013

25046

R434

Spartan

ERV

2007

24148

P245

Spartan

Smeal

2013

25047

R441

Spartan

ERV

2007

24149

P334

Spartan

Smeal

2013

25048

R243

Spartan

ERV

TRAINING (PDT) 2005

24119

TRP2

Spartan

Seagrave

2005

24120

TRP1

Spartan

Seagrave

2004

24113

TRP3

Spartan

Smeal

2016

24156

TRP4

Spartan

ERV

2016

24157

TRP5

Spartan

ERV

2007

24154

TRP6

Spartan

Smeal

MECHANICAL & FIRE BOAT 1964

10111

WL Mackenzie

1982

10110

Wlm Thornton

2003

20285

MRU20

GMC C8500

Seagrave

20299

MRU40

Freightliner

Dependable

30037

MRU10

2007

24150

P212

Spartan

Smeal

2013

25049

R134

Spartan

ERV

2005

2007

24151

P415

Spartan

Smeal

2013

25050

R325

Spartan

ERV

2011

2013

25051

R214

Spartan

ERV

2013

25052

R326

Spartan

ERV

2013

25053

R435

Spartan

ERV

Dependable

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 21

Communication is important in any relationship, especially in the Fire Service, with the relay of information from the Incident Commander right down to the Junior Member. American Businessman Peter Drucker once said, “The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” Knowing how to communicate in a stressful environment can greatly influence the outcome of an event. Call taker and dispatcher knowledge of the service and various incidents can greatly assist in communicating the details of events to responding members, as well as help the caller. An experienced dispatcher can begin to predict requests of the IC and make pre-emptive calls to Toronto Hydro, Gas Companies, Security, Police and Paramedic Services. Understanding the need for these individuals and agencies can help an incident move along much smoother and more efficiently. It is understandable at times, that the fireground can be a whirlwind of questions and decisions that must be made. The dispatcher needs to be the calm in that storm, especially when the incident is growing.

At times, it is appropriate to suggest additional resources to the IC, however, picking the right time to do so can be tricky. The role of the Incident Management System is to remove the many “cooks in the kitchen,”

22

so the dispatcher needs to be cautious about when and how these suggestions are made. There is never a good time for the dispatcher to cut off firefighter transmissions for anything other than life and safety concerns, which are usually made with the use of the alert tones, followed by a repeated message. Depending on the alarm level of the incident, the dispatcher will wait for a break in the transmissions for general event information. In the case of a growing incident, making use of the Strategic Channels provides an open line of communication. Toronto Firefighters face a wide variety of challenging emergencies and that list is constantly growing, making the use of effective incident communication and call taker/dispatcher fireground knowledge that much more important.

Unlike some communications centres, our members are trained in communicating as a dispatcher and a call taker. This ensures a fair distribution of duties over the course of a tour. Hearing “what isn’t said” can be effective in assisting responding crews and a caller. In the case of a phone call with an open line, or a scared child, the call taker needs to try picking out information from the background while asking questions or contacting a translator. Hearing the crackling of fire, a woman calling for help, coughing or alarm bells

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 22

can assist in setting up the correct event to ensure the appropriate apparatus are sent.

Understanding some of the basics of firefighting can assist the call taker in understanding the caller and the situation they are being faced with. Like the other divisions in Toronto Fire, members in Communications bring some type of skillset or experience that can assist a caller or responding apparatus. A certification in mechanics or business for example, mixed with some knowledge of the fireground can help communicating with a caller, but can also assist in how the incident is explained in the call record. These are some of the assets our members bring to the team that help an IC determine whether to request additional resources prior to arrival of the first truck. While the Communications Division is not actively involved in firefighter training scenarios, every day and every call can be a learning opportunity.

Not every call is routine, and it is not uncommon for a resident to call on a non-emergency phone line to ask a question, only to have that conversation turn into an event.

While we do have questions that we ask to assist in determining the event type, some callers simply do not have the answers, and those answers are the key to t he city. “Toronto Fire, do you have any more information on this call?� It is the responsibility of the call taker to gather as much information as possible to assist the crews. Many times, that information is vague or nonexistent. Things like entry codes may not be possible to obtain, and many times we rely on a superintendent or a security service to assist us. The Communications Division utilizes a database in the CAD system (CAD DBM’s, as they are commonly referred to), where information about a building, resident or hazard can be stored. In some cases, the answers to the entry code question or another type of building access issue can be found in there. Sometimes, these pieces of information are provided by the keyholder or resident, or occasionally, from one of our members who had previously responded to the address. Unfortunately, Toronto Firefighters attend some addresses more than

others, and those that are not attended as often have outdated information. If possible, try to gather access information for a building, which other members can use. When you return from the incident, simply call Communications to have that information entered into the system. By providing this information, we are able to communicate with more members attending in the future. A level of priority can be added to the message that will allow it to show up immediately for a call taker to see when setting up a call, or for firefighters to see on their printout.

Some calls received are tiered from other agencies, and while that agency is communicating with the caller, they are also trying to provide Toronto Fire with that information. Call takers will continue to call these agencies to request more information if there seems to be a lack of specific details, but Communications does not have control of the call and are only able to provide the most updated details shown on the mobile data terminal. In the case where firefighters are away from the truck, any event updates are transmitted via radio to the Captain. Police related calls are received via a direct phone call from that police service, but calls for assistance from the Toronto Paramedic Services come through the CAD system. This is a real-time update of information. Toronto Paramedic Services call takers have a process to follow and with each answer they receive, it takes them down a different route of more questions and assistance. This could delay the input of more information regarding the incident, especially if they are having difficulty gathering information or are providing life-saving instructions. Toronto Fire will provide all information possible about the call, but with a tiered response, that could be difficult to communicate.

Communication could be defined in the emergency services as sharing information to achieve a successful and safe outcome of an incident. If we all work together to successfully achieve the safe outcome of a call by clearly communicating with each other at all levels and divisions, then we have provided an exemplary level of service to the citizens of Toronto.

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 23

“Grab the

Torch

”

BY TORONTO FIRE FIGHTER GEORGE VIGNEUX, STATION 123-C

On October 26th, 2007, my father passed away from cancer.

It started a year prior with the removal of a lung, but that wasn’t enough to keep him down or, more surprisingly, off the golf course. He ultimately succumbed to brain cancer after an inspiring battle.

The following spring, a close friend of mine and cancer survivor asked me to support him on his endeavour to ride his bike to Niagara Falls in support of the Princess Margaret Ride to Conquer Cancer. Instead of donating to just one person, I thought that I was capable of doing more, so I joined the ride and set up my own team (JPV-777) in honour of my late father.

It would be the first of 3 rides to the Falls in support of cancer research. It was inspiring to say the least and gratifying to help further the important cause of cancer research, which, as you know, will affect all of us at one time in our lives.

I decided to take it upon myself to diversify my charitable work and next chose Alzheimer’s disease to focus my efforts. I quickly learned people were happy to chip in a few bucks for a 24

worthy cause. I raised the money through charity poker games, golf tournaments and hockey pools at the local pub. Next up was another worthy cause - The Ride for Heart & Stroke, which is a 75 km bike ride from the CNE to York Mills and back along the Gardener Expressway and DVP. While it wasn’t the scenic ride to the Falls, it was a unique experience to ride along two of the busier highways in Toronto and make better time than the cars the following day. The turnout for this event is incredible and emotionally motivating. At this point, I’m going to guess you recognize a common theme in my efforts, and that’s my two wheels. Cycling inspired me to quit smoking, stay in relatively good shape and was a means to an end for charitable causes.

This year, I chose to support Camp BUCKO, a burn camp for kids in Ontario, because as a firefighter, I could think of no better cause than kids facing that kind of adversity. Camp BUCKO provides an opportunity for children recovering from burn injuries to meet other children who share similar feelings and experiences, in a camp environment. The camp provides these children with a chance to share their stories and to bond with each other. Most of all, camp is a place to have fun and learn new things. It is a benefit for children in these circumstances to attend a program such as this; to build self-esteem and to cope with life beyond their burn injury.

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 24

Camp BUCKO’s Mission Statement is a fun, safe and caring camp program free to kids ages 7 to 17 with burn injuries. Their residential setting encourages campers to participate in a variety of social, recreational and therapeutic activities that promote self-esteem, the development of leadership skills, and fosters personal growth. At Camp BUCKO, kids have a place where they can be themselves without feeling different or alone.

The Camps Aims and Goals are: • To have a fun-filled outdoor adventure.

• To create a sense of community by providing a place where campers can learn about themselves and others with similar experiences.

• To introduce campers to dynamic role models by including adult burn survivors as Camp BUCKO volunteers.

• To promote each child’s unique abilities and strengths as steps in enhancing self-acceptance.

• To promote opportunities to learn about working in groups as well as in one-on-one interactions among peers of the same and opposite sex.

It is inherent in all firefighters to want to help people when they need it most. I’m proud to say that with the support of family, friends and co-workers, we have raised over $1000 for the camp.

It’s a win-win situation all around with raising money for worthy causes and allowing other people to help out and feel they’re also making a difference. The bottom line is to get out there and set up your own events and be part of the solution.

I will be retiring soon, so I’d like to challenge you to “Grab the Torch” and run with it to make a difference in a variety of people’s lives.

Fire Fighter Vigneux’s father golfing with an Alligator!

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 25

Member Profile on

G

len Villa was born in downtown Toronto in February of 1986. His parents left their hometown of Medellín, Colombia, in the late ‘70s due to the rising violence that plagued the streets during the cartel wars. They moved to Canada with hopes of finding a better life for their future kids.

Glen’s path to firefighting can be traced back as early as grade 10. Glen was in class when news broke of the 911 attacks. He witnessed his teacher crying, while he and his class watched on the news as airplanes flew into the towers and the Pentagon. At the time, it was hard to fathom what was going on. As the days passed, he paid close attention to the stories of heroism and sacrifice that emerged from that grim day. Unbeknownst to him at the time, those events would change the direction of his life forever. Glen says, “I believe that in our profession, this is known as the calling.” Shortly after this experience, he applied for a 13-week Co-op with Brampton Fire and Emergency Services. “Back then, as a co-op student, you actually rode the trucks and participated in the calls. My very first call was a live hanging, and I was asked to hold

26

BY TONY MACDONALD, RETIRED TORONTO FIRE CAPTAIN the patients’ legs while a firefighter cut the rope supporting him. We were able to save a life that day, and at the young age of 17, I knew immediately that I had found my purpose.”

During his co-op, he remembers some sage advice that was given to him by a firefighter. “When you graduate from fire school, there’s going to be 3000 other guys with the same piece of paper you have. It’s up to you to distinguish yourself.” With those words and the vivid memories of 9-11 resounding in his mind, on March 3rd of 2006, he enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces.

He began the first six years of his military career with the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, and was posted to Shilo, Manitoba.

At the age of 22, he deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, as a machine-gunner with the battle group on task force 1-08. Tasked with patrolling the PanjwayiZhari district, which sustained some of the heaviest fighting throughout the war, each day was a battle for survival. “The beginning of the tour was pretty quiet, and there were only a few gunfights and road-side bombs. Once the fighting season kicked in, we were engaged in combat almost daily. One of the most valuable skills I gained was in becoming a specialist in organizing chaos. The fighting season was long, and towards the end of the tour, 22 of my colleagues had already been killed. At times I was really questioning if I was going to make it home or not. In one instance, my Captain was shot and killed right beside me in battle. That experience weighed heavily on me for years to come, but eventually, I was able to spin it into positive energy that I channelled towards helping others and supporting mental health initiatives and fundraisers.” Despite dodging death numerous times, he says he gained an appreciation for life in Canada, and a perspective on our world that he wouldn’t have otherwise attained.

Some of his military highlights include: - Representing his unit twice in Normandy, for the commemoration of the 70th, and 75th anniversary of D-Day. - Training with a multinational brigade in Galicia, Spain.

- Providing security for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics at Whistler.

- Deploying domestically to the hard-hit areas of the Manitoba floods in 2011.

- 14 static line jumps as a paratrooper In 2012, he completed his full-time contract with the military and moved back to Toronto, where he has continued to serve with the reserves for almost eight years. “Coming home was bittersweet, I was happy to be back, but it quickly became a low point in my life. I had lost my sense of purpose.

When I was deployed overseas, I was halfway around the world, representing the will of the Canadian people. Every step I took could have been my last, and yet, being so close to death was the most alive I had ever felt. It was dangerous, but I was there to try to give people a better way of life. I learned what it meant to serve a purpose, that was greater than myself, and that was very rewarding for me.”

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 26

Glen Villa Not one to stay still for too long, Glen continued to seek meaningful ways to further his skills, volunteering his time and landing a position as a rescuer on an international disaster response team called ERTSAR. He deployed to Staten Island, New York, in response to Hurricane Sandy in 2012, and to the Philippines in 2013 in response to Super Typhoon Haiyan.

His team specialized in U.S.A.R, but also put their EMR medical training to use. “New York was more about the structural assessment and collapse mitigation while searching for victims in an organized environment. The Philippines, on the other hand, had massive windswept trees strewn everywhere, rendering most of the ravaged islands inaccessible. We used various methods of insertion, including helicopters and boats. I spent a lot of time on the chainsaw breaching routes into remote villages so we could set up mobile hospitals to treat survivors and replenish the area with supplies.�

In the years that followed, he bounced around a few interesting jobs while his Fire Department application was going through.

This included: driving 14,000 kilometers up and down western Canada testing the new police interceptor vehicle for Ford Motor Company, working construction installing iron cladding on the exterior of high-rise condos using swing stages and zoom booms, and working in the film industry as a weapons handler

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 27

Member profile...Continued from page 27

for movies such as Robocop, and Suicide Squad.

Glen completed his NFPA 1001 qualification in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texa and started his professional firefighting career with Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services, where he worked on a Squad and an Aerial. Next, Glen worked for the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, where he gained a thorough understanding of CANDU (Canadian Deuterium) Nuclear Reactors and how to perform Emergency Response duties within a nuclear environment.

In 2018, drawn to the action of the big city and eager to serve in his hometown, he began his career with Toronto Fire Services. Since then, He has found Toronto Fire to be very supportive of his military career.

Even though Glen is one of our newer firefighters, he has embraced old school values.

He has donated his time in support of Camp Bucko, participated in various muscular dystrophy fundraisers, and also a sleepover drive. Added to those events are the Terry Fox run, City TV Christmas tree charity event, Easter seals Telethon, Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Toronto, and his attendance at the Fallen Fire Fighter Foundation Ceremony in Ottawa.

Some of his other charitable work includes embarking on a 36 man Expedition that summited Vinson Massif, which, at 4892 meters, is the tallest mountain in Antarctica.

With the help of the True Patriot Love Foundation, this expedition helped raise 2.4 million dollars for wounded veterans and their families as well as for soldiers transitioning from military to civilian life.

He was also a lead navigator and support crew for an eight-man team that placed 2nd in the Race Across America (RAAM), posting a finishing time of 5 days 16 hours, setting the Canadian record. This ultra-distance cycling race spans continental America for more than 4800 km, from Oceanside, California, to Annapolis, Maryland. Through the race, team “True Patriot Love,” was able to raise $132,000 for wounded veterans and PTSD initiatives. RAAM is 1500 km longer than the Tour de France, and is completed in one stage!

Glen is Stationed on P-132, on D Platoon. “My first six-alarm fire was when York Memorial Collegiate burned. It was pretty wild to see the scale of such a fire. I was involved in hitting hydrants, assisting with pump operations, setting up monitors, and manning the tip of the aerial” “The first time I was the driver of the pumper, I ended up pumping when we were first-in at a house fire. I never thought that pumping would be exciting, but the adrenaline was going as my crew made an entry with me supporting their lifelines from the pump. I was relieved and proud that everything went smoothly.”

“The craziest call I’ve had was when covering a shift in South. We had to breach a door with a suspected gunman with a baby inside. The police were right behind my partner and me with their guns drawn. I won’t lie, it brought back some memories, and definitely got my blood pumping! “ Outside of firefighting and military duty, Glen enjoys working on his mustang and playing sports like volleyball and soccer, and he enjoys salsa dancing. He has also recently prioritized travel, hoping to have visited 40 countries by the time he hits 40 years of age. Presently, at age 33, Glen has been to 28 countries. He remains committed to helping others maintain balanced mental health and getting involved with the department in any way he can.

28

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 28

WHO doesn’t like bacon? or BBQ? This will satisfy the whole crew!... Keto, low carb, good fats, clean and healthy.

Ingredients

Ingredients

2 pork tenderloins 1.5 cups dried cranberries 2 lbs bacon 2 boxes turkey stuffing Butchers twine

Main Dish Ingredients: • 4 chicken breasts • 4 slices of bacon • 1 mango thickly sliced • The Keg spice OR salt, pepper and freshly chopped dill • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided, or to taste • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper • 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley • 12 oven ready lasagna noodles • 16 ounces ricotta cheese

Directions Prepare stuffing as per directions mixing in dried cranberries and allow to cool.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Layout uncooked bacon in a braided pattern on a piece of parchment paper.

Filet both pork tenderloins so they are flat.

Lay the first tenderloin on top of the braided bacon.

Pack the cooled stuffing down the center if the first tenderloin keeping it slightly away from either end.

Place the second tenderloin overtop the stuffing forming a pocket between the two tenderloins.

Wrap the braided bacon overtop the stuffed tenderloins ensuring complete coverage.

Using the butchers twine wrap the two tenderloins together holding the bacon in place.

Place on a pizza pan or other cooking tray that will allow the grease to drain away from the meat.

Cook on the middle rack of the oven Place a cookie sheet or similar almost full of water directly underneath the meat tray to catch grease.

Cook for approx. 1 hour at 375 or until the bacon is fully cooked.

Slice and enjoy with pork gravy.

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

• 1 egg pound mozzarella •1 cheese, grated •1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Side Dish: Mango-Bacon Rice Stir Fry •1 cup jasmine rice cooked •4 slices bacon chopped •1 /2 to 1 mango chopped • o ne floret of broccoli •h alf of a sweet red onion 2 sweet peppers chopped

Directions Main Dish: 1. Butterfly cut your chicken breast, then lightly tenderize each side with a meat tenderizer (hammer) 2. Generously sprinkle the Keg Spice on each side 3. Place 1-1/2 inch of the bacon slice on the top edge of the chicken breast and one thick slice of mango on the bottom.

Roll the chicken from the bottom up, then continue until the bacon wraps around the chicken. (no toothpicks required!)

4. Preheat your BBQ, then cook the chicken on low/medium heat, about 8-10 minutes each side (3 sides) until you are sure the chicken is cooked through (depends how big your breasts are) Total time should be approx. 30 minutes on the grill.

Mango-Bacon Rice Stir Fry 1. Chop and cook the bacon on a pan over medium/high heat 2. Stir in chopped peppers, onions and broccoli, and simmer until cooked but firm 3. Add desired amount of rice to pan and stir to mix.

4. Stir in chopped mango pieces.

5. Salt/Pepper to taste.

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 29

30

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 30

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 31

BY TORONTO FIRE INVESTIGATIONS CAPTAINS, TIM DONIS & MARC DUNN

The City of Toronto has the largest Fire Department staffing compliment in the country, which courageously meets the highest call volume while serving almost 10% of the entire country’s population every night. To meet this demand, more than 2,700 brave men and women work around the clock to keep people safe and limit the damage caused by fires.

This comes with many challenges that are recognized by other agencies and people throughout the country.

In this city, we have a (relatively) newly formed Fire Investigations (FI) Division. The division serves the population by attending fires of significance around the clock to aid in determining cause, origin and circumstances of these fires and to assess fire safety pertaining to Codes and Standards. This raises unique challenges separate from the Fire Departments’ role in suppression activities. In part, the investigators process involves: • a scene examination where the investigator is required to assess the building for an area of origin • removal of all building materials such as drywall, plaster and insulation pulled down during overhaul from the area of origin, • removal of all building contents in an organized method to ensure every item is examined and using the scientific method eliminating or confirming an item as a potential ignition source, • taking forensic samples to identify materials, and • a scene reconstruction to best replace the items to their perceived original position before the fire.

The above points all contribute to the

32

collection of data phase of an investigation. Depending on the amount of damage caused by a fire, Fire Investigators are required to spend anywhere from five hours to five, 12 hour days on a scene to accomplish the task as sometimes heavy machinery is required to safely remove debris to uncover an area of origin. Each fire then yields an RMS report, a scientific report, statistical recordings and as a Provincial Offences Officers and Assistants to the Fire Marshal, the preparation of any files for the court, which may be discovered during this process to add a factor of deterrence to Fire Code Violations in the future.

Any of the infractions may require attendance in court to substantiate perceived charges, re-inspections or even issuance of legal orders, including the order to close a premises in extreme cases.

The Fire Investigation Division began with seven investigators at the end of 2016 working the Fire Prevention day shift of four-day tours, alternating Friday and Monday off. 24-hour service was provided via on-call off-hours and on weekends. Lead by a Monday to Friday District Chief, the division now has a staffing compliment of 10 investigators who work on two shifts during 11 and 12.2-hour daytime shifts and provide after-hours coverage via on-call. Due to scheduled and unscheduled absences, it is not uncommon for an investigator to cover 5 or 6 nights on-call during a 28 day cycle, while maintaining extension of the work day when called nearing the end of scheduled shifts.

While on call, our standby response criteria is based on SOG INVE 03.2 – which requires that investigators respond to fatalities, critical injuries, explosions, fires in a vulnerable

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 32

occupancy (care/care and treatment facilities) and incidents with CO that cause a transport to the hospital overnight. Any normal incident, not fitting in with this emergency response criteria may require the scene to be held based on a discussion between the on-call investigator and the incident commander. While a scene is being held, since an investigator has not been on scene to begin documenting details and because there is a potential for the Office of the Fire Marshal or Toronto Police to be called by an investigator; removal of any items from the scene should not take place and access into the scene should be restricted to fire personnel or police (who have separate response criteria.) In extreme cases where items must be removed for health reasons or items

are removed for public service reasons such as a wallet, shoes, medication, or clothing, each item is required to be documented by the person who removes it. Preventing a scene from being disturbed is of the utmost importance so that scene continuity is maintained to prevent any legal issues with other involved agencies as well as to prevent the possibility of a rejected insurance claim from the owner or tenant as items of significance may accidentally be removed or altered. When Police are involved it is especially important to transition in mindset from a scene being a fire scene to a potential criminal scene.

The Fire investigations unit is set up to; provide statistics on all fires, help prevent fires, educate the public, and reduce the risk that the community and fire department personnel are exposed to when fires occur through lessons learned.

Notification by the Operations Division and Fire investigations have helped the fire service’s Public Education Division develop some significant targeted initiatives. The ‘Don’t Be A Flicking Idiot’ campaign arose from the large number of balcony fires in Parkdale caused by discarded cigarette butts. The current ‘Fire Happens Fast’ arose from the large number of kitchen fires and is intended to remind the public of the dangers of unattended cooking.

Our success as a unit relies heavily on the transition of the emergency scene from Operations staff to Investigations staff. The contribution by suppression personnel in holding the scene is invaluable, especially over night when an investigator may not be actively on shift. As a division, we thank Operations staff for this service as it allows investigators the time required to do our job and serve the people of Toronto to the best of our ability as we strive to meet the excellence exhibited by operations staff on a day to day basis.

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 33

How to Get FULLY INVOLVED!

band formed in 1998 and has evolved over the years. We have our own Toronto Fire Services “Tartan” (the patterned cloth making up our kilts) which was registered in 1999, with the assistance of Andrew Cunningham, 442D and with the support of Chief Stewart.

KEN: What is the origin of the tunes you play and the marching you do?

JOST: Generally, when we march, we follow a military formation with the Drum Major (Dave Archer, 313D) in the front. We then form up in ranks with the Pipe Major (Donna Bakewell, Retired FP) on the right side, with the other pipers forming up in ranks beside and behind her, followed by the drums. The tunes (NOT SONGS!) are generally Scottish in origin but we also play Irish tunes, especially while marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

Some of the tunes the band plays are called “Massed Band Tunes”. These are tunes that the majority of pipe bands around the world know. For example, Scotland the Brave is a “Massed Band Tune”. On many occasions, we have combined bands with other Fire Department bands where we will call out a “Massed Band Tune,” so everyone can play together.

CAPTAIN KEN DE JONG 345-A

Toronto Fire Services Pipes & Drums Band An Interview with Toronto Fire Fighter Jost Kaempffer, Band President, Station 332-A

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 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?

JOST: We are the Fire Chief’s Pipes & Drums Band and our main purpose is for ceremonial and bereavement events. We provide the music for the ceremonies that are associated with the Fire Department such as memorials, funerals, recruit graduations, parades and larger events involving the Fire Chief or representing the fire department. The

KEN: How do you recruit members?

JOST: For recruitment, we host an open house once a year at the Fire Academy, which gives those interested an opportunity to learn more about the band, the commitment of being a member, and to answer any other questions they may have. A large component of recruitment also stems from word-of-mouth or seeing the band perform. We encourage members of TFS to join the band, as they understand and respect the importance of being in uniform, however, we also get requests to join from members of the public, which we are also open to. It would be ideal to have 75% of the band be represented by Toronto Firefighters, as we deal with a lot of job-related events (LODD and active member funerals) that closely affect our whole department. With that being said, we are very grateful to our talented civilian members, as they volunteer their time throughout the year and are a big reason the band is sounding so great! For those who are reading this and are interested in learning more, please don’t hesitate to contact me at Station 332 – A Platoon, or send an email to the band.

KEN: What is the commitment for a member?

JOST: We have a certain number of “gigs” that we consider mandatory. The Toronto Fallen Firefighter Memorial, the Ontario Fallen Firefighter Memorial and the Remembrance Day Ceremony are the three biggies. We have numerous funerals (especially LODD funerals) that we ask you to do your best to be there, but as there are a lot, you can get a little burned-out attending all of them. We also have a lot of fun events that are optional, but if you don’t make it to the mandatory events then you’re not meeting your commitment.

We also expect people to attend at least one practice a month (but we hope they make more than that!)

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

JOST: I think going to the World Bagpipe Championships in Scotland would be my answer (we’ve been twice, in 2013 and 2018). There are THOUSANDS of pipers and drummers and when you are on the field with all of them, playing the Massed Band Tunes – it’s an amazing experience! A local event that I would say is when we played with The Chieftains at Roy Thompson Hall. That was pretty epic!

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

JOST: It’s whatever you put into it. When I joined the Fire Department, I did a ride-a-long with Donna Bakewell and she asked me if I ever considered the Pipes & Drums. I said no (although I could read music and play piano and drums). I was interested, so I learned the fingering on a “chanter”, which is a practice instrument that looks like a recorder. I was at Station 441 at the time and I practiced so much around the hall, I was called the “snake charmer”! After about a year, I moved up to a practice set of bagpipes and then worked my way up, until purchasing my own set of pipes. It’s a very steep learning curve and the key is to just practice a little every day. For the drums, it’s the same process, where you start on a practice pad, move up to a drum, then learn to drum while marching.

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

JOST: We practice every Thursday from 7 until 9 at the Fire Academy. When it comes to events, we have a band website that’s just for the members and it has all of the details of the events.

Sometimes, the department provides a vehicle and we transport all of the instruments from the Academy and sometimes people take the instruments after a practice night and we meet right at the event.

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

JOST: For the pipers, you are expected to purchase the practice chanter and then when the time comes, your own bagpipes. For the drummers, you purchase a set of sticks and a practice pad, but the drums are provided by the band. The uniform is provided by the Fire Department (but if you leave the band, you return the uniform). Travel costs are your own, but when we travel a long distance (e.g. we’ve been to Scotland a few times), we do some fundraising, but anything not covered by the fundraising is the responsibility of the members.

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

JOST: At the Chieftains event, we got to meet Chris Hadfield, the Canadian Astronaut. That was very cool. We’ve met plenty of politicians over the years, performed at halftime during the Toronto Wolfpack (rugby) game and we’ve marched in numerous victory parades for TFC, the Argonauts and most recently the Raptors Championship parade. We have travelled to Calgary for the Stampede and also down to the IAFF Fallen Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs, which is pretty phenomenal as well!

KEN: What would you say to someone out there thinking of joining the Pipes and Drums?

JOST: Come check us out and I promise you it’s a lot of fun and it’s a great group of people. If you like to travel, we do that. We’ve been to Belgium, France, Holland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the United States and all over Canada. You’ll meet amazing people. There are some somber events, but there are a lot of fun events as well.

KEN: Any final thoughts?

JOST: It’s a very dedicated group and I don’t think people realize how much time it takes up when you join the band – but it’s totally worth it! You never know how you will do at it unless you try!

Come give it a whirl if you’ve even had a thought about it.

CONTACT INFORMATION & SOCIAL MEDIA Jost Kaempffer, Station 332-A Cell: (905) 865-9165 Email: torontofire_pipesanddrums@hotmail.com Website: https://torontofirepipesanddrums.myband.io/ Instagram: @torontofirepb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorontofirePB/ Twitter: @TorontofirePB

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Letter from the Editor…

Lynn Sciberras

Continuing to approach my eligible retirement date causes with high anxiety, which is the opposite of how it should be. me to think more about my next chapter in life, what it will It’s a definite change initially and will not be without challenlook like, how I will spend my time, what new adventures ges entirely; however, more often than not, change presents and challenges I will find. With this in mind, I realize more many great opportunities. and more that retirement planning is necessary as it can be We work more than a third of our life to get to that stage daunting if approached too early or too late, even haunting called retirement, what I call a ‘new norm’. When I phrase for that matter, so it remains on my radar yet in the back of retirement this way with those I speak and engage in convermy mind for now. Overthinking can cause anxiety. sation with, the initial anxiety is reduced tremendously. John I never thought about retirement as a career, by its definition does a great job in his article below, he delves deeper into alone, “work or a profession”. Looking outside the box, we these aspects and outlines ways of maintaining good mental live longer, we are social beings; we need to remain menhealth in our retirement chapter, so I invite you to read on. tally and physically active and need to engage in something we enjoy.

PEER SUPPORT / CIS RESPONSE TEAM CONTACT SHEET Really, no different than a working Name Station Shift Email Address Phone # career, except with more time to fill in retirement! We retirement, like a Jenn Greenlaw HQ/Comms 4 jennalex1923@gmail.com 416-220-8425 Lynn Sciberras HQ Days lynn.sciberras@toronto.ca 647-409-3135 career, hopefully, lasts many years, 3 Days/wk tfseap@toronto.ca 416-338-9557 Chris Rodrigues/MHP 322 Sean O'Connell 333/FP Days sean80446@gmail.com 416-510-2673 so I think of it more as a journey of Mike Sehl 143 A michael_sehl@hotmail.com 647-200-2065 (continued) learning plus other asCary Stather 244 A cstather@sympatico.ca 289-314-8100 Marcus Martyn Jones 324 A m.martynjones@gmail.com 416 873-0954 pects of living (travelling, hobbies Joshua Kramer 331 A jkramer_27@hotmail.com 519-831-0184 Louis Chow 344 A ChowL@live.com 647-401-0821 etc.), all hope to be enjoyed in lonBrian Mc Alinden 212 A bmcalinden@me.com 905-391-5118 Hugh Doherty 332 A hugh.doherty@sympatico.ca 416-433-0446 gevity and good health! In this way, Rodney Johnson 226 B johnston@torontofirefighters.org 647-223-2121 ‘retirement career’ makes sense and John Malcolmson 322 B johnmalcolmsonpeerteam@gmail.com 416-553-6046 Louise Chen 115 C 416-919-8098 louise.deanne.chen@gmail.com is the one I want to see through and Robert Jackson 333 C robertjackson@hotmail.ca 905-419-4545 Dan Hansen 421 C danhansen0839@gmail.com 226-387-3557 not as a destination but a journey!

Darren Taylor 142 D darren.taylor@rogers.com 416-697-7842 Sidney Zigah 143 D smkz45@hotmail.com 416-990-0044 To be able to do this, I need to have Dave Smith 235 D das_051379@hotmail.com 905-424-4407 my physical and mental faculties, John Drimmie 235 D johndrimmie@gmail.com 905-903-2574 Rob Vandenberg 243 D rob.quartus@gmail.com 905-377-3123 to make decisions around activities Tony Mellozzi 315 D tony_rockclimb@hotmail.com 416-562-0253 Adina Kaufman 133 D adina_kaufman@hotmail.com 416-949-5359 and to be able to function reasonBernie Leufkens Retired tapemeasure92@hotmail.com 905-449-3047 ably well to fulfill them.

Alan Thomas Retired ibasquarepeg@sympatico.ca 416-540-6610 Chaplains Over the years, I have spoken with Ted Leck Chaplain NORTH tleck@rogers.com 647-461-4047 many TFS staff who enter retirement Barry Parker Chaplain SOUTH bparker@stpaulsbloor.org 416-271-7540 Todd Riley

Chaplain

Communications 416-338-9000

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WEST

toddriley@outlook.com

City EAP 416-392-6633

416-318-9167 Jan 2020

TORONTO FIRE SERVICES EAP/CIS NEWSLETTER 2

Maintaining Good Mental Health During Our Retirement Career - John Malcolmson

Retirement as Another Chapter in Life We day-dream about it and imagine it as that perfect Chapter.

We talk about it, we look forward to it. But do we plan for it?

I’ve read that many spend more time planning a two-week vacation than a life event that may last as long as their working career.

Planning for this life event should start about five years before our actual retirement date. While we all may not be 100% ready for retirement, having a plan helps us prepare mentally and financially for what’s ahead.

Looking at retirement as a career change may help provide a lens that keeps us focused on all the events that happen during this phase of life. Why? Careers are planned; we work to achieve this outcome. People outline objectives to develop personal skills, progress in responsibility with an organization and maintain a healthy balance in life during the employed phase of life. Retirement has the same success when planned in the same way.

During our career with TFS, we are provided with training and resources to recognize the cause, effect and symptoms of stress exposure. It’s important to keep in mind that the exposures accumulated during a career retire with you. Knowing that those same stress exposures will disappear may provide relief, but the trauma and stress experienced can stay with you. I have compared each exposure to a rake-full of leaves that you put in a bag, as we do each fall. Eventually, the bag becomes too full to put in more leaves, starts to break down and gets too heavy to pick up. But there we are, still working to get another bag to fill. We take these bags of leaves with us into retirement so they need to be managed in order to maintain good mental health in our retirement career. They may be a distance away but the exposures have occurred and still need to be managed.

Retirement is not a continuous holiday where the sun is always shining during happy hour, sad but true. Our working career presents stresses and challenges and we still establish goals. Retirement is best planned the same way. Set goals, anticipate lifestyle changes including that shining sun during happy hour, and also prepare for any unforeseen circumstances.

Retirement has changed. The retirement experience of present generations is different from previous generations because of improved health, opportunities, activity levels and finances. These are positives that can reduce stress during retirement. The effects of ageing, loss of identity, diminishing health and death will present challenges that need also be recognized and effectively managed during this career.

When our career with TFS is complete, we take the stress exposures with us to manage, but you leave a part of yourself behind.

We’re members of a team that spend over 100 hours together almost every month. We share stories, meals and work experiences, from the mundane to the exceptional - together. Our role with that team has carried the status of our knowledge. We’re often thanked by unknown citizens for the work we do accompanied by a hand shake or a smile as a demonstration of their gratitude.

Off duty hours are not completely removed from the workplace and vice versa. Text messages, phone calls, email and social media keep us connected to our work and the people we work with. These can disappear quickly. I included a retired member in an email when making plans for a social night out. The next time we met

TORONTO FIRE SERVICES EAP/CIS NEWSLETTER

I was told by that person that they were overjoyed to be included, saying they don’t get as many social invites from active members as they used to.

Over 100 hours a month are full-time hours that should be planned to some degree. How will your time be filled? In this day and age, we can have 2-3 decades in a retirement career and our skills and experiences remain of value. Many retiring baby boomers are challenging themselves with a new career or academic pursuits, just as in our working career, continuous learning serves in defining our role in our new life space. We must re-discover or create our (new) identity. The plan would include something to retire to - a new routine, hobby, schedule, place, people, skill/learning, a way to continue developing value in ourselves.

A continued health plan for both our physical and mental health also needs attention. Members have a benefit that will provide $3,500 per annum for mental health care until the age of 65. A relationship established with a mental health provider during our working years should be maintained the same as we maintain a health care regime with our family doctor and dentist. These relationships provide an ability to monitor health and maintain it throughout retirement. We spend more time visiting all areas of health care as we age. These are not only a clinical connection to monitoring our health; they guide us through both good and challenging times, they are also a social connection with an individual who knows many things about us that many others in our life may not.

Humans are social creatures. We seek each other out and wish to engage with each other. This can be as informal as shovelling the walkways with a neighbour after a snowfall or structured in a team event. Jake, a newly retired neighbour who thought he would golf three days a week and the rest would take care of itself, quickly found that he was not fulfilled with golf alone, he was not caring about his score. “Just hitting the ball for the sake of hitting the ball.”

That’s how he summarized the third month of retirement. The costs associated with this unlimited opportunity to golf also provided a moment to reflect. This pace could not be maintained. He had to come up with a plan. He sought out new groups to get involved with and has started a new romantic relationship which also introduced him to the sport of dragon boat racing. New friends, a greater variety of activities and a means to maintaining good health.

Mind and body are connected and equilibrium is necessary to be healthy. During retirement, we will change. This should be no surprise as we all experienced dramatic changes during puberty. These changes too were both physical and mental. This same experience will happen again, with similar frustrations, the exception, we have the maturity to be mindful of the changes. Give yourself the time you have earned to allow reflection to guide you through the challenges and look forward than over your shoulder.

Developing a new social network, moving to a new home or finding a new hobby helps us look forward as opposed to over our shoulder, the same way we approach retirement, forward-thinking.

Maintaining good mental health during our retirement should not take a holiday. The stress exposures of the workplace will travel with us and they will also get further away as we embrace a new lifestyle. While change is constant and inevitable, it is also manageable and rewarding, when we do our best to plan for it.

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1952 39 Commissioners St.; Former TFD Stn. 30; Former TPFFA Office

April 1904 Front Street after the Great Toronto Fire

1928 Pumper

38

2015 - Sparky and Ace

2017 - 6 Alarm Yonge-St.Clair Fire

July 2015 TFS New Recruits

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2009 Hockey

TPFFA War Vets

1878

1959

2018 - Ribbon Cutting at the New TPFFA Office; 14 Cosentino Dr, Toronto

2014 - Thank you to Doug Vanderby Thank you to Doug Vanderby and his crew for sharing this amazing story with us. Doug wrote on his page “A lady walked up to the Pumper and asked if I was the one who helped save her life back at a call in April. She suffered severe head and body injuries and almost died that day. She spent 4 months in the hospital. After she got out, she was determined to find me. Today was that day. This job truly does have it’s moments....”

2015 - Stn. 332

Pre-1998 Amalgimation

Scarborough FD - Mobile Canteen

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Remember When...Continued from page 39

Past Executives (Year Unknown) 2005 - Remembrance Day

2013 - McHappy Day

2013 A 3rd Alarm Fire broke out in a Townhouse Complex at 6 Esterbrooke Ave this morning. TPFFA members rescued a small rabbit that was found wet and frozen. It was taken with care to Support 7 Rehab vehicle to thaw out. Where it received care from Toronto Firefighters and Support 7 members. It was released later when it had recovered fully. This is the fifth multiple alarm fire in the past five days. These larger fires are in addition to dozens of working fires that were handled by first alarm responses. Fire’s happen every day across the city. We can’t predict when or where they will happen but remember seconds count Toronto.

2017 - TFS Crane Rescue

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1998 - TPFFA Certificate of Affiliation

9-11

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Greetings from the

Retired Toronto Fire Fighters’ Association!

The RTFFA Executive has been busy behind the scenes over the last few months. We have finally secured an account with our partners at the Comtech Fire Credit Union, and we will soon be creating the mechanism for our members to be able to make financial transactions with us online. Overdue, we know, but we are getting there. Our social media platforms are continuing to develop as well, with our Website and Facebook page.

Continuing with our Spotlight on those organizations that have brought us to where we are, this Fire Watch article will focus on our Retirees from the former City of York.

York Fire Fighters Retirees: Written by Jon Jones The York Township/Borough/City Fire Department lasted fewer than three generations. Volunteer and composite motorized brigades began in all suburbs bordering Toronto after WWI. As the second Toronto area career fire department, York was also the second chartered IAFF local in 1934. Four York volunteer brigades from Humbercrest, Fairbank, Silverthorn and Mt. Dennis were consolidated into the YFD 1937.

Former paid brigade members were the first hired. Eligible volunteers were recruited next. All of these original young men appointed before WWII were ineligible for retirement until the 1960s-70s.

Although retirement benefits were considered in early bargaining, there were no retirees to serve then. YFD’s first pensioner, an older paid composite brigade chief kept on in 1937, retired in 1945. Three other older early volunteers retired in 1949.

The Association provided retirement gifts, social events, annual Christmas cards and gifts and financial contributions to the handful of retirees into the 1960s. Peers arranged retirement parties with Association contributions. A “death and retirees” line in the Local 411 budget existed from the 1940s until 1970. Pension representatives were elected or appointed to Local 411. Retirees participated in several social or sports events.

YFD peaked at about 200 members. Significant staffing improvements occurred in 1956, 1959 and 1963 (to accommodate two reductions in the workweek) and in 1967 after the Weston amalgamation.

Lowering retirement eligibility and ageing of the original crews (some born before 1900) saw a small trickle of retirees in the 1960’s, still not enough to justify a formal organization. But by the 1970’s the flow of retirees increased.

In 1973, holding a Retirees Dinner-Dance was investigated. The first of these annual events were held in 1975 and continued well attended until amalgamation. All new and former retirees and their guests were invited, and all members of the Department were welcomed.

In October of 1985, George Walford created the York Firefighter’s Newsletter. It contained union information and news of interest to our members. Copies were distributed to the fire halls, and retirees and widows could subscribe. Walford financed the production and mailing by visiting the halls and selling 50/50 tickets. He also used the opportunities to pick up the news and gossip of the day as content for

the newsletter until well into his retirement. By 1998, a banner on the newsletter, “News and Views of Interest to Active and Retired York Firefighters” was added. It had essentially become a retirees’ newsletter with active members and widows also subscribing.

A local 411 internet site, later a York Fire Fighters’ website, and now a Facebook Group have also served YFD retirees from the 1980s until today.

The York Fire Retirees’ Association was established when George Walford organized a regular luncheon for retirees at the end of 1998. Guest speakers on issues of interest to retirees, entertainment and a Legion luncheon were accompanied by a business session.

While George still produced and distributed the newsletter, elected representatives including Bill Barton, Gord Bell, Bruce Parker, Ed Schanck and Dave Wyatt also served retirees.

Sadly, George became ill. Retirees living further away started to find the drive to the meetings more cumbersome. Some became ill. Some passed away. Amalgamation affected new retirees’ participation. The meetings and the organization, unfortunately, came to an end in the late 2000s.

John King stepped up to the plate and continued production of the newsletter. A few active TFS firefighters from the former York also subscribe. John also organizes a regular golf tournament for ex-Yorkies and retirees and maintains e-mail updates to a list of subscribers.

York retirees still attend informal breakfasts and lunches, sports tournaments, retiree’s parties and the funerals of their peers. You’ll see some active with the War Vets, TPFFA Honour Guard, and Pipes and Drums. York/TFS retirees who worked in Etobicoke have also been invited to the Etobicoke Fire Fighters Retiree’s luncheons. Many also participate in, share information with and are proud members of the Toronto Retired Fire Fighters Association and participants in the TPFFA Active-Retired program.

The RTFFA had to postpone the Annual Spring Membership meeting; once details are confirmed we will be sending out a notice to the AR membership. Our membership drive is continuous; if you are interested in becoming a member, feel free to contact us at active.retired@torontofirefighters.org or the TPFFA Senior Executive Assistant Suzanne Boss sboss@torontofirefighters.org. New AR Membership fees and/or Renewals can be paid via: 1. By Cheque Please mail to: Attention: Suzanne Boss TPFFA 14 Cosentino Drive, Toronto, ON M1P 3A2 2. By Credit Card Please contact Suzanne Boss via email to make credit card arrangements, sboss@torontofirefighters.org 3. By E-Transfer Please email mail@retiredtorontofirefighters.org.

You can email security question/answer to the above as well.

E-transfers – as we have members with the same or similar names, please be sure that we can properly identify who the payment is from. Most e-transfers provide for a message to be added, please use this feature to inform us of whom you are and that the funds are for your membership dues.

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

Retired Retired Barry McMahon Dan George Stan Lorr McDougall Peter Ferguson Bob Hagg William Victor Hawkins Spinney Douglas Stapleton James Neal Kevin Judge RonaldAndrews Gilligan Douglas Don Bulger Richard Francis Beck Peter Mizzoni Wilfred Selby Patten Gordon RobertBruce Blake Sawyer Hubert Gayton Caswell Dave Latvanen Edward Leonard Schanck Frank Beal Eddie Stadelman Al Booth

December 5th, 2019 to May 15th, 2020 June 11 to October 23rd 2019 21-Dec-2019 6-Jan-2020 15-Jan-19 9-Feb-2020 16-Jan-19 11-Feb-2020 22-Jan-19 17-Feb-2020 22-Jan-19 24-Feb-2020 26-Jan-19 10-Mar-2020 30-Jan-19 24-Mar-2020 13-Feb-19 28-Mar-2020 30-Mar-2020 19-Feb-19 4-Apr-2020 23-Feb-19 8-Apr-2020 1-Mar-19 8-Mar-19 8-Mar-19

APC Doug Burlie 1959-2020

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Morris Harold Grant Wooldridge 10-Apr-2020 Al Booth 10-Mar-19 11-Apr-2020 Ernest Burns John Gregory Connor

14-Apr-2020 James Dennis 11-Mar-19 Ronald Burbidge

20-Apr-2020 Bill Cheetham 20-Mar-19 Alexander John Gordon 22-Apr-2020 Clifford Smith 2-Apr-19 30-Apr-2020 Reginald Ivan Jackson 8-Apr-19 Joe Strother Gibson 3-May-2020 Roy 10-Apr-19 Bryan Ford Edward Charles Williamson 3-May-2020 KentGrieve Truman 15-Apr-19 Glen

4-May-2020 Daniel 4-May-2020 25-Apr-19 Frank Denby Clark Maurice DeWitt

11-May-2020 Gordon Crawford 30-Apr-19 William 13-May-2020 L. Stanfield

15-May-19 Alex Smith William John Coe 13-May-2020 Neil Murphy 26-May-19 Ronald Baskey 1-Jun-19

DC Daniel D’Aloisio 1958-2020

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 42

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.

Patrick Cleveland On July 13, 1989. Fire fighter Patrick Cleveland passed away from Bladder Cancer.

Pat was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, the youngest of seven children. Proud of his heritage being from Western Canada, he never lost his ‘cowboy’ roots.

Pat had varied careers prior to the fire department, but really found his niche when he joined the Scarborough Fire Department. This was a job that appealed to his sense of adventure, dedication to hard work and camaraderie.

A real people person, he enjoyed the close-knit community with his fellow fire fighters and established many lasting friendships.

In Honour of Firefighter Patrick Cleveland, a Memorial Plaque has been hung at TFS Station 245.

Lorne E. Hartley On November 2nd, 1991 Toronto Fire Fighter Lorne E. Hartley passed away from Cancer, which is considered a Line of Duty Death. Fire Fighter Hartley joined the Toronto Fire Department and was very proud to be of service to his community throughout the duration of his career. His funeral was attended by family, friends and fellow Fire Fighters. In Honour of Fire Fighter Lorne E. Hartley, a Memorial Plaque has been hung at TFS Station 323.

(Submitted by the Hartley Family for the 2009 Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial) Captain Lorne Earl Hartley began his career with the Toronto Fire Department in 1961, giving 30 years of service to his Community. He was an exceptional husband and father who worked hard to enrich the lives of those around him. His passion for being a firefighter extended into all aspects of his life and was reflected by his generous spirit, his respect of others and his great sense of humor. He taught us to make sure that your actions made you proud of the person who looked back at you from the mirror each morning and most importantly to always extend your hand to those in need. Lorne was a man who truly exemplifies the brotherhood of all firefighters. This Memorial Service is a great honor.

Always missed by family and friends.

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 43

Fit to SURVIVE

The fire fighter’s guide to health and nutrition

So, You Want to Change

Your Nutrition Game

BY ALEX BOERSMA, ACTING CAPTAIN, 415-A

Confused about the state of nutrition science?

Not sure what you should or should not eat?

Frustrated by the incessant onslaught of conflicting dietary narratives being hyped in the media?

Well why wouldn’t you be? One day, the World Health Organization proclaims that eating red meat is on carcinogenic par with cigarette smoking. Only a few months later, the largest meta-analysis ever on the subject tells you that the quality of evidence condemning red meat (even processed red meat) is so unconvincing that it should simply be disregarded. And literally the next day, Netflix airs a compelling yet decidedly biased documentary indicting meat and suggesting that plantbased diets are superior for everything from general health to high performance athletics to saving the planet.

There are some fundamental principles which are common to almost every successful dietary strategy. If we can adhere to these common principles, we should be able to experience enduring vitality. So instead of perseverating over the controversial fringes of any given dietary approach, why not try putting into practice the common elements upon which almost all these approaches agree?

Of course, the media loves to portray nutritional approaches in this binary, black vs white context. Controversy always gets more clicks than nuance.

But this doesn’t mean that consumers should feel obliged to take an all or none approach to eating. The truth is, long term health is much more likely to be realized by exploring the commonalities between differing nutritional approaches than by disputing the extremes which divide them.

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Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 44

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES Calories Count – Don’t Stuff Your Fat Cells There is absolutely no doubt that general obesity, and/ or visceral adiposity (belly fat) are significantly associated with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and overall mortality. So don’t overstuff your fat cells!

And if you have overstuffed your fat cells, the health benefits of losing even 5-10% of your fat mass are substantial. How do you do that? Eat fewer calories. Every successful weight loss strategy has, at its root, a mechanism for lowering caloric intake. Why do the Vegans and the Carnivores both lose so much weight initially?

Because they have each eliminated a considerable segment of the foods they used to eat, so they just end up consuming fewer calories. Why do so many people have a hard time sustaining weight loss after dieting? Because they either start eating the things they weren’t supposed to eat, or they find new, highly palatable “comfort foods” that are easy to over-consume. So yes, most diets can be effective for fat loss in the short term. But the key to sustained fat loss will be finding a dietary strategy which allows you to control caloric intake in the long term.

Eat Whole Foods There is not a serious dietary approach in the world which recommends junk food. Although there may be some debate about what constitutes “junk food”, we can all probably agree that it has something to do with processing. Generally speaking, the closer a food is to its natural state (except perhaps for cooking), the less “junky” it is. This means minimizing foods that come in packages with long ingredient lists. It means shopping primarily around the periphery of grocery stores. And it means avoiding highly palatable and easily overconsumed combinations of refined sugars, refined grains and refined oils.

Eat Nutrient Dense Foods Foods that are nutrient dense will have a significant ratio of required nutrients (essential proteins, essential fats, vitamins and minerals) per unit of caloric intake.

Animal foods tend to have a lot of nutrients, however many choices come with high calories from fat, making them potentially less nutritionally dense. On the other hand, plant foods tend to be much less calorically dense,

therefore some plants can have exceptional nutrient density.

Plant foods also come with the added potential benefit of phyto-nutrients and fibre. It should be pointed out that it will be more difficult to get optimal levels of all nutrients from just plants or just animals. For most people some combination of plant and animal foods will optimize nutrition. It should also be noted that “junk food” almost by definition, has very low nutrient density, usually containing minimal levels of essential nutrients and elevated concentrations of calories.

High Quality Protein Although the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for protein is 0.8 grams of protein per kg of bodyweight, most nutrition researchers agree that this is more of a minimum requirement than an optimal allowance, especially for active and ageing populations. Most will usually agree that optimal protein intake should be somewhere between 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg. This would mean that a 200 lb person should eat between 100 and 150 grams of protein per day, especially if they are active or ageing. Although animal sources of protein tend to be more complete (they have more of the essential amino acids in the ratios that we need them) and are more readily bio-available (we absorb more of the protein in them), this does not mean that we cannot source our proteins from plants. It just means that plant-based eaters will need to pay more careful attention to the quantity and variety of their protein sources.

It Really Can be That Simple Despite what you have seen and read, nutrition does not have to be rocket science. Eat sufficient quality protein. Eat nutritionally dense real foods. And find a way to eat just the right amount of calories so that you maintain a healthy weight.

If you want to try a more extreme diet, remember that most of the benefits you are getting are probably from eating less junk, fewer calories and more essential nutrients. Although it may work wonders for you, that doesn’t make it a magical solution for everyone. And if you are unable to sustain it over the long term, it may end up doing you more harm than good.

For more information on nutrition, please check out the IAFF’s nutrition page at https://www.iaff.org/nutrition/ or the blog at Precision Nutrition https://www.precisionnutrition.com/blog Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH 45

@tonyrodrigues136 Excellent work, keep safe, you guys are the best, thank you. @lorralea.m Thank you for taking care of all of us. Praying for the safety of all first responders/heroes!! @beingtazzy Thank you for everything you all do! We will stay home and do our part! Stay safe and stay well. @nanatsknits Many many thanks to all of you keeping us safe. We will do our part obeying the guidelines, so we don’t make your jobs even more dangerous.

TPFFA

POSITIVE INSTAGRAM ENERGY VIA @Toronto_firefighters @nanatsknits Love this, yay Toronto!

@diannebrowngreen Firefighters do so much more than people realize, not to mention their shifts are 24 hours!

Thanks for all you do!

@adam.klassen152 Keep up the hard work guys.

Hope to be a full timer like you someday!

@geo094 Thank you for all you do, all First Responders, Medical Staff and Retail Workers!

@fur_mom_of_2 Thank you for your service. Stay Safe!

@jessyiss Loved the confidence and tone of the Chief.

Let’s get through this safely.

@aw_freedom God bless you all.

@lorimanning7 Thank you all for your courage, compassion and service. Be safe always. @cllrainslie Thank to the Toronto firefighters for all of your community support! #Scarborough @whelan.lois Wonderful, what a great group of people. So proud of the firefighters of Toronto. Blessings. @woottons Keep safe Brothers & Sisters.

I would like to echo [the] appreciation and gratitude to the Association Executives, your efforts have been extraordinary.

I would like to specifically give credit to the information flow on the Union’s website, it has been extremely beneficial to be informed of the continuously changing work environment prior to coming into work. Stay safe and stay positive that we will overcome this crisis.

TFS Acting Captain, via TPFFA Forum

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Merci – Thank You! Dear Firefighters & Chief, Thank you for all the hard work you are doing to keep us safe during this COVID-19 outbreak.

God bless you all.

From, Matthew (Jr. Firefighter)

I would like to express my gratitude to our Association.

I am certain that the executive board and principal officers are working tirelessly to ensure our membership is well informed. I thank them for the foresight to have a platform set up to distribute FCCs to our members as they are emerging very quickly and frequently. I am sure that the capacity to manage the call-backs, should we need them, is a welcome tool for which management is grateful. I am proud to be a member of this organization and applaud our leaders in this time of emergency. Decisions are difficult as the appropriate answer is not always obvious. May we all stay positive and overcome this pandemic together. Once we get through this, we will review and learn from the experience and improve our processes and decision making. Many thanks to our principal and designated officers as they continue to answer the many questions and concerns of our membership.

TFS Acting Captain, via TPFFA Forum

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Thank You...Continued from page 47

Thank you to all the Brothers & Sisters of Toronto Fire, the Association Principal Officers and the Executive Board Officers; along with those members who lead the COVID-19 Committee, our Designated Officers and TFS Management for working together seamlessly over the past few months. The hard work and dedication shown by all members involved throughout this unforeseen health crisis does not go unnoticed. With an ever-changing pandemic, we rely on our City’s front-line workers, like you, to help keep this city safe by following all health protocols implemented by the Municipal, Federal and Provincial Governments; health guidelines along with social distancing are more important now than ever.

We also have to thank and acknowledge those workers along side our firefighters who help keep our City running. All Toronto Police Officers and EMS Paramedics, along with all front-line health care workers at our Hospitals and doctor’s offices; those individuals who work at our grocery stores and local markets, truck drivers, garbage/recycle collectors, TTC workers and our mail/package delivery workers. Toronto can’t thank all our essential workers enough during such an uncertain time like this.

Communities all over the GTA are stepping up and supporting their essential workers not only by staying home and social distancing, but also by participating in appreciative gestures like standing on their front porch every evening at 7:30pm applauding and banging pots and pans to show their local support. This act of kindness is a very strong and emotional gesture that goes a long way and can be very touching for those who it is dedicated towards. We all must continue to work together to stay strong and keep each other safe.

Thank you again to all the members of Toronto Fire for stepping up with all the other front-line workers within the City of Toronto to help make our city a safe and healthy place.

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Fire Services along with Toronto Paramedic and Toronto Police Services did a drive by to salute the staff at Humber River Hospital.

The CN Tower paid tribute to our front-line and health care workers.

Google dedicates a day to thank Emergency Services!

Across from TFS Stn. 323 in Greektown, the community showed their support for the frontline workers.

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Thank You to all front-line essential works, from all at the Elgin Theatre.

TFS Pumper 344 practiced social distancing by holding a 2 meter pike pole between themselves as a reference to remind everyone to give each other room as well as to practice physical distancing to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Presidents Blog: TPFFA President Frank Ramagnano keeps the brothers and sister of our Association up to date with video Blogs regarding the COVID-19 crisis; addressing current workplace updates; guidance and encouragement while referencing the documents being sent out to our members along with answering questions from our members regarding their workplace and health concerns. Please be sure to view all communication shared to our membership via the TPFFA website under the COVID-19 tab on the homepage www.torontofirefighters.org

Fire Fighters paid tribute to the health care workers outside of St. Joseph’s Health Centre with lights and sirens saluting those who have been serving our local communities.

Toronto Fire collaborated with Toronto’s Wahlburgers Restaurant by donating food to The Salvation Army, Maxwell Meighen Centre; a place where these types of donations help homeless men enjoy a wonderful meal during an evolving crisis.

49 Thank you!

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