Fire Watch: Volume 14, Issue 3

HALL SHOWCASE ON STATION 232 VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 3

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION

Publications Agreement No: 41203011

YOU’RE A HERO THANK YOU To all fire fighters that selflessly fight to protect our community against the Covid-19 outbreak.

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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION

VOLUME 14

|

ISSUE 3

IN THIS ISSUE 16

22

5

President’s Message

7

Secretary-Treasurer’s Message

9 11

Vice President’s Message Chaplain’s Corner

12 Hazmat IQ: Post Fire Air MonitoringThe Good, The Bad and The Ugly

34

28

44

FIRE WATCH (ISSN 1715-5134) is published by the TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION 14 Cosentino Drive, Toronto ON M1P 3A2 Tel: 416.466.1167 www.torontofirefighters.org E-mail: firewatch@torontofirefighters.org CHIEF EDITOR Frank Ramagnano MANAGING EDITORS James Reed, Suzanne Boss Tel.: 416.466.1167 Fax: 416.466.6632 E-mail: firewatch@torontofirefighters.org

16

Member Profile – Curtis Petahtegoose

20

Toronto Fire Historical Society

22

Legal Advice

24

Why I Love Yoga

28

Hall Showcase on Station 232

31

Behind the Mask – Staying on Track

34

How to get Fully Involved

36

Fire Hall Cookbook

38 Retired Toronto Fire Fighters’ Association 40

Never Shall We Forget

42

The EMS Survey Results are in!

44 Fit to Survive – Are You Getting Better or Just Tired?

46

Thank You TPFFA

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

HA LL SH OW CA SE ON STATIO N 23 2

CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL Agreement No: 41203011

VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 3

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

One of Toronto’s Jr. Fire Fighters, Ivan Chadwick, supports his neighbourhood first responders through his love of Fire Trucks. Ivan’s family and neighbours are ever so thankful for all the hard work the Toronto Fire Fighters have been doing during the past few months of the COVID crisis.

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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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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE W e have all seen over the summer that our “out of service crews” have done the usual spike. This was more apparent due to COVID, as we went from no crews out in April, to a few more in May and then to the highest we have seen in a few years. We, at the Association, understand the frustration and the stress it causes people not knowing where they will be working from day-to-day.

I field many calls on this subject, and there is a lot of misinformation as to why this happens and why we have allowed it. With this article, I will discuss the history of 1997/98, explain where we currently are with out of service crews, how we are planning to raise this issue and the various consequences of dealing with it.

Prior to 1998, we were six former departments. Each department handled the various ebbs and flows of available staff differently. Some used a form of overtime, some cancelled or postponed time off if it could not be accommodated, some removed crews from service and some used a combination of the above. When amalgamation was announced in 1997, the various cities did a hiring freeze. They did not know what would happen once we amalgamated and when there is uncertainly, their first reaction is to do nothing. Once we amalgamated, we were hit with our first issues regarding staffing. The various tools that were used to keep crews in service prior to amalgamation were no longer valid.

Overtime was not offered, and changes took place on how time off was granted. To make the problem worse, the former departments did not hire prior to amalgamation, so the overall staffing levels were the worst after amalgamation than a few years prior. The process of removing crews from service was utilized, but to a greater number than anyone had ever seen. It was so high, that stations went unattended. TFS also used a former department ratio of 21 firefighters per heavy truck in service. That former department cancelled time off and also had a system to completely balance vacations for the year. That city, at the end, was also experiencing issues with the ratio being unreasonable. Those tools were not used after amalgamation and the ratio should not have been used at all. An assessment, given the various variables and assumptions, should have been used. A public campaign fight was launched and positions were added back into operations, but they were still not at the pre-amalgamation levels. Fewer crews were removed from service, but we

never reached a system of a minimum crew count, or developed other tools to deal with the ebbs and flows of staffing over the various time periods.

Various decisions and agreement enhancements were made with no corresponding adjustments to the amount of the complement to fulfill the changes. To identify a few: vacation time improvements; a recent move to a 48-hour vacation week average; lieu day time improvements; parental and pregnancy leave improvements to paid leave; education and presumptive legislation on PTSD; the addition of FITs across the city; Association leave for union work similar to other city unions; a change to the 24HR shift; an agreement on mandatory training; and the ability for union members to act in non-union roles. I may have missed some, but these all add up. When you factor in the demographics of an older work force, it makes the issue worse.

In 2014, council agreed with the Fire Chief’s recommendation to decommission four crews. One of the speaking points they used was that these trucks were not in service. It’s actually a speaking point I hear from the members a lot. “We should not have trucks out of service because the city might think they are not needed.” It sounds logical - but here is where the BIG disconnect is. The trucks themselves do very little, if anything. It is the staff that is important.

If there are not enough firefighters to staff a vehicle, then you cannot lose them, but you could potentially lose the truck. We need to separate the two. We tried to make that argument in 2014, but obviously not as successfully as we should have. Let’s say that for two years straight we had the same ten crews out of service each shift. The performance is measured, and all standards are being met. Council wants to save money and decides that, since they are not in service, they will remove them. The issue is that they are not in service because there are not enough firefighters. We would be short ten crews, multiplied by 21 firefighters, for a total of 210. If you remove 210 firefighters, then you would still be left with ten crews out of service each day, but now at a greater reduced starting point. That is a big difference that we must educate people on and not get caught in the trap. If you only remove the TRUCK, then the savings is only on the capital costs. For staffing, it is the difference of the 40 officer positions, which carries a 20% premium, and some acting time.

However, on average, the actors would not get paid when the truck is out of service. We

are starting the education process to ensure that councilors understand all the variables of crews out of service and what it means.

We are using 124 heavy truck crews, as that is what council approved in 2014, and what the Insurance Underwriters agreed was the minimum. I have no data or analytics to say that number is not the amount we should have for Toronto to meet standards.

We believe we need around 250 more firefighters in order to not “brown out” crews with the current minimum staffing.

The operation deployment review might alter that and make the number even higher. To be clear, this has nothing to do with hiring, as we are replacing our complement normally. This has to do with a 1998 complement ratio formula that is flawed and has never been adjusted.

We hired the actuarial firm Eckler to study our operations complement and provide their expert help in determining the amount of staffing needed to match the goal of 124 heavy crews in service. We have a draft report and are working to finalize it for a broad distribution. It is important to note that there are various levers the city could employ to help with the staffing issue. They can staff to a lessor target of 124; they can use overtime to keep crews in service; they can continue to strive for 124; when they can’t achieve 124, they can temporarily remove the truck from service; or they can obtain language changes to the various contract enhancements and they can add to the full time complement of positions to keep the 124 heavy crews in service. With our current model, we believe, on average, that about 110 crews can be in service with the minimum on each trucks (i.e. aerials staffed with three). We need to be objective and honest, and decide if we are looking to staff the trucks for real or just on paper.

We should determine what the amount we need in service each shift and have the tools in place to ensure that we maintain that number. We will continue to communicate as we progress down this path.

Frank Ramagnano, President Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888 Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 3 | F I R E WAT CH

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SECRETARY-TREASURER’S MESSAGE COVID-19 HAS BEEN A CHALLENGE FOR EVERYONE. I THOUGHT I WOULD EXPLAIN THE EFFECTS ON MY ROLE AS SECRETARY AND TREASURER OF LOCAL 3888.

A

s Secretary of the Association, several of my responsibilities quickly became very important.

I knew that communication was going to be a critical component of the Association’s response. Management was releasing several FCC’s a day, some as late as 11 pm. The information provided was essential and timely. Unlike many other city workers, only Officers in TFS have city email addresses. Therefore, it fell on the Association to ensure information disseminated down to the members, making them aware of changes before starting their next shift. I made the decision very quickly to ensure that those FCC’s were posted on our website and emailed to the membership within a half-hour of receiving them. Feedback from members would suggest that they were often more informed than the Platoon Chiefs, who did not have access to their city email while off duty and do not receive emails from the Association.

Conference calls became the norm.

We decided that the Executive Board would hold a conference call each day, Monday to Friday, at 4 pm due to the quickly changing situation. At least once a week, the Principal Officers (along with other City Union leaders) would take a conference call with the City of Toronto’s upper management. Several times a week, we would be on a call with TFS management. It was my job to capture the minutes of each of those meetings. I did that with a pen and paper from my makeshift office in my bedroom at home. I am still in the process of having those transcribed into digital format.

Another one of my roles is to manage the staff of the TPFFA. When we shut down the office, we were able to quickly provide all of the equipment they

needed to do their jobs from home. The phone lines were forwarded and the transition for those calling was seamless. We took advantage of the time the building was closed to change over to a new VOIP phone system. We are fortunate to have excellent IT service at our fingertips. For months, we only allowed one person in the building at a time. We held conference call staff meetings daily in March and have now moved to twice a week. As Toronto moved into stage 3, we began to allow small numbers of people into the building. We gave staff the option to continue to work from home, come in to the office, or a hybrid of both. We have staff in all three of these categories, and things are working quite well. Currently, we are only holding meetings where physical distancing is possible. We have chosen not to open to the public at this time - a decision that is looking smarter every day. We have flexibility built into our plan. As I write this, the number of infections is on the rise again. By the time you read this, we may have adapted once again.

For the first time, the TPFFA held a virtual General Members Meeting. The IAFF passed an unprecedented motion to allow locals to do so. There were a few minor hiccups, but generally it went smoothly. Our second such meeting will have happened on September 24th and 25th.

COVID-19 has impacted my role as TPFFA Treasurer as well. In December of last year, the membership approved a $4.1M budget. Several of our Committee expense lines are well under budget.

We postponed many of our events and cancelled all in-person meetings for almost six months. We do not yet know which of our events will be rescheduled

and which won’t happen this year. The OPFFA held a virtual Convention. The IAFF postponed its Convention until January of 2021. The OPFFA cancelled the Spring Seminar and will hold the Fall Seminar virtually. While we have had some temporary savings, many of our most significant expense lines have not been affected by Coronavirus and are currently close to the budgeted amounts. A COVID-19 Committee line was created under the Health and Safety line so that we can track exactly how much money was spent directly due to COVID-19. We will be re-evaluating our financial situation as we come to our year-end in October. As we budget for next year, we will ensure that we consider postponed events that may still occur and new events that will replace them.

The last six months have been extremely challenging for everyone. I consider myself and my family quite lucky.

We have all been healthy and able to maintain our income. I know that many of you have not been so fortunate. I can say without hesitation that I am proud to have been part L3888 Executive Board team throughout this pandemic thus far.

I am confident that we will continue to serve the membership to the best of our abilities as this situation continues to evolve.

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

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VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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he could hear the muffled sound of her family from the other side of the door. She listened to the laughter. By all indication, they sounded happy.

That is all she wanted.

Looking around, she noticed all the projects she had started and never finished. Ironically, the reason she told herself she was here was to begin yet another. In one hand, she held her shattered spirit in the form of an empty bottle of vodka. In the other hand, she held a broken dresser drawer. “It was the perfect hiding spot,” she recalled her daughter saying. “Yeah, like five years ago” she laughed to herself. It may have worked back then, but like her, they were getting older, and her daughter should have known better. She often told herself that they did not see the truth, and she was hiding it well.

That was what she wanted to believe.

For support, see: Union Notice #20-095: Zoom Recovery Meetings Coming back from the call, everyone seemed okay. Like a well-oiled machine, the crew worked to prepare the truck to return it to service. What used to feel almost therapeutic felt more like a chore these days. Each year of service had eroded the thrill away. “It wasn’t like it was that bad of a call.” “It was the continuous joking;” he thought, searching for the reason for the constant anger which was always bubbling under the surface.

Nevertheless, he remained silent in fear of losing his tough reputation. “Besides”, he told himself, “it is how we all cope with what we just experienced.” Walking from his office to the truck bay, he said with a smirk, “you guys don’t want me to call EAP, do you?” Meanwhile, the banter continued, one wisecrack after another.

With a laugh, he walked away, knowing all the while that he needed the help the most.

For support, see: FCC-19-210-Attach-GCRIS-Critical-Incident-Stress-CIS-Team The brutal incident from a few weeks back still occupied a space in her head. It started okay, but as things progressed, it just got crazier and crazier.

Each time she replayed the events, she identified more and more things that went wrong. At this point, she wasn’t even sure if what she was remembering was accurate, or if it was just what she was telling herself. The lack of sleep just added another layer of brooding. She loved her job. Most incidents started with her being the first contact, often dealing directly with the people in crisis. It could be stressful at times, yet rewarding because she knew she was making a difference.

The running dialogue from Comms to crews that followed provided the narrative, but seldom offered any closure. This time things had gotten convoluted and, without feedback or knowing the outcome, this incident became a never-ending story. The problem was that it never finished well in her mind. Reaching for the phone, she decided this time she would get help.

“You Have Reached Toronto Fire Services Unscheduled Absences and Return to Duty Line” After leaving a message, she thought, “tomorrow it will be better.”

For support, see: FCC-20-263-UpcomingSupport-Group-Meetings It was four months since she left and took the kids. The papers piled up on the end table remained unsorted, yet blended well with the house’s overall unkempt appearance. “She never liked that piece of SHIT furniture”, he chuckled, smiling sarcastically to himself. More than likely, it was the reason it remained in the house after she left. Getting the mail caused him so much anxiety.

How could this simple task make his heart race so much? The thought of actually opening it provided challenges of its own. “I will deal with it later. ” This was something he had been telling himself for a while. Little did he know that among the junk mail and bills, there was a pay stub indicating that he was out of sick days. Fortunately, there was also an LTD package that would prevent the pending no-pay status. He knew she was right.

He had changed. It was around the same time his second child was born. Oh, and there was that incident at work and the nightmares. That was when the fighting got worse, and he often woke up the next morning, not remembering how they ended. At that moment, the phone rang. “The FUCKING union again”, he muttered.

For support, see: Union Notice #16-035: Passage of Bill 163- PTSD Presumptive Legislation As I got off the phone, I realized my frustration had reached a new high. Nothing in particular stood out. It was just that things were bothering me more both in my personal life and work life.

As my blood pressure gradually returned to normal, I knew. It was time to talk to someone again.

We all need support at some point in our lives.

Are you aware of how is easy it is to take the first step?

You have many benefits to support you. Local 3888 Collective Agreement provides for: The services of a registered Psychologist or a registered Psychotherapist to a maximum of

$3,500.00 per person, per benefit year. The provider shall include a person holding the degree of Master of Social Work (MSW) as long as the MSW’s charges are tax-deductible.

There is no prescription required. You don’t need a referral from a doctor. This benefit is also available for your dependents. It is as simple as picking up the phone and making an appointment. Furthermore, because of COVID, a session can be made over the phone or through video conferencing, so you do not even have to leave your own home.

Here is a list of professionals I often refer to when someone contacts me for help.

I am not endorsing anyone because there are many great therapists available throughout Ontario. It is essential to find a person who fits well with your personality and needs.

Barrie: Frontline Resilience (Dr. Lori Gray)

https://www.frontlineresilience.ca Sharon: The Trauma Centre http://www.thetraumacentre.ca Toronto: Centre for Trauma Recovery and Growth (Dr. Vivian Lee)

https://traumarecoverygrowth.com Brampton: Dr. Carol Heusser www.bramptonpsychologists.com Guelph: Dr. George Nicholl Phone: 1 (519) 821 2208 Burlington: Dr. Jane Storrie www.svapsych.ca Mississauga: Dr. Susan Moraes www.svapsych.ca Stratford: Dr. Catherine Bart Phone: 1 (519) 273 2522 Durham: Dr. Erica Martin Phone: (289) 512-0091 Christopher Rodrigues, M.C., C. Psych. joined Toronto Fire Services as our Employee Assistance Counsellor.

Chris has been working with our members ever since and has developed a very positive reputation. tfseap@toronto.ca or Phone: 416-338-9557

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 3 | F I R E WAT CH

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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

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hat a time we are living in! Who knew that we would be surviving a global pandemic and witnessing historic moments almost daily; moments that will dawn the pages of future history books!

Who knew that in the middle of a generational pandemic that a horrendous moment of injustice would present opportunity to confront the racial divides that still plague our world today!

Who knew that we would close our borders, navigate trade wars, a global recession, and record national debt!

Who knew, that face masks would become a fashion mainstay! Some say that our world will never be the same. I’m not convinced about that last statement but one thing is clear, these are moments like none other in our lifetime.

Among so much change and uncertainty, experts are putting a light on growing concerns for the mental wellbeing of our country. As a chaplain I would love to speak a big game here but the truth is I’ve struggled at times through all the negative news of this pandemic. I’ve struggled leading my own family and managing the church I work at and facing the unpredictability of my employment there. I’ve struggled with my emotions, fears, and thoughts of post covid-19 days,

whenever they may come.

An older friend once told me, ‘Ted, don’t waste a good crisis.’ I don’t want to look back at this crisis as a time that I just survived the great pandemic of 2020 (and maybe 2021). I want to look back at this year with my head held high despite the challenges of this season. Last year during my Master’s program, I studied the concept of reframing, penned by author Donald Capps. He presents a number of techniques in reframing in order to “effect positive change” (Reframing, Donald Capps p41). One consistent positive that I’ve noticed throughout the past several months is the sheer volume of people reflecting on life.

I’m not sure without a global crisis that so many would be taking time to reflect. The Cambridge Dictionary defines ‘reflect’ as, “to think carefully, especially about possibilities and opinions” (https://dictionary. cambridge.org/dictionary/english/reflect). Reframing the year 2020 from a horrible year of crisis when everything was brought to a halt; we might choose instead, to see a year where everything was paused in order that we might stop and reflect on the things that matter most, the things we may have been just too busy to reflect on.

During my own pondering moments, I’ve had time to reflect on my mental well-being, which has led me to stop striving to be a kind of idealistic leader who has it all together, and instead be honest and reach out to some confidants to receive personal care. I’ve had time to reflect on the staples of my life— my family, my faith, my northern

North Command Rev. Ted Leck 647-461-4047 tleck@rogers.com

cottage refuge, and a handful of good friends. I’ve reflected on what I want the next five-year chapter to look like and I’m in the process of making some adjustments to get there. I’ve reflected on the many things that I’m thankful for, from the glue of my family sticking together, to the joy of my role as a Toronto Fire Chaplain, and to many other things that I once took for granted; I’ve even paused to be thankful for the loyalty of my dog Dexter, the one who is unfazed by this pandemic.

Observably, we are in this crisis for the long haul—this is more like an Ironman Triathlon than a 50-metre sprint. And just when you think you are getting to the end, you get out of the water and pick up your bike for the next section of the race. And if you make it through that, then you’ve got to find your legs to run a marathon on the last leg of the race. I’m not sure where we are in the ‘race’ of this pandemic but friend may I suggest that you too take some time to reframe this pandemic into a moment of reflection? Though many things are changing around us, we might find that the reframing of this crisis may just effect positive change in you.

Hang in there friend, we really are in this together.

Chaplain Leck

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Hazmat IQ Post Fire Air MonitoringThe Good, The Bad and The Ugly

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BY STUART WEST, TORONTO FIRE ACTING CAPTAIN, STATION 111-B

he health and safety of firefighters has become omnipresent in this modern era of firefighting and the ways in which chemicals can harm the human body are now fairly well understood. With this in mind, some of our past practices have been altered or discontinued entirely. One of the more controversial practices that we no longer participate in is post-fire air monitoring for the purpose of determining when it is safe for crews to remove their SCBA while conducting overhaul operations. Knowing what we know now, it may seem difficult to comprehend for those of you who may have just been hired in the last few years. Post-fire environments are now known to be extremely toxic and through recent studies over the last 10 years it has now been documented quite clearly. It is no longer a question regarding whether SCBA is required in these environments.

SCBA IS REQUIRED, FULL STOP. One doesn’t need an expensive meter to tell us that. However, just because we no

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longer conduct post-fire air monitoring to justify the removal of breathing protection, this doesn’t mean we’ve abandoned one of our most effective tools for ensuring a safe environment for all concerned.

What Is Smoke?

Smoke: “The airborne solid and liquid particulates and gases, evolved when a material undergoes pyrolysis or combustion, together with the quantity of air that is entrained or otherwise mixed into the mass”.

Smoke is a complex mixture of toxic gases and particles which are generated from the vast array of materials that burn during a fire. A typical structure fire may generate literally tens of thousands of toxic chemicals and gases as a variety of materials and products undergo pyrolysis and ultimately combust.

The toxic mixture of chemicals and gases contained in fire smoke is comprised primarily of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, acids, and oxides of nitrogen. Other toxins may include acetylene, methyl mercaptan, nitric oxide, carbon disulfide, creosote, nitrogen dioxide, dimethyl sulfide, phosphine, ethylene, benzene, methylene chloride, lead, chromium, other metals, trichloroethylene, toluene, trichlorophenol, fluorine, acrolein, mercury, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, benzaldehyde, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, arsenic, chromate, phenol, styrene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and literally hundreds if not thousands more.

One of the biggest health threats from smoke is from fine and ultra-fine particulate matter (PM).

Fine particulate matter is anything 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller. Ultra-fine particles on the

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 3 | F I R E WAT CH 12

other hand are 0.1 microns in diameter or smaller. By way of comparison; the average human hair is 70 microns in diameter, approximately 30 times larger than the largest “fine” particle. These fine and ultrafine particles, when inhaled are an extremely effective delivery system for deep lung penetration of “packets” of concentrated toxins, whereas larger particles of 10 microns or greater tend to get trapped in the upper lung. These particles are also deposited on bunker gear and any exposed skin. Some areas of the skin are more permeable than others, specifically the face, the angle of the jaw, the neck, throat and the groin. Skin’s permeability increases with temperature. For every 5-degree F increase in skin temperature, absorption increases by approximately 400%! Thankfully, we can reduce our potential exposure by following our post-fire decontamination procedures and by wearing our PPE correctly at each and every fire. Incident Commanders can also do their part by ensuring that a postfire decontamination vehicle is identified and utilized.

Firefighters can reduce their risk of exposure through the following actions: • Never breath smoke.

• Wear all appropriate PPE while in hazard areas.

• Undergo gross decontamination immediately upon leaving the hazard area.

• Cleanse the hands, face, neck and throat with soap and water or disposable wipes, immediately after doffing PPE. • Bag PPE and stow in an exterior compartment if further cleaning is deemed necessary.

Underwriters Laboratory Study

In 2010, a landmark and comprehensive study was conducted by the Underwriters Laboratory Inc., in concert with the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and the Chicago Fire Department. For a period

of approximately 4 months, members of the Chicago Fire Department conducted gas monitoring operations and collected gas samples at residential fires (knockdown, ventilation and overhaul). Replaceable personal protective items (gloves and hoods) used at these events were analyzed to identify the chemical makeup of accumulated smoke residue.

I’ve summarized some of the key findings that are relevant to our current discussion.

Summary Of Key Findings

• Concentrations of combustion products varied tremendously from fire to fire depending on the size, chemistry of the materials involved and the ventilation conditions present.

• The type and quantity of combustion products (smoke particles and gases) generated depended on the chemistry and physical form of the materials being burned.

• Synthetic materials produced more smoke then natural products.

• Average particle size ranged from 0.04 microns to 0.15 microns with wood and insulation generating the smallest particles.

• For a given particle size, synthetic materials will generate approximately 12.5x more particles per mass of consumed material then wood based materials.

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Proud to represent the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association

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Hazmat IQ...Continued from page 13

• 99+% of smoke particles collected during overhaul were less than 1 micron in diameter. Of these, 97+% were too small to be visible by the naked eye suggesting that “clean” air was not really that clean.

• Combustion of the materials generated asphyxiates, irritants, and airborne carcinogenic byproducts that could be potentially debilitating.

• Multiple asphyxiates, irritants and carcinogenic materials were found in smoke during both suppression and overhaul phases. Carcinogenic chemicals may act topically, following inhalation, or subsequently through dermal absorption from contaminated equipment.

• Long-term repeated exposure may accelerate cardiovascular mortality and the initiation and/or progression of atherosclerosis.

Final Thoughts

Despite the fact that post-fire air monitoring for the purpose of allowing crews conducting overhaul operations to remove their breathing apparatus is no longer permitted, there are other valid reasons. Some form of air monitoring must take place to safeguard against the potential of explosive environments. Incident Command (IC) is also responsible for determining when it’s safe for building occupants to be permitted back inside their homes, units and workplaces, etc. Since many toxic products of combustion are invisible to the naked eye, simply relying on smoke conditions to guide this decision-making process would not be advisable. Air Monitoring gives the IC some real data in which to help guide the decisionmaking process. However, it is strongly recommended that at a minimum there be no visible smoke remaining prior to any air monitoring taking place. Crews should endeavor to remove as much particulate and toxic gases as possible through comprehensive ventilation efforts, preferably using non fossil fuel driven fans.

The same toxic products of combustion and high particulate concentrations that have a detrimental effect on the human body also have a detrimental effect on our expensive meters, both in terms of performance and the overall health of the meter. The “toxic soup” that is a typical post-fire environment damages the sensors and the internal pump on the meters. Often many chemicals when mixed together will have a synergistic effect, meaning their harmful effects are intensified. The resulting poor quality data could in turn lead to incorrect conclusions and poor decisions. It’s also worth mentioning here that “no meter response” is not the same as “everything is all

good, pack up and let’s clear”. When reporting a negative result while air monitoring, it is important to be clear with regard to your findings or lack thereof. Just because the meter is not giving any indications doesn’t mean there’s nothing in the environment. It means that the meter, given its specific parameters and limitations, is not registering anything at this time and location.

“The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence” What do I mean by this? A negative indication on a meter is one piece of evidence. It should not be used to repudiate all other evidence. It’s possible that there is a gas interfering with the sensor or that the meter is unable to sense that particular gas at all. This does not mean to say that we don’t trust in our equipment. We do trust it. However, we as human beings are much more intelligent than our electronic devices. If the meter says one thing and all other evidence is saying something different, further investigation is warranted.

All pieces of detection equipment have their shortcomings and no meter is effective in every situation. The Heavy Haz trucks in TFS have a vast array of detection equipment that covers a broad range of gases. However, even the most expensive $250,000 Gas Chromatograph has shortcomings, and is not effective in all situations. Currently in the TFS Haz program we do not possess the ability to measure particulate concentration. Nor are we able to capture gas samples for spectral analysis as we can for some liquids and solids. I say this not as a criticism - these are simply limitations that we currently have. However, we do have more than enough knowledge and equipment to keep everyone safe by making informed decisions and by paying attention to what our meters are telling us and, more importantly, what they’re not telling us.

Recognize that even though you cannot see any visible smoke, the fact is that the toxins and particulates are in the air.

Keep your breathing protection on throughout overhaul and conduct your proper post-fire decontamination procedures.

Stay safe!

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Member Profile on

BY GREG CRESSWELL, TORONTO FIRE ACTING CAPTAIN, STATION 212-B

Ojibway name -

Aankayunkwat Biidadigohns

Editor’s Note: In September 2018, Greg did a duty exchange at 434, where he first met Curtis (who had traveled in from 412), they became friends that day, and have remained friends ever since.

Greg: Tell me about your life growing up, and your family.

Curtis: I was born in 1968, and grew up in the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation, formerly known as Whitefish Lake First Nation, near Sudbury. I am one of four kids and am very close to my two sisters and brother. My mom and dad, both spoke Ojiway, but didn’t teach it to us kids. Both my parents went to residential schools, and were punished for speaking the Ojibway language. This is the reason they didn’t teach it to us kids. My parents did teach us to be: kind, courteous, and work hard in everything we did in life.

My dad worked for the band most of his life, and served one term as Chief, as did my sister. My grandfather also served as Chief after he came back from the war in 1945. He was a medic on D-Day, and then went to London to help out after the bombing started. He was a part of the group of Chiefs that fought for the right to vote in Federal elections (without losing Indian Status) in the 1950’s, and they were successful, as it became law July 1, 1960. The current Deputy Chief is my first cousin, and two uncles are on the council. We have an election system for choosing council members. As for my mom, she worked in healthcare in Sudbury.

As a kid, I enjoyed fishing, hunting, hiking, and traditional ceremonies. I played Minor House League Hockey and participated in the Little NHL First Nations tournament many times, as my dad was one of the organizers. I remember seeing Eddie Shack talking to my dad at the event in 1977.

[Editor’s note: Eddie Shack passed away on July 25, 2020]. Like most kids growing up in Ontario, my favorite team was the Toronto Maple Leafs. Every summer, we went to Toronto for a few days, and always to the CNE. This was a big deal for us kids, as trips to Disney World were not an option. My public school was in the neighboring town of Naughton, and I went to high school in nearby Lively.

Greg: Did you have any jobs growing up, or get an allowance?

Curtis: I did jobs around the reserve, which I was paid for. Mostly planting trees, laying sod, and other landscaping. My parents also gave each of us $20 a week allowance, and we were expected to do chores for that money. We would often go into

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Curtis Petahtegoose Sudbury for a day, to see a movie, have a meal, and play games in the arcade. My favorite game was Kiss pinball, and my favorite band was AC/DC. Greg: When did you leave Atikameksheng, and what jobs followed?

Curtis: I left when I was 22 and moved to Sudbury to work at Casey’s Restaurant. I spent nine years there, eventually becoming their manager. I then moved to Toronto and worked at Bell as a wire splicer until the Nortel crash. I left pending layoffs to work as a manager at Famous Players and after that I took a manager’s position at Casino Rama in 2003. While I was at Rama, I made a New Year’s resolution on Dec. 31, 2004 to stop smoking and drinking and I am very proud that I have kept that resolution right up to the present day. I started a two-year Registered Massage Therapist course in 2006, and passed my exam in 2008, becoming a RMT. Around 2010, one of the RMT’s told me about the Fire course, and I decided to pursue it. I went to Georgian College in Barrie, where at age 43, I was the oldest in my class. I became a volunteer Firefighter with Blue Mountain for three years, until I got the call from TFS. I was in the March 2016 class, and you guessed it, I was the oldest recruit in my class. I was placed at Station 121 out of the academy, where I learned a lot from the guys, and especially my first Captain, Ross L. After two years there, I transferred to R412 to be closer to my home in Collingwood. I found working at TFS to be very rewarding, and the thing I miss the most is the camaraderie.

Greg: Do you have any hobbies?

Curtis: I enjoy doing CrossFit, which I did for seven years, up until my stroke. My personal best back squat was 305 pounds. I also enjoyed mountain biking, as an adult, but was never a speed demon, like my Captain Ross, lol.

I also became a Men’s Traditional Native Dancer, and performed about five times a year, at traditional gatherings, or as they are more commonly known, Pow Wows. I also participated in Sweat Lodges but will be unable to continue this for health reasons.

Greg: Can you tell me about the day your world changed?

Curtis: The date was, Nov. 24, 2018. I called in sick to my massage therapy job. I was going to take a shower, and I felt nauseated.

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Member Profile...Continued from page 17

I remember falling down and hitting my head on the bed frame. I was found 2 days later by 2 friends who decided to check in on me. One friend Brittany, who is on Brampton Fire, recognized stroke symptoms, and called 911. I was in bad shape, but I was able to speak to her, and asked her to call my brother Barry, who is a First Nations Police Officer. I was taken to Collingwood Hospital, and then Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie. The doctor in Barrie told my brother that he thought I was going to die, which obviously did not happen, as I’m still here. They did tests at RVH, and then I went back to Collingwood Hospital for 3 weeks, before going to Health Sciences North in Sudbury to be closer to family. I am currently at ICAN rehab residence in Sudbury, on Haig Street. I do physiotherapy here onsite, as well as Stronger for Longer in Zoom meetings. I also do Tai chi. The hardest thing about recovery is controlling my emotions, as I have good days and bad days. This COVID-19 has also cost me some recovery time, due to lockdown, and social distancing measures. My memory is 100% intact, as is my right side, but my left side was affected.

Greg: What are your days here like, and what other plans do you have?

Curtis: I have three roommates and we each have our own room and share a common kitchen/living room. A personal support worker comes every day to help us. Besides a lot of physio, I have a scooter which lasts about 2 hours on a charge, so I can get out a bit. I watch a lot of Netflix and am running out of things to watch. I hope to move in with my sister, her husband and their adult kids in Atikammeksheng by Christmas. I would like to get back to TFS in some capacity - perhaps in Public Education, Fire Prevention or Communications.

Greg: Would you like any of the brothers or sisters on Toronto Fire to come visit?

Curtis: Yes, of course I would welcome any visitors. I realize the distance presents a challenge, but if anyone is going to be up this way, please stop by for a visit.

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Specializes in Disability Trial Work & has been representing the rights of Firefighters throughout Ontario Since 2003

Legal Advice

By Solicitor Matt Lalande

The Non-Occupational and Occupational Disability Coverage Mix – Where to Turn?

R

ecently, I had the opportunity to reconnect with my longtime hometown friend and colleague, Rob Hyndman, former president of the Ontario Professional Firefighters Association, to chat about how firefighter related occupational and non-occupational disability matters. Rob stressed the absolute importance of utilizing a firefighters’ respective associations throughout the WSIB process. He also stressed that: “…firefighter locals and their respective parent organizations have a very comprehensive skill set when it comes to claim adjudication. The Toronto local to whom you’re writing the article, for example, are leaders in the field and in my opinion, it is imperative for the firefighter to bring them into the process as soon as possible to make sure nothing is left on the table.”

Rob could not be more right. Firefighter locals and association committees are extremely experienced with the necessary adjudication of occupational claims – however – the disability issue can become complex when occupational related disabilities, presumptive or not, become entwined with non-occupational or pre-existing medical issues. In my experience, when this type of situation occurs, the firefighters’ respective associations will (assuming claim denial) adjudicate claims with the LTD carrier up to when a Court action is required, and then refer the case to an appropriate disability trial lawyer to assist with prosecution.

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The Increased Risk of Disability and Disease Because of the strenuous nature of their work, firefighters are often exposed to a number of different ergonomic, physical, and chemical workplace hazards, which can no doubt have long-lasting effects on a person. In addition, firefighters can also be repeatedly exposed to traumatic events and life-threatening perils which place them at an increased risk for developing clinically significant mental health issues such as acute stress disorder, PTSD, compassion fatigue, burnout syndrome, major depression, anxiety disorders, sleep difficulties, substance abuse, relationship breakdown, and suicide. Even more significant - these physical and mental health occupational related issues can be compounded, aggravated, or exacerbated by pre-existing psychological or physical issues, making it very difficult to determine whether or not disabilities suffered are workplace related or not.

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A special thanks to my friend and colleague Rob Hyndman for his time and contribution to this paper

A Disability Example Take PTSD for example. For firefighters suffering from PTSD, it’s symptoms can be so far reaching and debilitating that it’s simply not possible to work while they are struggling with serious symptoms and related complications. Thankfully, the PTSD paradigm has shifted on how the disorder is viewed and understood. The DSM-V (the psychiatrist bible) finally shuffled the deck and removed PTSD from the “anxiety disorders” category into a newly created chapter called “trauma and stress-related disorders.” Believe it or not, the DSM had considered PTSD as a type of anxiety since 1980. Also, a growing number of Provinces and States, including Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Texas, Vermont, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Connecticut have passed legislation to amend worker’s compensation for first responders suffering from PTSD. In Ontario, it’s now well known that first responders no longer have the onus of proving that they developed PTSD from their occupations in order to receive benefits – rather, the disorder is “presumed” to have risen out of and in the course of his or her employment, unless the contrary is shown and certain diagnostic criteria are met.

What happens if the contrary is shown, or a disorder is considered non-occupational?

It is certainly not uncommon in my practice to see injuries, whether physical or psychological, be considered non-occupational. It is also not uncommon to see a person suffering from an asymptomatic, pre-existing condition become symptomatic due to trauma on the job – or even more common, a pre-existing condition that is exacerbated by trauma. Perhaps there was pre-existing non-occupational major depression, bipolar disorder, or a substance abuse issue. Perhaps the individual is going through a stressful divorce, a death, has developing MS, suffers from an autoimmune disorder, or has developed a chronic respiratory disease that was aggravated by underlying asthma.

In my practice, I recall assisting a firefighter who was almost killed after he was hit by an SUV while riding his bicycle.

He suffered an open femur fracture, tibial plateau fracture, and terrible PTSD from the trauma of almost being killed. Four years later, his knee was repeatedly giving out while on the job.

The man, at 49, underwent a total knee replacement which became fraught with medical complications. On the job stressors intensified his PTSD symptoms. Because of the pre-existing conditions, the issue was considered non-occupational, even though his pre-existing conditions were clearly aggravated by on the job stressors. Worker’s compensation denied coverage, and he was left to apply for and be denied long-term disability that was forced to be litigated.

Turning to your Long-Term Disability Policy – Understanding the Basics Toronto firefighters are provided with disability policies as part of their comprehensive group benefits. Disability insurance contracts provide benefits to replace lost income in the event that an insured becomes disabled and he or she meets the applicable policy definition of disability. LTD policies generally cover any type of injury or illness that prevents the policyholder from being able to work (where the claim is not covered by WSIB). The qualifying period (or waiting period during which no benefits are paid but the person may cover their lost wages by drawing on an STD policy) for Toronto firefighter policies is 180 days from the date of the onset of injury or illness. After 180 days, you can apply for LTD. The duration of coverage is until you reach 65 years of age so long as you continue to meet policy requirements. The amount of benefit is a percentage of your gross monthly earnings.

The LTD policy will contain a definition of “Total Disability,” which defines the circumstances in which disability benefits will be paid. Typically, there will be two separate definitions of total disability: “own occupation” coverage and “any occupation” coverage.

With the own occupation coverage (“own occ”), a person will be found totally disabled if he or she is prevented from performing the substantial duties of his or her own occupation as a firefighter. Coverage is available even if you can perform menial duties of your job. Typically, the “own occ” coverage lasts for 24 months. Because the contractual test for the “own occ” period is less onerous, and the insurance company’s potential exposure is lower, insurers will often pay benefits during the “own occ” period. At the 24 month mark, the test changes to a more difficult definition, which requires the individual to be disabled from performing any occupation for which he or she is reasonably suited (language like “qualified, or could become qualified for, by reason of education, training, or experience”).

This is known as the any occupation “any occ” period. Insurers typically resist paying benefits into the “any occ” period. During the latter period, the potential payout, especially for a young person, could be significant.

When you apply for long-term disability, you need to be ready and understand the process. You need to prove your disability.

Don’t just submit your GP records - obtain and submit every clinical record you can from every doctor and specialist you have seen. Go over and above with medical records. Ontario doctors must retain medical records for 10 years. Go all the way back – the more evidence the better. Meet all your deadlines, don’t become the star in unfavorable surveillance video which contradicts your complaints, apply for CPP Disability, know how your policy defines total disability, and always follow recommended treatments. The key to getting approved is going over and above. Remember - It’s easier to pass a test when you’ve already seen the questions. Make sure to educate yourself or speak to a disability lawyer on what to expect and how to qualify before you apply for your disability benefits – and avoid the possibility of a wrongful denial.

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Why I love

BY CAROLYN O’BRIEN, TORONTO FIRE FIGHTER, STATION 145-C

I

don’t know how it happened, but in my short time with Toronto Fire Services, (TFS) the word is out that I love yoga! I’ve always been an active individual, and throughout my adult years, I have participated in a fitness competition, marathons and triathlons. When I’m not tackling my latest fitness goal, my daily routine involves a combination of weights, spinning, yoga and Muay Thai. I swear to you, on my career as a firefighter, that there was a time in my life when I had zero interest in yoga. Probably near impossible to believe for those of you who know me now, but I am truthfully my happiest and most at ease when I have a consistent yoga practice. I’m here to share with you how it all happened, and a few of the things that I’ve learned about myself and about the practice along the way. Mostly, my hope is that ALL of you drink the proverbial “yoga koolaid.” But for those that are not so easily persuaded, may this article help you open to the possibilities of how yoga can enhance your life.

My foray into yoga began one fateful day in 2011.

I was working as an Educator at Lululemon when I was volun-told to report to Etobicoke’s Power Yoga Canada (PYC) yoga studio for a hot yoga class as part of our staff meeting. I was less than impressed. Do you know how many times I had avoided a yoga class as a Lululemon employee up until that moment?! And then my first class came as a result of a staff meeting?! *To be clear it’s absolutely not mandatory to “do” yoga as a Lululemon employee, but some blessed co-worker decided we needed to jazz up our staff meeting, and hot yoga was selected as the activity of choice.* Like anything, yoga has a spectrum; there are TONS of different yoga styles to choose from. They vary from the super relaxed (Restorative or Yin yoga) to the very physical and heavily strength- based (Ashtanga, Bikram and Power Yoga). To remind everyone, the “P”

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in PYC stands for power. PYC IS the definition of strengthbased yoga.

I was dreading everything about the class (especially the heat), but in the end it wasn’t as bad as I had thought. Even during that first yoga class, I was already learning about myself. The negative energy and angst I had created going into the class was replaced by a feeling of enjoyment by the end. Why do humans make a big deal out of things, only to have the long-awaited experience be quite pleasant?!

Don’t get me wrong, hot yoga was far from a breeze. In fact, it was utterly exhausting, and the days following, I was sore and was aware of muscles that I didn’t know I had.; I loved how I felt!. Walking out of those studio doors, I set my sights on a new goal. Forget the fitness competitions and the long- distance races, even the chance for mental clarity or self-development was not even on my radar; I just wanted to be ridiculously and shamelessly flexible.

I can assure you this love of yoga didn’t happen overnight. I went “full steam ahead” with my flexibility goal and ended up with a slew of injuries. I simply couldn’t understand how glorified stretching could wreak such havoc on my body. These injuries unleashed in me a renewed commitment to my goal, as well as a determination to understand their root causes. And so, my journey began. I enrolled in yoga courses to expand my knowledge and deepen my understanding of the history, the practice and the proper alignment for the poses, and slowly, my vision shifted. I suddenly found myself on this amazing transformational path. I love yoga, because it creates the safest place for me to discover who I am, who I want to be and how I can get there. We’ve all heard the reasoning behind why yoga is “good” for us, so I will spare you the regurgitation of those scientific details. What I am about to divulge are the little lessons I have learned during my nearly decade long yoga journey and how it has truly changed the way I live my life.

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1. Breathe.

Breath is THE secret to a successful yoga practice. It’s all in connecting your breath to your movement; inhaling to go up, exhaling to go down, inhaling to lengthen the spine, exhaling to twist etc. If you want to get technical, this yoga breath is called “Ujjayi (pronounced oo-jai-eee).” It is a specific type of audible breathing and it is all that is required to be a true yoga master. I honestly thought I could bypass the breathing and my flexibility and strength would prevail. FYI, it didn’t.

Once I brought attention to my breath, everything came together. and I wish I had figured it out sooner. Both in life and in yoga, breath is THE single, greatest clue to knowing how I am doing. My breath has taught me that when it changes from its natural state to become curious with what is happening around me and focus on what I can do to help return myself to a place of peace and balance.

2. Don’t compare myself to others.

It’s so easy to become distracted at the yoga studio. When the poses are tough, what distracts one more than people watching?! Looking around the class,; taking notes on what people wear (a lot of Lululemon), their physiques (all ages, shapes and sizes) and what their skill levels are (beginner to advanced). This activity of judging others is so damaging. I became so critical of myself,; literally forcing my body to bend beyond its limits, so I could look like others in the room. What I discovered was, I was actually comparing myself to dancers and gymnasts who had spent a lifetime honing their bodies to be flexible. After countless injuries, my perspective shifted – it kinda had to if I wanted to be able to move pain free! I realized that true flexibility takes time and if I really wanted this, I had to create space in my busy schedule to do the work.

More importantly, if I wasn’t willing or wanting to do the work, then I shouldn’t be shaming myself for where I was currently at.

3. I get to choose my reactions.

Do not take yoga seriously. Every class, although the poses are the same, I myself could feel different. There can be classes where I feel strong, grounded and totally balanced and then there are the classes where -– ten years in - I am unfocussed and fall out of every pose. The goal is to not react with anger or rage towards these little nuances. There is no need to create excuses for why I fell out of a pose, nor is there a need to assume that the next time I do this pose, my body will react the same way. Let each pose be its own unique experience.

For example, just because I ripped the water pipes off of station 145’s apparatus bay wall with the pump on one shift, doesn’t mean I’ll do it the next shift… right?! I mean, if we can’t laugh at the small and potentially mortifyingly embarrassing things, then what the H-E-double hockey sticks do we do when life really starts hitting the fan?!

4. I tell myself A LOT of stories.

I have yoga poses I absolutely love (frog pose) and those that I abhor (crow pose). I NEVER procrastinate getting into my favourites, but when a less than desirable pose comes up, so does the mental anguish. I know it’s just a pose, but in that fleeting second after it’s called, a thousand excuses run through my head: “I’m too tired, I’m too tight, I’m not strong enough, I can’t do that or what if I fall and hurt myself?!”

The list goes on and on and I’ve learned that they’re all lies.

Stories I’ve completely fabricated to prevent myself from growing in my yoga practice, my career and my personal life.

I know they’re lies, because every once in a while, my mind stays quiet; I don’t think, I just go for it, and suddenly I’m in a hand stand for 2 super exciting seconds! Not enough time to snap a picture for this article, but long enough to show me that if I stopped listening to that negative voice inside my head, anything is possible.

5. How you show up on your mat is how you show up everywhere else.

This is my favourite piece of yoga intel and it’s this statement that started this whole article. For good reason, it’s a phrase that is often used at Power Yoga Canada Etobicoke. When I finally registered the power of this statement it completely revolutionized my yoga practice and permeated my life. It created a sense of awareness in me to take a step back and ask myself why I do the things that I do, both on and off the mat, and are these decisions of benefit to me?

I am officially stepping down from my “yoga” soap box.

Now that the end is near, my hope is that everyone is inspired to participate in a yoga class. Alas, I am not THAT naïve and will happily settle for ONE person reading this article, with my subpar jokes, from start to finish! Although I wholeheartedly believe that you truly won’t know if you like something until you try it for yourself, I can appreciate that sometimes, you just know. And so, I encourage you to get out there and find a healthy activity of your own choosing that provides you with the happiness and mental clarity that yoga provides me. Do it for yourself, for your friends and family and for longevity in your career.

If any of you have any questions or are just looking for a yoga buddy, you know how to reach me. In the most cliché way of signing off a yoga article, I say to you,: “Namaste”.

Carolyn O’Brien is an avid dog lover and a practicing yogini.

She has been working for the Toronto Fire Service for 4 years and is currently assigned to the pump at 145 on, C shift.

Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, and a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University, a Paramedic Diploma from Algonquin College and IFSAC Seals from Training Division Firefighter Academy.

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STATION 232

BY BERNICE HALSBAND, TORONTO FIRE FIGHTER, STATION 232-C

“Pound for pound, it’s the best firehall in the city” – Station 232 Member

THE HISTORY In some areas of Scarborough, the buildings can lack the rich and exciting history of a downtown hall. The cookie-cutter brutalist architecture doesn’t exactly inspire the same warm feelings as the Amsterdam, Colonial Revival or Tudor styles of TFS stations 227, 325 or 314 respectively.

Weirdly enough, the term brutalism may conjure unpleasant thoughts for most people at first, but it is actually a style of architecture that was popular with institutions in the 50’s and 60’s. Its etymology hails from the French ‘béton brut’ or ‘raw concrete’.

If you were blindfolded and driven to TFS stations 215, 213, or 244 you’d be hard pressed to know which hall you were in unless

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you were familiar with it. I was recently told that station 232, before its renovation at amalgamation, was identical to station 244, with only a few walls remaining from the original building.

Many of the downtown halls were built in the late 19th and early 20th century, arguably a much nicer period for architecture.

While TFD was already well established by the 1900’s, the first Scarborough firehall, Station 1 at Birchmount and Highview was built in 1925. By the time the second station was built in 1930 TFD already had 10+ halls.

When you consider the huge influx in growth for SFD in the 1950’s and 1960’s due to massive housing developments and residential zoning, it’s easy to understand how the historical influence for these cold, uninviting concrete structures were established.

Station 232 was built in 1963 and renovated just before amalgamation with funds from the City of Scarborough. The truck was relocated near the Ambulance station at Lawrence and Kennedy, away from the crew that was tucked into a trailer under a bridge.

When a call came in, someone had to go get the truck and drive it up to the gate. Another crew member would unlock the gate, the truck would exit and then that person had to lock the gate again.

It was quite the temporary routine and a good thing those tracking computers and the 24-hour shift weren’t in place yet! Imagine being placed in a trailer with your crew for 24 hours!?

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THE DRAW Ever since I started working on this article, we have been extremely busy here at TFS station 232, which really isn’t a surprise. The Squad alone goes to every major emergency and fire call in Command and often attends further calls in North or South Command. In fact, we often see station 313 at almost every Bluff or water rescue and sometimes station 331 too; if we’re lucky!

When I think about what I like about this hall, there are a few things that come to mind: the crew I’d be learning from, the truck rotation, the training, and of course, the calls.

When I asked some of the crew members from 232 on other platoons why they’re at this hall, I get the same answer across the board. It was clear that the diversity of the calls, their crews and being somewhat removed from the media circus of the downtown emergency scene were consistent things that came up.

PROVIDENCE – LET’S TALK Quite a few years ago when one of our Squad members was still growing his capelets at 243, the first ever LRT air bag lift was executed by the two attending Squads. The task was to lift the cars enough for the woman attempting suicide to be rescued from underneath. “She jumped in front of the train and made it to the third car before everything stopped and she had to be rescued”. The lift was successful, the patient was saved. For now. A paramedic once said to me that “We don’t save people. We just prolong their lives.” I remember

that being one of the most cynical things I’ve ever heard, but it rings true in this case. The woman, once saved, prolonged her existence for only a few more months before succumbing to life.

Sometimes there are no answers. Not good ones, not bad ones, not even mediocre ones. You can revisit the question a million times over and still – nothing. What do you say to a father as he realizes he has lost both his sons in one fell swoop? Often, we walk into the worst day of people’s lives, and we’re the complete stranger who is supposed to come make it better. But sadly, and realistically, you can’t every time. We’ve all been there at some point or another; and if you haven’ t, there may come a day where you will be.

Although, I believe that more of us have been there than we like to admit. The sneaky anger that rears its head suddenly out of context, the irritability, the need for either total silence or total noise; either to drown out or to examine what you think you’re supposed to be feeling.

Feeling too much? Too little? Too different? There is no playbook for how calls should affect you. I know members that have been on 30 years and say they’ve never had a problem coping; and I actually believe them. But no matter what it is you are or aren’t feeling, no matter if it makes sense or not; trust me on this; you’re not the only one.

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Station 232...Continued from page 29

I have an amazing crew that talks very openly about pretty much anything. I know that any time a rescue takes place I can expect a few phone calls asking how I am. That alone means everything. But sometimes there are no answers.

Sometimes it simply is what it is.

I’ve only been here 2 ½ years and it feels like a lot has happened! It’s no surprise that the stories that emerge from the crews who have spent most of their career here abound.

Tony Cardinelli and Fergus O’Halloran have spent almost 20 years at station 232, old 8 hall, always smiling, always keen.

They have attended so many ‘vehicle accidents over their careers along with their crews that it’s hard to keep up with the stories. From cars wrapped around trees to cars cut clean in half, they’ve seen it all. They know where the problematic spots are that get people seriously injured and/or killed.

Brother Cardinelli recalls the Kennedy highway interchanges have especially been the scene of many collisions. Once, as he was placing a ram in the middle of a car for a dash roll, the space was so limited that he had to position his body in a way that the deceased victim’s head leaned on his shoulder.

Fergus reminisced about a hot air balloon that was ‘floating out of control’, and according to the dispatch, only to safely land north of the 401. All the while, crews on 231 and 232 watched its descent from the trucks as they were racing towards it. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, consider that nowretired Scarborough Captain Craig Chandler once had to fight off a crocodile living in a basement that was purposely flooded for it as a habitat. Toronto Zoo ended up capturing it and the basement zoo had an end put to it. I could go on and on about the calls that I’ve heard discussed at the dinner table or at shift change. There are a million inside jokes, references one on top of the other and gut busting belly laughs as members one up each other with jokes, each one funnier than the last.

FAST AND FURIOUS When I first came to station 232 I thought driving would be a breeze because of the wide streets and boulevards in Scarborough; boy was I wrong. Downtown driving is challenging because of the streetcars, the pedestrians, the traffic, the close concentration of EDPs and a myriad of other distractions and obstacles. All these obstructions make driving fast impossible whether you’re in a sports car or a firetruck.

When you drive up Midland, Birchmount, Kennedy, Brimley or any of the other big Scarborough streets there could be a long stretch of road before you have to stop for a light or a sign. In fact, in 2019 TPS issued over 600 speeding tickets on Midland alone. Speeds exceeding 150km/h are easily attainable and street racing is a daily occurrence. If you’re not careful out here and the streets are clear, you will go faster than you mean to. Especially at night when lights are green and you are racing towards a fire or a rescue.

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Last May, at 0130 a 16-year-old Whitby teenager took his mother’s Mercedes out for a joyride with two of his friends.

He collided with a concrete lamppost that broke at the base and landed lengthwise across the car, which also broke at the tip and teetered across the trunk. It snapped all of the structural integrity of the framework, including the hardened steel crossbar that runs across the steering column. The pole crushed the top, caving into the interior and trapped the boy along with the driver. I remember my crews as well as all the other attending crews working feverishly in the pouring rain for a few hours. I remember feeling particularly useless and trying to help by stabilizing the pole with struts and cribbing, shuttling equipment, and clearing debris. There were so many capable hands and minds trying to solve the issues present on this extrication but in the end, as we loaded the driver onto the stretcher it was clear that he wouldn’t make it.

CALLING THE BLUFFS There’s a lot more that could be written about this hall and the calls it runs. With the exception of streetcar lifts and confined space rescues, all of the equipment on the Squad is pulled for rescues fairly regularly. I could write a whole article about all the Scarborough bluff rescues and the risks they pose.

In fact, it’s a huge part of our job and we get called to the bluffs at least a half a dozen times each summer on each shift alone.

The bluffs that cut a jagged coastline for kilometres on end, present a high and low angle rescue conundrum. Each year the weather changes and erodes the soft lime and sandstone to present a new coastline every summer. The undulations and ravines, the trees and bushes make it hard to gauge the distance from top to bottom and you need a lot of rope to navigate the terrain. Although those bluff rescues may seem unpredictable and very dangerous as the seasons change, our crews at 232 always work together seamlessly and enjoy a good rescue!

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 3 | F I R E WAT CH 30

Letter from the Editor…

If I’ve ever heard this phrase, or what it stands for, it’s now during the COVID-19 Pandemic! Keep motivated, be consistent, build a routine, keep on schedule, take breaks, be spontaneous, etc, etc. The world of COVID-19 has presented some challenges for us social beings. Working in a station/office and having to keep physically distanced, with little or any camaraderie during dinner or throughout the day, working a much more flexible schedule, not seeing our co-workers at work, not getting together with family or friends. Even working a remote schedule has us working in unconventional ways, many hours, sometimes more than our 35 to 45 each week. Even without commuting, the need to meet goals, to complete work, to keep productive is still a priority albeit, the move toward wellness—a work/life balance has become what government and employers alike are encouraging employees to achieve.

The recommendations below about how to stay on track are some ways to always help us with our mental facets always and more especially through this pandemic. Now that I am not attending training or in a classroom learning, I am watching many webinars and the message is the same—keep your routine as similar as it was before. Even if unable to go to the gym, keep an exercise regime, use technology as a resource, though limit watching and listening to newscasts. Minimize use of cell phone at bedtime. Keep a daily journal and write down thoughts and feelings especially when experiencing stress or anxiety. Enjoy a staycation given travel bans. Finally, do what makes you happy and is still within your control

TORONTO FIRE SERVICES EAP/CIS NEWSLETTER

Lynn Sciberras

and practice gratefulness. Remember not to sweat the small things and prevent losing sight of what really matters and keep us mentally healthy. It’s natural to feel like so much of what’s happening is beyond our control. However, there are ways to be productive, proactive and gain some peace of mind by focusing on those areas that we can control and make us happy.

Three important takeaways

When we focus too much on others, we lose sight of ourself.

Find one good thing in every day at minimum, don’t lose sight of possibilities and what is still within our control. Do – Be – Act. Practice Practice Practice – we need to keep motivated and if we do things only occasionally, it does not become part of us.

Mike outlines “how to” put it all together to survive life during a Pandemic and make the most of life during and post.

VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 3 | FIRE WATCH

12

Staying On Track

S

taying motivated and high-energy much of the time (or even 80% of the time) is tough for anyone without mastering the right blend of caffeine, melatonin, diet and exercise, especially with so much to consider during COVID-19. Thinking about 24 hours shifts and working 4 or 5 days a week raises challenges with less or poor sleep and recovery after work.

Work, from a historical perspective was much more simplified so keeping on track was easier to do when the work day was more about punching in…repetitive task…break…more repetitive task…punching out.

In this decade and for several years now, more and more companies go towards Agile and Startup mentality.

NOW, more and more people work remotely and work a flexible schedule. Some put in a regular and straight 7-8 hours a day, not necessarily consecutive hours, more often, the number of hours go well beyond given employees are doing the job of 2 or more people, making 50-60 hours week not uncommon.

Motivational posts, quotes and ads about fitness, what to eat (food combination), drink, what supplements are good for us are popular because everyone is trying to figure out how to keep going for 8, 10, 15...heck even 20 hours straight, to reach that next goal! Support for wellness in the workplace is very popular as well.

Might there be something behind this push?

Well, one thing for sure is that our body will only give us so many 15hr non-stop crazy productivity sessions before it starts going on strike! Can you relate to the following?

Losing focus/ starting to fall asleep

Finding it difficult to concentrate?

Starting to forget and question everything said and done?

Getting distracted easily?

Finding ways to escape” in a quiet place at work or home?

Even when we try to “escape” work finds us through technology, so does our own headspace amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. Michael suggests this is our big hint - we need to learn the proper way to hustle - and suggests the following 5 points.

Already started hating your mission, and forgetting why you decided on it in the first place? Don’t worry, it’s not too late!

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TORONTO FIRE SERVICES EAP/CIS NEWSLETTER

VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 3 | FIRE WATCH

Just take a moment and start implementing these 5 points that can help: 1. Life scrum board

4. I take productive day-vacations

That’s right, organize your week/month into possible categories such as:

My father has always been known for being happy to work 16hr days 7 days a week, at 78, he has tried something different—who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks??!! He started extending his weekends twice a month by taking 1-2 days off every other week. This has him looking better, feeling better and happier!

While we’re used to sitting in front of the laptop or monitor of some type, making calls, running calls or working on a project for several hours at a time—it doesn’t have to be this way.

When we work so much, even when it’s something we enjoy, we need proper downtime without compromising what we’re working for.

Go out! Take up a hobby! Volunteer! Take a drive outside the city! And during travel time if on a train/bus/ boat/car/plane, use this commute time to create/complete something amazing and refreshing on your laptop, read a book, yes, a paper book, or simply look out the window and watch what is going on in view. When you get to your destination, learn from others, what they do/how they spend their time being productive, sometimes we find what we’ve been missing or could add to our own daily repertoire.

And in the evening? Get yourself a massage, get outdoors and watch the stars. An hour or two of completely unplugging from the hustle is guaranteed to centre and ground, provide clarity, and get new juices flowing.

Often what appears to be needing your immediate attention does in fact not. And, everything you’ll get from that mini vacation will be just what you need to crush another week of hustle.

Or create your own and assign coloured labels ie: business, content creation (youtube, etc.), fitness, family, errands and ME time. This makes it easy to visually see that the week is balanced. In the progressing age of technology, these can even be done through our cell phone calendar, reminders, colour coding etc.

2. Awesomeness Journal Tony Robbins always says: You can’t be grateful and angry/stressed at the same time.

He is absolutely correct. Practicing gratefulness is really making an impact on me, although it can sometimes be easy to forget to be grateful throughout the day. A sure-fast way I go with is taking a few minutes right after waking up, and right before going to sleep.

In the morning I note 2 or 3 things that I’m grateful for, that will make me grateful if they happen that day. In the evening, I reflect and write down 2 or 3 things that were awesome, I could have made better, and will certainly make better the next day.

Meditation also helps, slows the breathing, provides for personal quiet time, reflection, relaxation and improved wellness overall.

3. No iPhone mornings I used to be the kind of person that checked messages and e-mails first thing in the morning or as soon as a notification came in through my cell phone. I made a very conscious effort to prevent myself from checking them so immediately and nothing bad happened as a result of this! Focusing on myself first, whether it be first thing in the morning for a good stretch, cardio, sit ups, or simply relaxing with tea while I slowly start my day or work on a personal project.

Setting small goals for myself for the day or the week are typically what I have become accustom to doing. The change has been positive, and I have been able to stick to this and stay on track!

Starting your day off by responding to what other people want sets you on a stressful path for the day where your own goals are secondary.

Focusing on our own goals and needs (in the morning, even if that means waking up earlier), is sure to make the rest of the day a whole lot calmer and productive when we take care of the most important things first: ourselves and our goals.

TORONTO FIRE SERVICES EAP/CIS NEWSLETTER

5. Apply the 80-20 rule to everything Consuming vs. creating is the latest place that I’m finding this rule extra helpful. It’s easy to get caught up in being super productive, creating/building all day/night long, just as easy as it is to spend hours bouncing between blog posts and videos.

80% Creating / 20% Consuming Aim to spend 80% of your time building and creating, and 20% of your time-consuming things that help you →be more creative when you get back to building and →see where what you’re creating fits in with what everyone else is consuming.

These 5 things have really helped me in the last year to reduce stress, accomplish more, and most importantly, feel great more of the time.

What would you add to my list? What helps you to stay focused to accomplish more reduce or eliminate anxiety and have more time to enjoy life?

Life is short so start staying on track now!

VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 3 | FIRE WATCH

3

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

How to Get FULLY INVOLVED! Toronto Firefighters Celtic Society

DAVE: We are a firefighter group that organizes social and fundraising events to enhance the experience of being a Toronto Firefighter. The events include the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Beaches Boot Drive, Camp BUCKO Bonspiel, as well as purely social events like major league sports trips and even Christmas parties. We were organized in 2006 by John Poirier, Retired Captain and Mike Ogle, Captain PD&T, who gathered monthly with other firefighters. Many large fire departments in North America have an “Emerald Society” that are Irish based – but we chose to name ours “Celtic”, since that encompasses seven different nations. Even then - it’s only a name.

We are firefighters first and you don’t have to be from those nations to be involved.

(Interview with Acting Captain David Cossitt, President, 313A)

BY KEN DE JONG, TORONTO FIRE CAPTAIN, STATION 345-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 is the structure of your organization and how do you decide how to do your activities and where to donate the funds?

DAVE: Our Executive is made up of four board members (myself 313A, Jason Atwell 324C, Pat Hayter 331D and Al Meyers 314B Rob Gutray 441C is our West Command Rep). We discuss events that we think everyone would enjoy. When we fundraise, we look at charities that are a little less mainstream and use very little of their funds for executive expenses. We want 100% of the donations going to the charity. Some examples are Camp BUCKO, the Rob Penney Memorial Slo-Pitch Tournament (which supports the International Fire Fighters’ Cancer Research Fund at Princess Margaret Hospital), the Canadian Fallen Firefighter Foundation, as well as non-charities, such as the TFS Pipes and Drums and TFS Honour Guard. We are very picky about where the money goes because we want it to make a difference and be local.

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Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 3 | F I R E WAT CH 34

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

DAVE: The executive meets a couple of times a year (usually over a pint) and the supporters attend our functions directly. There really aren’t any meetings per se. We use the usual methods of communication (Facebook, emails, Twitter, Instagram) to share the details and just hope everyone can make it.

KEN: How do you recruit members and what is the commitment?

DAVE: We don’t really have “members”. We like to see it as having “supporters”. We want firefighters to come out and enjoy our social events, and if they want to support our fundraising, then buying some of our merchandise is very much appreciated. We reach out to the new recruits of each class to explain our organization and we also attend many seminars and conventions to try and sell our merchandise and promote what we do.

There isn’t a set commitment, which makes it perfect for out of town firefighters who want to get more involved but can’t commit to regular practices, etc. We hope that as many people as possible will attend one of our events (for example, we specifically look for volunteers to help with our bigger events such as the Beaches Boot Drive for Camp Bucko). Last year, we organized a purely social Christmas party in the west end for something different and 60 people showed up. We considered that a success.

KEN: Are there any costs that are the responsibility of the “supporters”?

DAVE: We encourage everyone to buy a piece of merchandise of their choice. It is up to them on how much they would like to spend, but the items range from $10 to $60. We have clothing, scarves, hats, challenge coins, patches and some specialty items. Again, choosing the “Celtic” title was for name only, but it gives us something nice to put on the merchandise even though we don’t really tap into any history or traditions of those nations. You can be from any background and feel totally comfortable with the group.

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 3 | F I R E WAT CH 35

PREP TIME; 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME; 1 HOUR SERVES 6

Ingredients

Ingredients •1 can dice tomatos ( i like to garlic seasoned ones) •1 /4 cup fresh basil coarsely chopped •1 1/2 -2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese •3 /4 cup of parmesan cheese • 1 bag of garlic croutons • 3 eggs • breadcrumbs

Directions

• 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 3 (or more) cloves of garlic • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar • 1 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes • 1 can marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)

1. Preheat oven to 400f

Directions

2. Peel and quarter potatoes and cut large ones into thick wedges

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. In a bowl add eggs and blend with fork 3. On a plate lay out breadcrumbs 4. Dip breasts in eggs and then lay on breadcrumbs 5. Repeat with same breast (now it has 2 layers) 6. Place it on a cookie sheet 7. Do all the breasts 8. In a frying pan place the olive oil and heat to medium - high 9. Quickly fry each breast to a light brown 10. Do all the breast and put them back on the cookie sheet 11. In a large bowl mix pasta or marinara sauce and diced tomatoes garlic 12. Place a thin layer of this mix on the bottom of a casserole dish 13. Place the chicken breasts into the casserole dish in on layer 14. In a bowl mix balsamic vinegar/pepper flakes/basil, 1/2 of mozzarella and 1/2 of the parmesan cheese 15. Spread this mixture over the chicken evenly 16. Now evenly spread out the coutons out in the pan 17. Finally pour the remaining sauce over the pan and then top with the remaining cheese 18. Cover with tinfoil, bake in the oven for 35 minutes until golden

• 1.2 KG / 2.5LB Yukon Gold Potatoes • 1 1/2 Cups / 375 ML Chicken Stock/Broth • 1/2 Cup / 125 ML Olive Oil • 1/3 Cup / 85 ML Lemon Juice • 5 Garlic Cloves (Minced) • 1 TBSP Dried Oregano • 2 TSP Salt

3. Place in a roasting pan with all the other ingredients, mix well.

4. Cover and roast for 20-30 minutes. turn potatoes, roast for a further 25 to 30 minutes (covered).

5. To crisp the potatoes uncover foil and roast another 15-20 minutes or so based on your oven and preference on how crisp you like your potatoes.

6. Add another wedge or two of lemon juice once you pull them out of the oven and give them a final toss.

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 36

Serve with garlic bread and caesar salad Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 3 | F I R E WAT CH 36

How to get fully Involved...Continued from page 35

Ken: What would you say to someone out there thinking of joining the Celtic Society?

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

DAVE: We have three events that are very successful. The Camp Bucko Bonspiel (an all-day curling tournament), the annual Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade (marching as a group in our uniforms) and the Memorial Ride to Ottawa (a 500+ km bike ride from Hamilton to Ottawa leading up to the Canadian Fallen Firefighter Memorial weekend). In the past, we have put on comedy nights and we have organized a yearly football trip to an NFL city in the USA. We also play in a couple of baseball and hockey tournaments put on by other departments.

The Memorial Ride is probably the most “epic”. It has been featured in the Canadian Firefighter Magazine and the Quarterly IAFF Fire Fighter Magazine. Marc Dunn, a TFS Fire Investigator, won a media award (2019 Best Firewatch Article) for his reporting of the ride.

DAVE: I think joining and participating in the Celtic Society is a great opportunity to get out and meet other members of our job and to give back to our job and community. I would say again that you don’t have to be of Irish or any of the Celtic backgrounds to join.

It is really a name only and if you are a firefighter, you are welcome! We have a lot of fun socializing and also feel good about giving back to the community in a real way.

KEN: Any final thoughts?

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

DAVE: Jeff McHenry (an award-winning comedian who did guest appearances on the TV show Letterkenny) headlined our Comedy Night. Anwar Knight of CTV News did a nice piece about our Bonspiel. Fire Chief Matt Pegg (not really famous) has joined us at our events and has shown his support. Over the years, we have met many dignitaries and successful people who we have a close working relationship with. Shawn Ruddy is the Chair of the St. Patrick’s Parade in Toronto and it is people like him who are important to us as we rely on their help to get things done for our events.

DAVE: I feel blessed to have this job and am truly thankful for what the members before me have done to make this the best job in the world. I think we owe it to ourselves and our future members to put the effort in to continue making this the best job there is.

Contact Information Dave Cossitt 313A Jason Atwell 324C Pat Hayter 331D Al Meyers 314B Rob Gutray 441C Facebook: Toronto Firefighters Celtic Society Instagram: TPFF Celtic Society Twitter: TorFireCeltic Email: tpffceltic@gmail.com Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 3 | F I R E WAT CH 37

Greetings from the

Retired Toronto Fire Fighters’ Association!

I hope everyone is doing well. I know that the greater TFS family, and the RTFFA included, are here for any members that need assistance during this uncertain time. It hasn’t been a fun time for those working or retired alike.

difficult. Those on the 24 have already got a routine of being home part of the week and for those retiring from the Monday to Friday need to be aware of the change. It gets quiet really fast.

Pre-retirement

The best way to begin your preparation into the R-Shift is to reach out to your friends and family that are already retired. The next thing is to watch the 3888 Website and attend the next OMERS Retirement Seminar. They are conducted a few times each year (Until Covid-19) and are invaluable. The Seminars are attended by all of the agency reps (City, 3888, OMERS) that you will need to get a good idea of the process. For a more personalized estimate, we suggest that every member visit the “My OMERS” web page, which will give a more accurate estimate of your financial situation with respect to pensions. The last item here in your research is to read up on the CPP issue and when to take it. This is a personal thing and there are many opinions and advice available. Looking ahead, some of our members have used their CPP and their OAS to offset the pension Bridge reduction. Something to keep in mind here as you plan.

The decision to retire is huge, one of the biggest you could ever make and needs to be made with as much preparation as possible. Retirement is a big lifestyle change and for those in Support Divisions the transition can be more

We regularly get asked for a snapshot of what some retirees are actually getting. Below is a chart with some actual figures.

We thought under the circumstances (COVID-19), we would interrupt the series on our roots and have a chat about the transition to the R-Shift. We noticed a large number of our active members retired mid-summer and interesting discussions were had on our Facebook page prior to the sheets coming out. We have put together a list of things that everyone should be aware of going forward.

Further, the info below is for the OMERS Group, those hired after 1967ish. For those of our members that were hired before 1967, many will have already retired and will already be up to speed with their own pension plan.

TFS OMERS PENSION ESTIMATES Years of Service 30

Age 62

Rank Captain

Division Support

Monthly Pension 4,518.17

35

65

Captain

Operations

4484.34

35 38 32

64 62 59

Captain DC Senior FF

Operations Operations Operations

5205.96 5847.50 4162.55

32

65

Senior FF

Operations

4889.47

35

65

Captain

Operations

4644.80

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

In addition to all the financial issues with the Retirement Process, there is another issue that needs to be watched and that is your Benefits. Upon Retirement, your Benefit numbers will change, and that process could take several weeks if not a month. (COVID-19) Its important NOT to make any Benefit Claims during your retirement transition. Either make the claims well before your retirement, or at least 30 days after, using the new numbers.

Happy Birthday, you’re now 65. You will have noticed the sizable reduction in your OMERS Pension deposit, but because you have done your homework, it wasn’t a surprise. Now you’re planning decisions that were made pre-65 are kicking in and you will notice the changes from all those decisions plus the changes in your income taxes. The end result should be as you had expected.

Well Done.

Post retirement

Some Final Items

Hopefully your post retirement time will be learning how to adapt to the change in lifestyle. For some, it’s been an easy transition. For others - not so much. During this period, you need to be mindful of your 65th birthday. If you have not been contacted by the City in the last 3 or so months leading up to your birthday, reach out and make the contact yourself. There are some critical things that need to be done before the most important of which is your OMERS Bridge.

Be as familiar with the Bridge as you can, so there are no surprises. You may have seen some info on the Bridge from your research and attending the seminar, here’s a quick refresher: https://www.omers.com/Members/ R e t i r e m e n t / A b o u t - Yo u r- O M E R S Pension#Turning65 It’s now time to decide on (or at least look into) your CPP. Many of our members in this situation have used their Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) to offset their Bridge Reduction. Of course, everyone is different and after surveying some of our members, it seems that the average pension loss after the Bridge loss and CPP & OAS additions is about $350 per month. So, you could lose approximately $350 per month on average from your pre-Bridge deposit. If you look at the chart above, you will see in italics, the Captain and the Senior Fire Fighter who retired with 35 & 32 years. There are two entries, one before 65, and one after, it shows better the Bridge reduction.

65th

Birthday

Now is also the time for your estate planning (if you haven’t done it already). We highly recommend that you have clear instruction as to your Obituary & Funeral arrangements. There are huge pitfalls if you should pass without a will. We urge all our members to have up to date Wills, Living Wills, and Powers of Attorney. The RTFFA suggests that everyone who served should be recognized by an Obituary and some sort of Celebration of Life. It’s as much for your friends and families as it is for you. We also suggest that you leave instruction in your Will to leave any and all Fire Service Memorabilia to specific family members and perhaps our own Toronto Fire Historical Society, so our history can be better preserved. All too often we’ve seen artifacts go in the trash.

As of the writing of this article, we will be closing in on our Fall Membership Meeting. As you can imagine, planning under the current restrictions is difficult. We are currently looking into holding a virtual meeting and those details will be on our social media as they become available (with the final plan being mailed out). As of our last count, we have just over 300 members and are still growing. In the future issues of Fire Watch, we will continue to keep all of you updated on our progress. Our membership drive is continuous. If you’re interested in becoming a member, feel free to contact us at active. retired@torontofirefighters.org . The dues ($25.00) are payable annually on the 1st of May and typically at our May meeting. Meetings will involve food and fellowship.

What could be better? Come join us and be well.

May 29,2020 - September 25,2020 Retired Lawrence Earle Burns Richard Bailey Frederick Ralph William Angus Pennock Gary Nystrom Eric Cleyndert Jim Duffney Eugene Dionne Ken McAllister Garnet Albert Bliss

Captain May Quan 1965-2020

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29-May-2020 3-June-2020 5-June-2020 11-June-2020 16-June-2020 18-June-2020 19-June-2020 20-June-2020 30-June-2020 10-July-2020

John Zboch John Arthur Blake Gary Campbell Gerald Moore Joseph Drury Daniel McIntyre Donald Allen Hartley Earl Lisowick Alan George Deinhardt George Sayliss

Acting Captain Duncan Gibson 1979-2020

15-July-2020 3-August-2020 11-August-2020 12-August-2020 12-August-2020 15-August-2020 15-September-2020 19-September-2020 23-September-2020 25-September-2020

Captain Brock Munro 1952-2020

Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 3 | F I R E WAT CH 40

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.

Erik Christensen On March 19th, 2010 Toronto Fire Fighter Erik Christenson passed away at the age of 77 from lung cancer. Fire Fighter Christensen joined the North York Fire Department on December 16th, 1957 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 on March 23rd, 2010.

In Honour of Fire Fighter Erik Christensen, a Memorial Plaque has been hung at TFS station 114.

Submitted by the Christensen Family for the 2012 Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Ceremony: Erik joined the North York Fire Department which was later amalgamated into the Toronto Fire Department. After his training he served in several stations in that area. A husky, 6’ 2” amiable man, he was well liked and respected by his fellow members. He was a very hard working, self-starter for all his life. Erick succumbed to lung cancer, Mesothelioma, on March 19, 2010.

Neil G. Harrison On February 24th, 2014 Toronto Fire Captain Neil G. Harrison passed away at the age of 65 from brain cancer. Captain Harrison joined the Toronto Fire Department on November 7th, 1977 and was very proud to be of service to his community throughout the duration of his career. Brother Harrison was cremated and celebrated at his funeral by family, friends and fellow Fire Fighters on March 5th, 2014.

In Honour of Captain Neil G. Harrison, a Memorial Plaque has been hung at TFS station 244.

Submitted by the Harrison Family for the 2014 Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial: Neil Gordon Harrison joined the Scarborough Fire Department July 7, 1977 and retired from Toronto Fire Services on January 31, 2008. He began his career at Hall 7 on Markham Road in Scarborough but the majority of his service was at Hall 5 later renamed Station 244 after amalgamation with Toronto Fire Services. Neil enjoyed his job and particularly the camaraderie developed amongst his colleagues. He was notorious for his joking, storytelling, and infectious laugh. He was well respected by the men under his command after becoming a Captain in February 2000. Known affectionately by friends and family as “Harry,” Neil was an accomplished member of the Curling fraternity – twotime Canadian and World Champion and ten-time Canadian Firefighter Champion. Neil’s sharp wit, infectious laugh and kind spirit will be greatly missed by his family, friends and fellow fire fighters.

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The EMS Survey Results are in!

It has been roughly a year since the EMS Survey was released to our members and we have heard from almost 300 of you. We, as your EMS committee, would like to thank you for your participation. This information is of extreme value as your union representatives can bring it to the table when in discussions with management.

We would like to remind you that the EMS Survey is still live and you can find the link in Union Notice #19053. We have collected and analyzed the data from your responses and have noticed some very positive trends and some areas where we can request more training from management.

The results show that the vast majority of EMS survey participants are comfortable with their role when responding to medical emergencies. This response is

very reassuring as it illustrates the effectiveness of our training and the retention of medical skills. The results also show that the patient care skills members are most comfortable providing are; patient assessments, CPR, AED, Naloxone, cervical collar, and BVM. Although the overall comfort level is high, the numbers suggest that members would like more training in; Multiple Casualty Incidents, Patient Care Reporting, choking from a foreign body airway obstruction, childbirth, neonatal resuscitation, hemorrhage control, anaphylaxis and epinephrine administration. (We recognize that the Module 29 - Hemorrhage Control module training was delivered as a result of your feedback in late 2018-early 2019.) As mentioned earlier, this is information that we will be passing on to management in order to prioritize our medical training.

Q1 I am comfortable with my role responding to medical emergencies Answered 286

Skipped 0

Strongly Agree Agree NeitherAgree Nor Disagree Disagree Strongly Disagree

0%

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10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Strongly Agree

Agree

NeitherAgree Nor Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

31.12% 89

52.80% 151

10.49% 30

3.85% 11

1.75% 5

80% 90% 100%

Total

Weighted Average

286

4.08

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Q8 W hich of the following, if any, would you like to incorporate into the delivery of emergency medical care by the Toronto Fire Services?

Answered 227

Skipped 58

Electronic Patient Care Epinephrine for Asthma Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) Automatic Blood Pressure Firefighter Paramedic Model Multiple Casualty Powered Suction Unit Medical Backpack Temperature Assessment Tool Blood Glucose Assessment Tool Other (Please Specify)

0%

10%

20%

30%

Another topic of interest is equipment members would like to see incorporated into the delivery of emergency medical care by Toronto Fire Services. There has been a strong request for automatic blood pressure cuffs (NIBP) and blood glucose assessment tools.

Members would also like to see a temperature assessment tool (especially important with the ongoing pandemic), Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA or Aspirin), a medical backpack, and a power suction unit on the trucks. This information can be used to encourage management regarding the purchasing of new equipment.

A common concern amongst members that has been expressed is regarding the working relationship between Toronto Firefighters and Toronto Paramedic Services (TParaS). The EMS Survey has received a large amount of responses regarding firefighters being overlooked or disregarded at medical calls. The majority of our members are comfortable with their role in providing patient care and that could be considered synonymous with the competency we show at medical emergencies. We encourage members to continue to be patient care focused, showing their competencies at medical emergencies. This should build a rapport

40%

50%

60%

70%

80% 90% 100%

with TParaS at scenes and improve strong working relationships. We have also received strong feedback regarding the desire of firefighters to enhance their skill sets as a provider of prehospital patient care. This shows that Toronto firefighters have a desire to train and improve/retain our medical skills in order to provide the best patient care possible.

In addition, TFS being dispatched late or not at all has been expressed by members. Your union representatives will continue to bring this to the attention of management. Members are encouraged to fill out the EMS Call Concern Report Form on the Association site to provide examples when bringing this topic or other topics forward.

Again, we would like to thank you for your participation in the EMS Survey. All of your feedback is highly valued and will prove very useful when working to improve upon the emergency medical care that Toronto Fire Services provides.

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Fit to SURVIVE

The fire fighter’s guide to health and nutrition

ARE YOU GETTING BETTER OR JUST TIRED?

BY ALEX BOERSMA, TORONTO FIRE CAPTAIN, STATION 426-D

How do you evaluate the effectiveness of your exercise sessions? Does your version of a “good” workout necessitate collapsing into a puddle of your own sweat or tasting bile in the back of your throat at the end of every workout? If so, you are not alone. The phrase “no pain, no gain” dominates the psyche of most serious exercisers and prevails as the indicator of choice for whether or not an exercise session has been productive. As a consequence, we find that many fitness advocates tend to promote fatigue or exhaustion almost exclusively, while disregarding many of the other critical factors that contribute to effective exercise session design.

Not that fatigue and exhaustion are necessarily ineffective.

Certainly, there is a place for exhaustive exercise in many training programs. Recent research on HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) indicates that short bouts of highly intense activity can stimulate significant improvements in both body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness. Intuitively, we understand that substantially fatiguing work would probably benefit from at least some substantially fatiguing training.

Such training would seem appropriate for firefighters whose job demands often require considerable effort at the limits of strength and endurance.

A problem arises, however, when the “it’s good to push yourself now and then” training mentality changes to “if it’s not almost killing you, it’s not making you stronger”. This way of thinking could not be more wrong. There are plenty of training situations in which working to exhaustion is actually counterproductive. For example, if you are trying specifically to push the maximal thresholds of speed, power or strength, the last thing you want is for fatigue to affect the tempo or

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load you are training with. This is why competitive sprinters and lifters rest for at least 3-5 minutes between sprints and lifts. They want their bodies to completely recover from the previous bout of activity in order to be able to exert maximal forces the next time they move. If they were to reduce their rest, then fatigue would inhibit their ability to produce maximal muscular contractions and they would not optimize for getting stronger or faster. Similarly, most endurance athletes spend a significant proportion of their training time working at moderate intensities. This kind of training, often referred to as LSD (long, slow distance) is known to produce different cardiorespiratory adaptations than those derived from shorter, faster bouts of activity.

If these athletes were to perform all their training at high intensities, they would miss out on some of these important adaptations.

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This is not to say that high intensity training methods cannot be effective for improving speed, power, maximal strength or endurance. However, they are unlikely to optimize for any of these adaptations. If you spend all of your training time focused on exhausting yourself, you will never achieve the kinds of speed, strength, power or endurance adaptations that you could if you spent more of your time working specifically towards one or more of these equally vital goals.

More importantly, the “go hard, all the time” mentality can be detrimental to both performance and health.

Especially for firefighters. Sure, a young competitive athlete training for a specific event while prioritizing recovery can probably get away with red lining their training program once in a while.. But let’s face it. Most firefighters are neither young nor competitive athletes. Most firefighters are not training for a short term goal or specific event – most firefighters are training to endure 30 years of unpredictable events. And most firefighters will have difficulty prioritizing recovery while managing shiftwork and family responsibilities. For most firefighters, attempting to push the limits of intensity in every training session is a recipe for disaster.

Remember. Exercise does not make you bigger, stronger, faster or fitter. Recovery from exercise is what makes you bigger, stronger, faster and fitter! If you exercise at high intensity every day, there is a good chance you will not provide your body with the opportunity to recover.

You will end up weaker, slower and less fit. You will be

tired, but you will not be better.

Finally, we should understand that not everyone enjoys exercising at high intensities. In fact, most people do not!

When we give people the impression that improving health and fitness necessitates pushing the limits of exhaustion, we discourage many from ever taking part in exercise. The reality is, most people can get as healthy or as fit as they want without having to rely on any kind of high intensity training. Firefighters can undoubtedly improve both their health and their work capacity without ever doing even a single high intensity workout. Might their training benefit additionally from the judicious application of some high intensity training stimuli?

Probably, but the key word here is judicious.

So, let’s not get caught up in the high intensity/high exhaustion training hyperbole. Yes, high intensity training can be an effective tool for meeting a number of fitness goals. However, there are other fitness goals for which this kind of training is less than optimal and quite possibly even counterproductive.

It would be wise to begin evaluating the effectiveness of our workouts based on their potential to make us better instead of their potential to make us tired. In the next few articles, I will suggest a few different criteria for measuring the productivity of an exercise session and discuss how these criteria might apply to a variety of fitness goals and physiological adaptations. In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of high intensity training, I suggest you read the article listed below. https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/hiit-is-changingthe-way-we-workout-heres-the-science-why-it-works/

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@johnpercyfiredept It was this fire when I was living in the West end of TO when I was a kid with my mom that inspired me to a career in the Fire Dept. Thanks for sharing! #Great Memories @gentiltreasures Thank you for always being there when others need your help. @firestation331 Great work by first in crews to minimize the spread to adjoining homes!

TPFFA

@elisabelle63 This is what makes a better world. 116C Toronto North York is amazing. You all rock, much love and light. Above and beyond.

Thank You for continuing to make an extraordinary impact on the lives of our children and families...

POSITIVE INSTAGRAM ENERGY VIA @Toronto_firefighters @morflute Thank you @torontofireservices and @toronto_firefighters!! You have made this kid’s day, by taking one extra moment to run out and say hello and give him stickers and tattoos while doing the incredible jobs you do day in and day out! The rest of the afternoon was dedicated to making siren noises while playing with all his fire trucks…Thank you, for everything! @friendsofruby.ca Thank you Captain Sofie Lasiuk and the Toronto Fire Services, the TFS Positive Space Committee and the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association! Your generous donation directly supports our programs for LGBTQI2S youth. A $5000 donation made possible through the generous support of our members and TPFFA/TFS leadership. Thank you to all who supported! @guardian_glass_canada … Thank you all for your services and protecting our communities. Have a safe shift! @canadaslifeline Thank you, for being such a dedicated partner. We appreciate you raising awareness about the importance of blood donations. We are grateful for all of the time and energy you invest in our partnership, and for inspiring so many others to share their lifesaving gifts of blood. Thank you, for all you do as a vital part of Canada’s lifeline.

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I’m so pleased to share with you Holland Bloorview’s 2019-2020 Impact Report. As you read it you will see all the ways you make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities and their families.

Together we advanced efforts to provide personalized, coordinated care that focuses on the needs of our clients and families, allowing them to pursue a healthy and meaningful future. A future that will be inclusive where their disability and complex needs are valued as part of diversity.

Thank you for creating a world of possibility every day.

With gratitude, Sandra Hawken President and CEO Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation

I want to extend a huge thanks to the TORONTO FIRE FIGHTERS...

I reached out to the TPFFA last minute and asked if there was any way a truck could do a drive by for one of our families who were holding a family fundraising event at their home as a way to raise money for our virtual #walk4md.

This family is newly engaged with us and the dad along with 2 of his children have a form of MD which impacts the muscles in the face, arms, shoulders and sometimes the legs.

They had a goal of raising $3K and knowing the Fire Fighters are a part of the MDC family, they asked if there

was any way we could reach out to you. I got a few emails last night letting me know 3 trucks showed up with some amazing Fire Fighters. Thank you so much for helping arrange this. All of you really go above and beyond the call of duty for your city and for MDC. We are so blessed to have you on our team. The family, especially their kids were over the moon. The event was a huge success and with family members, friends, neighbours and networks, they raised over $12,000.

Thanks again for being with us since 1954 and for always being there to support MDC and our families. You guys are awesome.

Pamela Musgrave MD: Director of Revenue Development, Fire Fighter Strategy

Camp BUCKO’s Campers, Families, Volunteers and Supporters have always risen to any and all challenges and we will continue to do so through the unfortunate cancellation of our camp.

At this time Camp BUCKO’s Campers, Families and Volunteers would like to say Thank You to ALL of our incredibly generous supporters. Without your hard work, compassion and donations, Camp BUCKO would not be able to provide our amazing burn survivors with the Camp BUCKO experience.

We will continue to update our website in regards to Camp BUCKO’s status relating to future events.

On behalf of all of our Campers, Families and Volunteers, we again THANK YOU!!

Warmest regards, Your Camp BUCKO Board of Directors

Local 3888 Thank you for reaching out during this sorrowful time. It is wonderful to have support from all over the country. Your condolences will be passed on to the family.

Take care and stay safe, Local 22, Philadelphia Firefighters

On behalf of the residents of the Salvation Army, Maxwell Meighen Centre (MMC),..

I would like to thank the TPFFA for their recent donation from Walburgers. Your contribution helps homeless men enjoy a wonderful meal during an evolving crisis.

To our incredibly dedicated, hardworking and compassionate supporting and compassionate supporters at the TPFFA: Camp BUCKO wanted to update all of you in regards to the status of our 2020 Camp and Camp Related Events.

Unfortunately, Camp BUCKO 2020 has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although camp week has been cancelled, our Board of Directors and Volunteers continue to work towards providing “virtual” activities to our campers until such time that the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. Our goal is to ensure the health and safety of our Campers, Volunteers and Guests at any and all Camp BUCKO events, activities and gatherings.

The Salvation Army first opened a shelter in Toronto in 1896. We have worked hard to fulfill our mission to end homelessness by mobilizing community resources. Our programs are designed to meet basic needs, provide support, and create permanent solutions for individuals in crisis.

Over the years, our programs have expanded and adapted to face ever-changing needs by providing support to individuals experiencing homelessness. Thanks to contributions like yours we have seen incredible success in our programs.

Thank you again for generously supporting our clients at this extremely challenging time. These meals will be so very appreciated by the men of Maxwell Meighen Centre.

Sincerely, Sinead Harraher Director

Our Campers and Volunteers remain resilient in supporting each other through emails, social media, our website and Zoom meetings.

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Thank You...Continued from page 47

Dear the TPFFA & The TPFFA Charity Committee...

Dear friends...

On behalf of Ghana Rural Integrated Development (GRID), I would like to thank the TPFFA for their generous Muscular Dystrophy Canada is extremely proud to be affili- donations. Your financial support helps us to alleviate ated with Fire Fighters and the longstanding partnership poverty, improve health and bring hope to hundreds we have with them. For over 65 years Fire Fighters have of thousands in a part of the world that has long been stood beside MDC. Fire Fighters are a part of our DNA and considered one of the poorest. Over the many years of are a part of who MDC is. During the past 6 decades they working with the NEA, our local partner, we continue to have witnessed first-hand how they have helped influence see thousands upon thousands become more self-sufficient positive changes for those affected. It is because of this every year. In Northern Ghana this is an achievement that longstanding tradition, research advancement are happen- has been waited upon for generations and brings real hope ing now more than ever. even to those that we have not yet been able to reach.

The generous support that you provide make it possible to Last year the combined efforts of thousands of Canadian bring lasting change to a part of the world that desperately Fire Fighters from 640 departments and associations raised needs it. over $2.9 Million in support of those affected! 224 Ontario Thank you, Fire Departments and Associations contributed signifiJacques Lapointe cantly to this amount, raising over $1,124,000. Toronto Chairman, GRID Professional Fire Fighters Association have been there since the beginning in 1954, and last year raised an incredible $32,149.81. We cannot thank you enough for your donation and for always being there to support MDC, and our clients and families.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the team at Friends of Ruby...

Fire Fighters have been and continue to be Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s most significant partner. To date you and other Canadian Fire Fighters have helped raise more than $97 Million, and had a goal of raising $100 Million by the end of 2020. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, many Fire Fighter fundraising events had to be postponed or even cancelled. Although we realize we may not reach $100 Million this year, we are certain that together with our Fire Fighter partners, we will continue to help and support Canadians impacted.

We would like to sincerely thank the Toronto Fire Services (TFS), TFS Positive Space Committee and the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association for their gift of $5,000. Your generous donation directly supports LGBTQI2S youth programs, health and wellbeing and the Friends of Ruby Home Initiative.

The team at Friends of Ruby are honoured to have been selected as the 2020 organization of choice for the Toronto Fire Services’ fundraising activities for LGBTIQI2S causes.

Supporters like you help advance our shared vision of supporting the next generation of leaders, connecting On behalf of our staff and our clients, thank you Toronto LGBTQI2S youth with professionals from our shared Professional Fire Fighters Association for being a part of this community, forging tomorrow’s path towards a brighter tradition and thank you for helping to “fill the boot”. We future. know how dedicated and committed Fire Fighters are and It was a complete delight to see you and your department that we can always count on you, MDC’s most important at the space, and hope everyone enjoyed the tour. We look stakeholder. forward to the Friends of Ruby Home opening and would Warmest regards, love to invite you all.

Lauren Crawford Thank You! Coordinator, Fire Fighter Relations – Ontario With sincere appreciation and partnership, Carol Osler Executive Director Friends of Ruby

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