Fire Watch: Volume 16, Issue 4

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 James Reed

MANAGING EDITORS Chris Sornberger, Suzanne Boss

Tel.: 416.466.1167 Fax: 416.466.6632

E-mail: firewatch@torontofirefighters.org

SENIOR ASSISTANT EDITORS James Coones and Ken de Jong

ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew Spagnolo, and James Kennedy

DESIGN AND ART DIRECTION Bryan Middleton

FIRE WATCH PHOTOGRAPHER TPFFA Media Team

CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL Agreement No: 41203011

PRINTED IN CANADA Copyright © 2023 Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association

ADVERTISING Please contact Bill Monson at 416.466.1167 or e-mail monson@torontofirefighters.org

CAN TWO OR MORE PEOPLE BUY PROPERTY?

The answer is yes - two or more people can co-buy a home or investment property? Co-buying means you are co-borrowing on the property loan, and while it’s common for a married couple, other types of co-buyers are allowed by mortgage lenders. I know mortgages and can help you get on track with your mortgage goals and save the most money. Work with one of your ownCall Today!

I PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

am thrilled to report that our new executive officers have hit the ground running, despite the inherent challenges of stepping into their roles. It’s common to enter office with a variety of ideas, only to be swiftly immersed in committee responsibilities and member inquiries. The transition can be daunting, but our leaders have already left their mark on their respective committees.

I have seen and heard about changes to our social media content, which has garnered positive feedback. Our Stewards are about to hold their second meeting, and preparations for our Pink and Movember charity events are in full swing. Additionally, we’ve seen a seamless transition of Executive Officers into new chair positions, and I’m pleased with the decisions we’ve made in this regard. I’d like to acknowledge Chris Sornberger for his exceptional work in understanding our processes and implementing improvements

where needed. Chris plays a pivotal role in overseeing our organization, from staff management to finances and communication.

The shift in responsibilities has been significant for me, as my role as President differs greatly from that of the Secretary-Treasurer. On any given day, I find myself speaking with various stakeholders, including the Fire Chief, City Manager, Mayor, head of Labour Relations, other local presidents, and the OPFFA. Balancing strategic leadership with operational involvement is a challenge, and I strive to provide guidance to committee chairs without micromanaging their efforts.

Unfortunately, I’ve had to speak at two LODD funerals, a solemn duty that carries a heavy emotional toll, as my predecessors warned. The responsibility and connection with the families are indescribable, but it’s an honour to represent our union in such moments. Additionally, I’m grateful for the consistent support I’ve received from four former TPFFA presidents, the IAFF leadership, as well as many local presidents.

One of my key promises was to mend the relationship between TFS and TPFFA. To this end, I’ve engaged in numerous discussions with the Fire Chief, his Deputies, the Mayor, the head of Labour Relations and the City Manager. We are steadily building trust, though disagreements persist. The crucial factor is that both sides are working on common ground and finding solutions through mutual respect. Similar concerns often emerge on both sides, and by collaboratively brainstorming, we reach mutually agreeable solutions. In a recent meeting, we resolved 25 grievances, with

both sides actively working on additional resolutions. Promotions continue to be a key issue, often leading to grievances. TFS and TPFFA have initiated discussions to improve consistency and simplicity in the promotional processes. A commitment to finding mutually acceptable solutions has been our guiding principle, and it’s heartening to see this philosophy embraced by our executive board and the TFS leadership.

Information sharing remains pivotal in our relationship. Recently, I reviewed the TFS budget proposal with the Fire Chief, and while I can’t disclose specifics, I have confidence in the priorities set. Mayor Chow has also been receptive, asking questions about our concerns and offering insights to enhance our service’s efficiency. Her commitment to an open-door policy is reassuring.

As we approach the end of 2023, our current collective agreement nears its conclusion. City Council has set a bargaining mandate, and we’ve received bargaining proposals from our members, along with reports from the Start Times and Promotional Review Committees. I’ve participated in strategic bargaining sessions with the OPFFA and met with the Police Association and other unions to align on common goals. We’re working collectively to ensure we’re on the same page. Decisions on who should go to the table first, as well as length of agreement will be based on these discussions.

Bargaining will be a significant focus moving forward. By the time the next Firewatch issue arrives, we may have some more details to share.

For now, I hope that everyone has enjoyed a safe summer. I look forward to seeing everyone at our Christmas party later this year.

James Reed, President Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888

SECRETARY-TREASURER’S MESSAGE

Please Allow Me to Introduce Myself…

OK, so you are the new SecretaryTreasurer, but who are you?

Thank you for asking! I am a family man, happily married with three lovely daughters, and a recent empty nester. I am known as a realist with basic beliefs. I believe we should be nice to each other, love who you love, and although there are bad people in the world, I believe most people are good. I have been a fire fighter for 21 years, currently assigned to the big house in the East (231). It can be busy and a bit crazy here some days, but don’t be fooled. We may seem like a motley crew, but these men and women are solid, and I am very happy with our team.

Aren’t you the callback guy? What other experience do you bring to the table?

Well, I have been called the callback guy, the benefits guy, the spreadsheet guy, the transfer guy, the union sub guy and probably some names that shouldn’t be mentioned here. I have chaired the Ceremonial & Bereavement and the Benefits committees. I have been a member of HREI, finance/building, grievance, bargaining and disability management. Those that know me, know that I will do my best to get an answer when asked a question. It may not be the answer we want, but at least we aren’t left blowing in the wind. I don’t necessarily answer my phone straight away, but I do eventually return the calls (here’s a hint – send me a text or email for faster response). I have been a Steward, elected to East Executive Officer for three terms and as is evident with this article, am currently a Principal Officer.

Why the move to Secretary-Treasurer?

Great question. I am a numbers person by nature. I studied accounting in

school but was never able to pursue it further. I like organization and rules and I find it easier without the grey areas and when everyone is working together. I think my predecessors have done some fine work and I want to continue moving in the right direction. You work hard for the money and the money should work hard for you. I am not much of a politician; it’s not that I don’t think we need politicians (debate that amongst yourselves), I just haven’t travelled that road yet.

What are your plans moving forward?

Like I mentioned earlier, my predecessors have worked on a lot of positive changes, especially with respect to the finance policy. With so many moving parts, finalizing these changes is like roping the wind. I would like to get the suggested amendments in place, so we have a clearer understanding of the policy. I will not be reinventing the wheel, but maybe we can make it a little rounder for a smoother ride. If there is something I have learned while working on the board, it is that there are two things fire fighters hate, they hate change and they hate what they have. Now, that is tongue in cheek, but it goes to the point that even though we do our best for every member, we can’t please everyone all the time.

You can’t be working all the time, so what do you do to unwind?

If you ask my wife, I do work all the time and I must learn to delegate. She might be on to something there – this is where the two things fire fighters hate comes into play for me. We do like to vacation anywhere south of the states: Cuba, Dominican Republic and Mexico have become our favourites. Show me some beach or a pool with an open bar

and I just want to float. I try to get out to play hockey with the Scarborough house league, but the reality is that I only show up to four games a year, so I am just donating money to the cause. Maybe that delegation thing can change those numbers. I am also a music fan, and apparently, I have wasted brain capacity with 80’s one hit wonder lyrics, but I probably wasn’t using the space anyway. My go-to has been classic rock and 80s/90s, but I will give anything a go. Most recently, we have caught on to hot country, after my first crack at it I was like - what was I thinking? But after you play it again, your feet start tapping and now you would think I was raised on country.

If you are still reading this, then you may have too much time on your hands, but you have probably noticed that my love of music has leaked out into this article. For bragging rights, have a gander and find the musical references (band name, song name or lyrics, etc.) – answers on the bottom of page 53.

Thank you for taking the time to read my first article. It’s five o’clock somewhere and there’s a cold beer calling my name.

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

VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Ihope you all had a great summer with family and friends and managed to create many fond memories.

While members attended BBQs, enjoyed the cottage life, and travelled to their favourite destinations, our Executive board took on an aggressive and full schedule representing our members.

To unpack a few updates, three new Executive Officers were elected. Two were elected from West Command, those members being Tori Goulart and Ryan Grech. One member, Scott Dicks, was elected from East Command. All three Executive Officers hit the ground running and have already proven their value in short order. Congratulations on behalf of myself and the Executive Board.

I’d also like to express my gratitude and appreciation to Ken Webb, who has served our members as an Executive Officer for several years. Ken represented our members with passion and integrity. He was always willing to step up to the plate to bring forth his expertise gained from his years of experience whenever needed. Ken continues to pick up his phone to offer his advice and the historical knowledge he has acquired through his time as an Executive Officer. Ken, on behalf of myself, the Executive Board, and all our members, thank you. We wholeheartedly appreciate all you have done for our members.

On another note, over the course of the summer, many events were organized. We had a tremendously high turnout and engagement from our membership. Thank you to our members. I hope good times were had by all.

Events are organized by the Entertainment Committee. We attended the golf tournament in July, and the Fire Fighter picnic held at Canada’s Wonderland in August, with beautiful weather present the entire day. We’re now looking forward to the Fire Fighter Christmas party in December. We hope to

see you and your family at this memorable family event. Don’t forget to have your children visit Santa.

The Entertainment Committee is led by Bill Morris and his committee members. Considering all the hard work involved, I’d like to express a huge thank you for your commitment to these events and a job well done.

I would be remiss If I neglected to mention the Association office staff who quietly work behind the scenes, yet efficiently provide unwavering support to ensure these events, and business in general, go off without a hitch. The staff are always available to take our phone calls when we need support and drop what they are doing to assist when deadlines are to be met in the office. Their dedication warrants a huge shout-out to Suzanne Boss, Sharmistha (Sharmi) Deb and Kay Robinson. You are appreciated by the Executive Board and the membership.

Moving on to other business, we’d like to acknowledge the members who participated in the questionnaire and provided bargaining submissions. Two general membership meetings have been scheduled for September. The evening meeting has been scheduled for September 18th, and the day meeting has been scheduled for September 19th. It’s great to see strong membership engagement, and I look forward to your attendance.

The attendance management program has been resurrected as of January 2023. This was an arbitrated decision. Please remember that it’s crucial that a union Executive be present during any informal or formal meetings. Do not attend these meetings unless an Executive Officer is present. We are the only union that has exemptions in their attendance management program. In the event anyone has any questions or concerns relating to the attendance management program, please feel free to contact me on my cell.

Many members have questions about vacation policies and entitlements.

You can find this information in the FCC, listing the year when your vacation entitlement increases. You may also source this information via the Collective Agreement in Article 11, page 14 and 15. For vacation selections, you will find this information in Article 12, pages 15 to 18. The list of designated holidays may be found in Article 13, pages 18 to 20.

For members in the Operations Division, vacation policies will be found in the Collective Agreement on pages 149 to 153. Again, in the event anyone has any questions or concerns relating to the vacation or lieu days, please feel free to contact me on my cell.

Our Association has grown yet again, with a class of 50 recruits who started at the end of July. Toronto Fire Services also put out a job call for additional recruits for the beginning of 2024. Welcome to the new recruits. Enjoy the beginning of a very rewarding career moving forward.

In closing, by the time this article is published, your bargaining committee will have reviewed the membership and Association proposals and will have met with the City of Toronto to review the proposals and commence the bargaining process.

Until the next article, stay safe and focused.

John MacLachlan, Vice President Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888

THIS FAMILY CHOSE ME MY SAFETY MATTERS

Let’s be honest. Firefighters are not just coworkers, each of them is a buddy of your buddy system that you trust with your life. By providing American Firefighters with tournout gear that’s innovative, breathable and fully customizable, we’re not only protecting brave men and women, we’re protecting the sacred bonds that unite them all.

W CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

e won the championship! This was my second year playing softball on a team from Huntsville, and after finishing third last year, we got it done this year in the season-ending tournament. It was a slugfest in the championship game, a 25-12 win. Already down two players, we lost two more to injury and I even had to play through a broken finger in the last two innings. I finished with a .714 batting average for the tournament, not bad for the secondoldest guy on the team! I felt a little bit like Babe Schneider of the Blue Jays. I played short ball—advancing runners with a single just past the infielders. It was an honour to play my part in helping our team succeed.

Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Albert Schweitzer once said, “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know—the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” It seems to me that a driving force within a firefighter’s DNA is a desire to make a difference in serving others. Even the reference for fire services implies serving the general public. Whether someone serves at headquarters, communications, or a front-line station, each crew is working collectively to accomplish a greater goal together. Over the years,

I’ve learned that the role of serving on a team requires developing disciplines, to be most effective. Here are a few: Attitude. This one discipline can make or break any team. On my baseball team, we started the season with four wins and four losses. Everyone was batting for their home run; it wasn’t until we stopped playing individual baseball that we started to win consistently and look like a team. It required an attitude adjustment. In the fire department, everyone is trained to do their part for a collective goal of effectively saving lives and property. No one individual can perform every position simultaneously, but every individual can perform their position to their highest ability, to make the team successful. Fostering a healthy attitude is a daily choice. Dr. John Maxwell said, “Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it... Attitude (is) our best friend or our worst enemy.”

Practice. This season, I wanted to become a better hitter, so I tweaked my batting stance and studied batting techniques, even practicing them with a broom handle at home. It paid off. I never struck out once all season. Training is a vital requirement in fire services. During station visits, I appreciate watching the dedication of crew members learn new skills and fine-tune others. The repetition

of disciplines that creates vital muscle memory needed will show through when it’s your turn to the plate to help bring team success. When it comes to developing the discipline of serving, intentionally choosing to take time to help a crew member, going the extra mile when nobody else will see, or taking the time to sharpen your skills in order to be a better crew member, the practice of these small choices makes a world of difference. Dr. Caroline Leaf, in her book, Switch on Your Brain, says, “Operating in your unique way of thinking, feeling, and choosing, or what I call your Perfect You, is a way for you to celebrate who you are... Where your mind goes, your brain and body will follow.” Practice serving makes a more perfect you.

Reflection. Taking time to ponder and reflect on why, how, and what we are doing can keep our intentions in check. The essence of serving is putting other people’s welfare above our own. Dr. John Maxwell once said, “Great leadership means great service.” Developing that discipline in private will eventually show itself in public. A wise proverb says, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it.” (Proverbs 3:27). Reflecting gives us the space to be honest with the heart intentions of our words and actions. I always enjoy speaking to retired firefighters as they reminisce and reflect on a career of serving others. One consistent statement I hear; the joy of playing their role in advancing the team forward! Thank you for all you do; stay safe as you serve!

2021 Media Awards

Best Print Article, Circulation Over 100,000

Toronto’s Fire Chief talks about the dangers of the job and importance of mental health.

Tess Kalinowski - Toronto Star

Best News Story, Web-Based

Fires up more than 13% in Toronto amid COVID-19 pandemic.

Taylor Simmons – CBC

Best Live News Story

- Web-Based

Ontario sees 65% jump in fire fatalities in first 5 months of 2020.

Melanie Ng – Breakfast Television

Best Print Article, Circulation Under 100,000

Toronto Firefighters want COVID-19 donations, not danger pay.

Aaron D’Andrea - Toronto.com

BYJAMESBORSELLINO,TORONTOFIREFIGHTER,STATION335-A

Barry White Award

Jeremy Reigber

Jeremy first got involved because of a strong drive to give back to the community and an interest in the fire service since childhood. He wanted to find something that was challenging yet rewarding.

Jeremy has taken initiative to ensure that GTMAA grows as a club, strengthening the relationships with both TFS and TPFFA. The goal is to be able to provide canteen services for the hard-working members of Toronto Fire Services for many years to come. Jeremy continues to work hard to guarantee that success.

Al Pearsall Award

Michael Neely

Michael has contributed time, energy, and ability toward the improvement of his community and fellow citizens. While off-duty, he has been an active, dedicated, and recognized volunteer in his communities for over 40 years. These communities include home, Scouting, and the Fire Service.

Mike lives in Mississauga, where he raised his four children. He has been Board Chair at Eden United Church for one year and the volunteer bookkeeper for nine years, which was certainly part of the reason he was awarded a Mississauga Civic Recognition Award for Voluntary Community Service in 2001, for 10 years of service.

Mike has been a member of Scouts Canada for 44 years; 30 of those years as a leader - Beaver Scout Leader for 10 years, Area Commissioner for 3 years, and Troop Contact Leader for 17 years.

Mike joined the Toronto Fire Department on November 2, 1981 and was assigned to station 315 for over 38 years. Mike has dedicated much of his time to a variety of activities with the Firefighters Association, increasing his knowledge and skills, in order to serve his fellow firefighters. In 2006, Mike became a Board Member of The Toronto Fire Department Employees Credit Union and is currently the Chair of the Board of Comtech Fire Credit Union. In 1998, he was awarded the John Ryder Award, an award that recognizes the efforts and contributions of an Ontario firefighter to their community.

Mike has been an area 20 manager for the Toronto Star Santa Fund for 18 years, involving the managing and distribution of a total of over 10,000 gifts to under privileged children in Mississauga.

Roy Silver Award

Duncan Heggie

The Roy Silver Award is being awarded to Duncan Heggie for his quick action off-duty to help save a life. During a Thursday night hockey league game in Mississauga, Duncan noticed that a player on the opposing team appeared to be in distress; kneeling down and unable to support himself, seemingly resting or perhaps waiting for the face-off. Before he knew it, Duncan saw the player collapse, face down on the ice, and motionless. Duncan skated over along with others on the ice to assist. Duncan’s training and instincts kicked in and he proceeded to assess the player and determined he was unresponsive, and ultimately, was without vital signs.

Duncan remembers hearing the opposing team’s goalie shouting out for his father, the man who had collapsed, who ended up being a member of the TFS team as well (unbeknownst to Duncan at the time). Simultaneously, first aid equipment was being brought out to the ice, including an AED, which Duncan began to setup and apply to the collapsed player, while he directed a staff member to begin chest compressions. Duncan delivered one shock, which, along with the quick assessment and effective chest compressions from the on-site staff, was enough to allow the player to resume breathing, and ultimately regain consciousness. Duncan and the staff remained on the ice with the collapsed player and made him comfortable while they waited for EMS to arrive.

Thanks to Duncan’s immediate action and direction, another father, son, and loved one is alive today with a story to tell about Thursday night hockey. Thank you, Duncan, for all you do, and will continue to do, on and off-duty.

Box 12 Award

Steve Buckingham

For some time, there has been a need to replace the two canteen trucks, Box 12 and Support 7, that support the firefighters at multiple alarm fires and other long duration incidents. Both 1990s era vehicles were no longer reliable. When word came that there was finally funding available for the new canteens, the Canteen Replacement Vehicles Committee, a sub-committee of the Apparatus Committee, was struck to work with both Box 12 and Support 7, to design the vehicles to meet the needs of both groups. The Canteen Replacement Vehicle Committee was ably chaired by Steve Buckingham, who hosted the two canteen groups and worked with them on many occasions to figure out and refine the design of the vehicles. Steve and his sub-committee worked tirelessly on their own time to make sure that the new canteen vehicles would actually happen, and that everyone would be satisfied with the end result. Steve’s dedication was exemplified by his personal delivery of the new Box 12 vehicle last fall, which included the retirement ceremony of the old Box 12 and “pushing” the new canteen vehicle into the truck bay. Steve’s leadership was instrumental in the smooth development and handover of the new vehicles. Having the new vehicles will make it much easier for both Box 12 and Support 7 to provide canteen services, thus making rehab much better for Local 3888 members. We feel that Steve is a worthy recipient of the Box 12 Award for all the time and effort he put into making the new canteen vehicles a reality, which is reflective of the volunteerism of Box 12 members. A special shout-out also goes to Bill Tryfonopoulis from Mechanical and Lindsay Hamilton, who assisted Steve on his sub-committee.

2022 Media Awards

Best Print Article, Circulation Over 100,000

“Fire in the Sky”

Francine Kopun – Toronto Star

Best News Story, Web-Based

“‘I barely survived by the skin of my teeth’: Toronto’s largest retro arcade bar forced to close after weekend fire”

Dorcas Marfo – Toronto Star

Best Live News Story

- Web-Based

“Challenging and difficult’ four-alarm blaze in Christie Pits neighbourhood”

John Marchesan – City News

Best Media

Representation by a Toronto Firefighter

“Season 8 of The Amazing Race Canada”

Jahmeek Murray

Best FireWatch Article

“Member Profile on Chuck Guy”

Tony MacDonald

Best Weblog

“Toronto Raptors Game Suspended due to Fire at Scotiabank Arena”

Lori Ewing – The Canadian Press

Best Photo by a Toronto Firefighter

“CN Tower”

Mykhail Baehr

Best Photo – Social Media

“Frozen”

Derek Craig

Best Photo, Web Based

“Roof Operations”

Dan Pearce

2022 Off-Duty Awards

Bernard ‘Ben’ Bonser Award

Dave Fisher

While driving home after his shift on Tuesday, January 11th, 2022, Dave came upon a vehicle accident at the highway 115/35 exit. Dave realized the occupants may require help, so he decided to stop his vehicle and assess the situation. Dave immediately put his skills to use and began doing what he was trained to do. He stabilized the patient in the vehicle immediately and helped Kawartha Lakes fire rescue perform an extrication, which included the removal of the vehicle’s roof in order to safely remove the patient from the car.

Roy Silver Award

Michael Luke

On June 7th, 2022, Michael was shopping at Costco in Markham when he noticed a shopper in medical distress. There was someone laying on the floor just inside the store entrance, Michael quickly noticed that the person was VSA. Without hesitation, Michael took control of the situation, began performing compressions and instructing staff to retrieve the on-site defibrillator. The analysis requested a shock, which Michael delivered. The patient regained consciousness and was alert, breathing and communicating with Michael, who continued patient care until Markham Fire arrived and took over care of the patient. Michael remained on scene and provided support to the woman who he had helped, she was ultimately transported to hospital by York Paramedics. The Costco store manager noted that in 13 years at the store he had witnessed several VSA incidents, and this one is the first he has seen with a successful resuscitation. Because of his skills and quick action, Michael was able to save a life.

Al Pearsall Award

Brent Brooks

Our city, and cities around the world are ever changing and evolving. Specifically, we are constructing bigger, taller, more elaborate structures. With this comes new challenges to firefighters, and new safety concerns for the public. In order to remain current and maximize lifesaving capabilities, firefighters must evolve and improve their tactics.

Brent is an individual with a passion for firefighter and public safety. His interest is improving high-rise firefighting tactics. Brent is a leader among the high-rise firefighting community in North America, working collaboratively with other leaders to establish and promote best practices. He has donated thousands of hours to his craft and has volunteered to teach over 40 departments with in-person learning, as well as meeting virtually with many other departments around the world.

Brent is near the end of his career and thus has a drive to ensure that high-rise firefighting education carries on well beyond his time on the department. His goal is to succession plan, in order to ensure both firefighter and public safety for years to come. His mission is to educate the next generation of firefighters by sharing the best-known methods for occupant survival and firefighter safety.

Barry White Award

Eric Motton

Eric exemplifies what it means to be a GTMAA volunteer. He is always willing to go on a call regardless of the weather condition or time of day. He is one of the first ones to get to the truck or make the calls for the run. He is one of the main drivers of Support 7 and has even taken the initiative to take new drivers out, one on one, so they can get familiar with the truck and more comfortable with it before they are being asked to drive it to an incident.

Eric has stepped up and has been performing the truck checks every Monday, always keeping the executive informed of what he has found. He has taken his personal vehicle to Costco on multiple occasions to pick up cases of Gatorade or any other supplies that may be required in order to provide the service that Support 7 does. Eric is always going above and beyond to be inclusive to the prospective members when they are out at a meeting, at an information session or just at the hall for a cleaning session. Barry would be extremely proud of the job that Eric had done and continues to do.

BY SUZANNE BOSS, TPFFA SENIOR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

When I was hired to work at the Association in 2015, I’d like to look back and say I was prepared and had a general understanding of what the Fire Association did for its members. Still, as the years have passed, and as my knowledge and experience have grown, it is now clear to me that I really had no idea how the Association functioned. Don’t get me wrong; there were areas of growth that were needed and, just like a new recruit, the longer you work within Fire, the more your knowledge grows. There is more you are exposed to and, although the learning curve is always there, it slowly becomes easier, as confidence and experience help you to adapt and appreciate things on an

As many of our members know, the Association is not only the sole bargaining agent for the brothers and sisters of Toronto Fire, but it is also a place that welcomes its members and their families. We all cohesively work together. We listen to each other, we support each other, we empathize with each other, and we want the memories of our peers to live on. We are a family.

This past summer, I had the privilege to work with the Charity Committee in organizing and running the annual Rob Penney Slow Pitch Tournament, and what an experience it was. If you want a true example of how our firefighters and retired firefighters work together and volunteer their time for one of their own, this is the event.

Rob Penney has been running since before amalgamation and commenced to support one of our fallen firefighters. However, as the years have passed and the newer generations have joined the membership, I would like to reiterate the story of Rob Penney and how this event has evolved –such details should not be lost as time passes.

So, who was Rob Penney? Brother Penney was a member of Local 113, who joined the Toronto Fire Department in June of 1983, and worked most of his career on a HazMat pumper at Station 11 (Station 313). In 1989, kidney cancer was the first diagnosis he received and was treated for. Two years later, after having one of his kidneys removed and receiving treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital, he successfully returned to the job on Pumper 24 (Station 311).

Soon, not too long after Rob returned to work, the cancer had aggressively returned, but in his lungs. At the age of 38, Brother Penney passed away, leaving his wife, Nancy, and three daughters, Lisa, Ashley and Erica, who were only 6, 4 and 2 years of age.

Saddened by such tragedy, Rob’s passing truly affected his immediate family and his peers within the fire community. Rob was such a great guy. He was a leader, a joker, a hard worker, a true family man who loved his wife and girls with all his heart. He did not deserve to suffer so much at such a young age. When Rob passed, it was well before the firefighter occupational diseases were recognized, and thus, his brothers and sisters within Toronto Fire wanted to honour his memory and raise money for his family, more specifically, an education trust for his three daughters.

It was Rob’s close friend and peer, Toronto Fire Fighter Dave Pineau (since retired), who took the lead and commenced the Rob Penney Slow Pitch Tournament in the spring of 1991, taking place at McCleary Park and then the following year at L’ Amourieux North Park, Toronto. After two years of raising funds for the Penney girls, as per the request of Nancy, Dave and his fellow volunteers continued to put on the softball tournament, but made it a charity event, contributing all proceeds to Princess Margaret Hospital. The tournament eventually grew, participation was in demand and, thus, moved to Downsview military base. Naturally, as the tournament expanded, so did the charitable donations, along with raising firefighter awareness, which initiated the Fire Fighters’ Cancer Research Fund at Princess Margaret Hospital. To this day, we donate to this research fund at Princess Margaret – what an accomplishment this was. Well done!

This year, many seasons and softball tournaments later, I got to hear the Rob Penney story firsthand from members who personally knew him. Planning a baseball tournament is one thing, but on the days of the event, seeing our members volunteer, meeting, and getting to know current and retired members who have a history with the event, was astounding. Some of the conversations I had and participated in about the journey of the Rob Penney Tournament was truly amazing. The love shown for Rob Penney was evident. The passion for running and organizing such a charitable event with the Association was also evident. Before my time, and after Dave Pineau’s time, Toronto Fire Fighters Rashid Rawdat and Dina Imbrogno were two dedicated members who assumed the lead on running the Rob Penney for a few years at East Point Park, Scarborough, which is where the tournament remains to

They too, understood the importance of the event, how the event brings firefighters together and why it’s important to honour our past members and support the Fire Fighters’ Cancer Research Fund.

Obviously, there is a seriousness to the history of the Rob Penney Tournament, but with all that being said, let’s be honest, it’s still a baseball tournament, which can be so much fun! This year we had four full days of baseball and sunshine. We had close to 200 ballplayers each day, with games running well into the late afternoon. We were able to raise enough funds to donate $20,000 to the Fire Fighters’ Cancer Research Fund at Princess Margaret. I will also give my acknowledgements to all the Team Captains who registered and communicated the tournament schedules with their team. Pretty much every team showed up on time, played well and stuck to the schedule that was given. I personally got a kick out of some of the team names that were registered: We Got the Runs, Lumber Bats, Broke Bat Mountains, Rexdale Rippers, 421 Flyin Hawaiians (with shirts to match), The Expendaballz, Biggy’s Blue Ballers and finally, Danny Still Sucks. I think next year we should have a contest for the ‘most creative team name’!

In addition to watching some pretty entertaining baseball games, I got to meet and get to know some of our members who showed up to assist with the event. I would like to thank all of those who volunteered to help with the Rob Penney this year, some of which also played in it. Any type of event that the Association puts on is always more successful when there is help from those of you who are able to dedicate your time. Thank you. Thank you for

Rob Penney Slo-Pitch Tournament... Continued from page 21

showing up at the ball diamonds at 6:00AM to help set up. Thank you for running around and pick ing up supplies and groceries. Thank you for manning the BBQ, handing out tickets and selling Rob Penney merchandise. Thank you for staying late and cleaning up the fields, tents and food areas. Thank you for directing ballplayers and advising them of their next games. Thank you, members of Support 7, for showing up and helping our members and supporting the cause. Thank you for participating in such a great event and supporting your fellow peers.

And lastly, I would like to acknowledge and personally thank those members, both past and present, from Toronto Fire who dedicated their time and multiple days to umpire at the tournament. Al Falkner, Dave Pineau, Randy Smith, and Rob Ptolemy were so great to talk to. Their guidance throughout the tournament was so helpful, and again, hearing some of their stories from over the years really helped me gain an appreciation for this event. So, thank you umpires. Thank you, Al Falkner, Dave Pineau, Randy Smith, Pat Hayter, Ed Swiderski, Peter Nahirnyi, Stephen Aprile, Andy Pett, Rob Ptolemy, Jeff Bruce and Billy Morris. You umpires were the backbone of the tournament. We could not have been able to stay so organized and on schedule without you. Thank you for being the leaders of each day, keeping the games fair and working so well together.

Overall, assisting with the 2023 Rob Penney Slow Pitch Tournament was quite an experience. It really showed me what one face of the fire community is all about. There are many faces to Toronto Fire, as the membership are dedicated first responders, and that comes with its own challenges and accomplishments. But if you can participate and surround yourself with something positive and selfless, this would be the event. Knowing the history, hard work, and relationships the Rob Penney Tournament has generated, why wouldn’t you want to participate?

Hopefully, I will see you at the ball diamonds in June 2024.

Member Profile on

BY TONY MACDONALD, TORONTO FIRE CAPTAIN (RETIRED)

Alan Rabjohn is a retired District Chief, and he is the last living member of the original Etobicoke Fire Department! He has provided us with a little history about what the fire department was like years ago. This may be of interest to younger fire fighters, who may have heard some stories about the “good old days” but are unsure of what is fact and what is fiction.

Prior to forming the permanent fire department in Etobicoke, the Township of Etobicoke was protected by 5 volunteer departments:

1) Alderwood FD at 4 Lunness Road

2) Humber Bay FD on Park Lawn Road

3) Islington FD at 5000 Dundas Street West

4) Lampton FD on Government Road

5) Thistletown FD on Irwin Road

Each of these departments had their own members and Chief and operated under the overall command of Fire Chief Fred Mitchell. At the south end of the Township, there were three more departments, namely Mimico, Long Branch, and New Toronto, which had their own members and Chiefs. Some were composite departments with both paid and volunteer members.

On June 15th, 1953, Etobicoke Township formed the permanent Etobicoke Fire Department at 615 Royal York Road. They had a staff of 15 full time men, including Chief Fred Mitchell and Fire Inspector Jay Skidmore.

Al says, “We were trained by Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office Trainer, George Alexander, for the first couple of weeks. We worked 56 hours a week on the two-platoon system. Firefighters were paid $2,850 per year. After Chief Mitchell retired, we had Chief Howard Flannigan, who had been a Toronto Fire Department Training Officer. Next came Chief Roy Weech, and then Fred Mitchell’s son, Chief Bryan Mitchell.”

“Etobicoke had a plan to build 13 fire stations, but only 12 were completed over the years. All 12 are still in existence today, except for 5000 Dundas Street, which was closed when Station 3 (445), on Burnhamthorpe Road was built. During my time, Etobicoke changed from a township to a borough, and then to a city”.

“I worked in all these stations during my 34-year career, finishing up as a District Chief. We wore thigh-high black rubber boots, a black petch coat, and a black helmet. The light-coloured bunker gear was just arriving when I retired. We rode on the side of aerials, or the rear step of a pumpers back. Later on, we held on with a strap around our wrist and in the winter, we endured the freezing temperatures, with our face and clothing covered with salt spray!”

Old newspaper clipping of Al, his brother, father and grandfather as fire fighters.

Alan Rabjohn

“Our resuscitator was the size of a suitcase and very heavy compared to todays’ units. We had two air packs on each truck to be shared. Because of staff shortages, the trucks were always busy.

“Our staff were all male, and we were not allowed to moonlight (work a second job). To my knowledge, I was the only member ever threatened with being fired for moonlighting. The conversations stopped when I suggested that if this was going any farther, they should contact my lawyer. That was the last I ever heard of it. Case closed. After this, Etobicoke Fire Fighters Local 1137 took it upon themselves to have the moonlighting rule taken out of our little red Rule Book.”

“In those days, there were only a few ambulances, which were run by the local funeral homes, but no highly trained paramedical services as we have today.”

“I was on duty on October 15th, 1954, when Hurricane Hazel struck our area. I spent most of the night on Raymore Drive where more than 30 people died. We watched houses float by with people on their roof screaming for help. We tried our best and helped as many as we could, but not everyone could be saved.”

“During Hurricane Hazel, our Lampton Kingsway Volunteers answered a call for people trapped in a car on the Humber River. Their fire truck was washed down the river and five members were lost that night. The body of one of them was never found. My brother was with the Toronto Fire Department on the east side of Humber River and spent the night worrying that I was one of the drowned firefighters.”

The truck was subsequently found in the river mud but was a total loss. The American LaFrance fire truck company loaned us a pumper which we ended up purchasing.

“My brother and I came into firefighting with some family history. Our grandfather was the Fire Chief in the Village of Swansea in 1919, and he also owned a grocery store at 52 Morningside Avenue. The Swansea Fire Bell was in the rear yard of his store. The fire phone was inside and when a call came in, they would ring the fire bell to call the firemen. My father was the Deputy Chief and Fire Inspector until 1967, when Toronto annexed the Village of Swansea.”

In 1950, my grandfather (Arthur), father (Earl), brother (Roy), and I were all volunteer members of Swansea. I left in 1951, and moved to Islington, where I became a member of the Islington Volunteers. Our family has five fire fighters, the last being my nephew, Bruce, who joined the T.F.D in 1977 and retired from Station # 7 (473) as a Captain in 2015. We

had a total of more than 96 years of firefighting altogether.

“As full-time firefighters from Station 1 (Royal York Road), we responded to a fire call at Dundas Street and Hwy 27 (now 427). We were responding with the Pumper and the Quad (a fire truck with ladders, pump, hose, and booster tank). The Islington Volunteers were also responding. As we were traveling west on Bloor Street, I saw the Islington pumper coming at us. I yelled to my partner on the back step to hang on tight, because they were not stopping at the stop sign. We crashed at the six points intersection, which is where Bloor, Dundas, and Kipling all intersect.”

“When we hit, our pumper went airborne and it landed facing back east on the front bumper of a car that had stopped for us. The only injury was one volunteer who had an injured back. The Quad went on to the call, which turned out to be nothing. It was after this that the webbing straps were installed on the pumper and quad rail for us to wrap around our wrist!”

“The Kimberly-Clark fire was the worst fire in my time as a fire fighter. In the north end of Etobicoke, the Kimberly-Clark company made and stored huge rolls of paper. These rolls were stacked on top of each other, four high, and may have weighed 2,000 lbs. each. The rolls became wet from the sprinklers, our firefighting efforts, and from standing water which was building up on the floor. When the paper became wet, it lost its strength. District Chief Lloyd Janes, Captain Donald Kerr, and Firefighter John Clarke were working near a stack of paper rolls, that collapsed. Tons of paper fell on them and all three died that night. I don’t believe any of us ever got over that tragedy. I was not on duty that night, but because of my involvement with the directors of two funeral homes, I was asked by Chief Bryan Mitchell if I would assist with the funerals. It was a sad duty, but it had to be done.”

“Obviously, not all the memories of my career were pleasant, but if I had to do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat! I was very lucky to have a wonderful wife who, unfortunately, passed in 2010. I have three children who are all retired now and are living nearby.”

Al retired on June 30, 1987, after more than 34 full-time years on the job, plus five years as a volunteer.

“My comments are not meant to be critical, but simply to show the growth of our fire department over the years. If every firefighter today enjoys their career half as much as I did, that would be wonderful. I wish you all well, and hope that you can enjoy your life and career as much as I have.”

Letter from the Editor…

Gutwrenching – what do you think when you read this word? For me, my initial thought is tight stomach either from nerves, deep laughter, or something upsetting or unpleasant like being physically ill, or in anticipation of. Well, this article has less to do with any of these types of situations specifically and more about the related connection – that of our gut in terms of digestion/prebiotics/ probiotics and how these affects us.

The gut and brain are connected in a two-way direction and communicate through a number of systems within our body and send neural, hormon-

al, and immune signals. As you may recall from Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) training, when we encounter stress, our brain releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, preparing our bodies for a fight-or-flight. Chronic stress can unfortunately disrupt and slow digestion and lead to several digestive issues which are outlined in the article below. Unless we manage our stress, we can experience physiological reactions like abdominal pain, bloating, constipation.

While stress seems to be an unavoidable aspect of modern life, we can take steps to minimize its impact on our digestion. Living a healthy lifestyle with healthy habits can promote better digestion and overall well-being. One thing we are not necessarily good at in our fast paced and busy lives is self-care; however, given our modern day lives, it’s important to prioritize, along with good eating habits, and reaching out to seek support when needed. With patience and effort, small, slow, positive changes can help us overcome obstacles over time, not only with “gut-wrenching” effects of stress but aspects of stress that touch and impact our every day lives at home, work, or play. Keep reading and determine how you want to start making the first small difference to your gut to make a large difference in your health, including your mental health.

Lynn Sciberras

Gut Health

“Your Gut, It’s Not a One-Way Street”

By Mike Sehl

I can feel it in my gut

Most of us know that how we’re feeling is often reflected in our gut. The expression “I can feel it in my gut” is a common one. Stress and anxiety are both known to cause an irritable bowel and functional bowel problems. The pathway between brain and gut was long assumed to be a one-way street from the brain to the gut. Today, however, we know much more about communication from the gut to the brain.

Gut and brain: 2-way communicators

health. Put more plainly, our diet and gastrointestinal health conditions impact our mental health.

The details inside you – for the medically curious

So, what is the gut-brain? Broadly defined, the gut–brain includes the following: central nervous system, neuroendocrine system, neuroimmune systems, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA axis), sympathetic and parasympathetic arms of the autonomic nervous system, the enteric nervous system, vagus nerve, and the gut microbiota. Within these systems of the body, it has been noted that there are “4 major pathways of the gut-brain axis: neurologic, endocrine, humoral/ metabolic, and immune.” For more information on how each of those pathways interact with the gut-brain: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pmc/articles/PMC6469458/.

Leaky

The gut and enteric nervous system (the nervous system embedded in the gastrointestinal system) act in a way that almost mirrors the brain and the central nervous system. It is why many consider the gut as a second brain. The two working together has been called the “bidirectional communication network.” The link between the enteric and central nervous systems is essentially the “gut-brain” (also known as gut brain axis/microbiota gut brain). Recent research has shown psychological impacts of the gastrointestinal microbiome and overall gut

A phenomenon called “leaky gut syndrome” can take place when the gut microbiome is disturbed. Some common disturbances can be changes in diet, increased stress, or taking prescription antibiotics. These stressors can challenge and change the physiology of the normal microbiome. A dysbiotic (i.e. microbe imbalance) state leads to increased intestinal permeability and can allow contents such as bacterial metabolites and molecules, as well as bacteria themselves, to leak through the submucosa and into the systemic circulation, a phenomenon aptly named leaky gut syndrome.

Inflammation of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract can place stress on the microbiome with the release of cytokines and neurotransmitters. With the increase in intestinal permeability, these molecules (i.e. the cytokines and neurotransmitters) can travel throughout the body. One of the concerning effects of these travelling cytokines can be an increase in the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, enhancing the effects of rogue molecules from the permeable gut. Once this happens, there can be a range of effects on brain function, and can lead to anxiety, depression, and memory loss, among other impacts.

What can I do to prevent/fix a leaky gut and its impacts?

Specific bacteria have been identified as helpful at reducing “leaky gut” and increasing intestinal tight junction integrity. There is much research to support the idea of re-establishing a healthy gut microbiome after use of a course of antibiotics.

Many probiotics (microorganisms) are being researched in a variety of health treatments and applications. For example, a “multistrain combination of lactobacilli, lactococci, and bifidobacterial have been considered in treatment for depression”. Some studies have shown that probiotics effectively mitigated anxiety and depressive symptoms with results similar to conventional prescription medications. Some probiotics are being noted as “psychobiotics” for their beneficial impact on our brain and mental health.”

What (or should we ask ‘who’) is in your microbiome?

The adult microbiome becomes dominated by the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla, rather than the more helpful Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. However, due to many factors including diet, environment, season, health status, it is almost impossible to define a “normal” microbiome for the average human population. Although microbiomes differ between every individual, researchers have found that every microbiome falls into one of three enterotypes (i.e. classifications of living organisms). These enterotypes are defined by which species dominates one’s bacterial composition. The dominant gut species and therefore enterotype results primarily from the composition of one’s diet. Prevotella species enterotype is associated with diets high in carbohydrates. People eating high amounts of protein are more likely to possess a Bacteriodes enterotype. Ruminococcus enterotype is typically found in those with a long term fruit and vegetable based diet. These enterotypes are

independent of environmental components such as age, body-mass index, gender, and geographic location and seem to only be dependent on diet and genetics. Within these enterotype classifications, there is of course a wide range of gut bacteria found in humans. For example, Bacteroidetes and Lactobacillus, two of the most common bacteria found in healthy humans, have become household terms, and Eggerthella is found to be consistently increased in the guts of depressed individuals.

How do I make good choices?

Without further ado, here is a list of what has been deemed bad and good for gut health.

Bad for Gut:

• Sugar

• Alcohol

• Caffeine

• Processed Foods

• Unhealthy Fats

• Lack of Sleep

Good for Gut:

• Fiber

• Water

• Exercise

• Protein

• Vitamin D

• Vitamin B12 and Folate

• Omega 3

• Fermented Foods

• Polyphenol – Rich Foods

• Tryptophan – Rich Foods

How to leverage your health, the Halligan way

There are repeating themes on what things are good and not good for your overall health, including your mental health. Like much modern medical research, trying to learn about gut health can feel like going down a rabbit hole. Personally, I have never been one to measure my food intake or meal plan for the week, let alone consider the impact it has on my microbiome. I have, however, always felt that smallest actions on a daily level have the most power. Just like using your Halligan to pry a door for the first 2-inch gap with a 15:1 advantage vs the 5:1 going straight for a 6-inch gap. Small change allows us to open the door to bigger change. While I may not start measuring my food intake tomorrow, I can start improving my gut health just by cutting back on one coffee, removing a sugar, prioritizing sleep, or even exercising a little more consistently. What small thing are you going to do for your gut? After all, it is a two-way street.

2024 TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS' ASSOCIATION

GREY: B WORKING BLUE: C WORKING RED: A WORKING

FIRE PREVENTION

: A SHIFT OFF

: B SHIFT OFF

YELLOW: D WORKING

SIGN OF THE TIMES

We hope everyone is having a decent summer so far. We are happy that our Retirement Checklist was received so well. Our executive has had many follow-up discussions with many of our members since, and we are happy to be of service.

As many of you know, we have no “off season”. Some organizations may have a summer hiatus, where meetings and activities are suspended, but “we may doze, but we never close”!

Not to rehash the article on mental health, but it is always on our radar, as our members age, and for those who find retirement challenging. We had the privilege of having John Drimmie, from our Peer Support Group, make an excellent presentation about this subject, as it pertains to our retirees. We are indebted to them for offering to present at the last minute. To this end, we mention an organization called Boots on the Ground! They offer many services, the most prominent for us is a 24hr. Help Line 1-833-677-2668. For anyone who needs a friendly voice, its available for you to chat. (www.bootsontheground.ca)

Our executive is made up of members from as many of the former departments as we could manage and from the four commands. All of us make a point to attend as many of the social events as we can, making ourselves available to anyone that has something to share, and perhaps might need some kind of support in the future.

Some may dismiss the weekly breakfasts, but we think they are a very important part of our day-to-day. We regularly attend as many of them as we can, to share information with those who are of the generation NOT plugged into today’s explosion of social media. This divide is becoming larger and larger, and the larger it gets, the more we need to be available to assist any member needing help.

Again, some may dismiss the use and even the existence of the various social media platforms, but it has become a very essential part of our dissemination of information. Keeping our membership and families up to date with our activities is a huge part, but also keeping everyone up to date with the mundane, yet important, changes with the system(s) we use to keep us all well. We have been able to guide many of our members through the many challenges necessary for the successful submission of health claims through the various providers.

As it is the end of the summer season, we are beginning the planning session for our Fall Membership Meeting, the date for which will be forthcoming. We will be looking at the list of who has presented in the past and more importantly the feedback we receive from you, our members. Its important that we keep our meetings as current as we can, and we also use the information we have gathered through all our social event attendance. At our executive meetings, there’s always time to share thoughts that we have received from the membership, especially if we start to see a trend. Trends are important to monitor, so we and our colleagues at 3888 can try and get ahead of issues before they become a widespread problem.

One of the trends we have noted over the past few years is the dwindling participation in fire service functions and activities. There have been many, many, challenges thrown at us in recent years that attribute to a good deal of this fact. The results of the pandemic, traffic, parking and many more. All of us respect all of these challenges and the many challenges facing all our members these days, and in the same breath, we need as many of our members to participate in as many of the various events, in order to keep the traditions (in some cases)

going. The TFS and all our former departments maintain many small organizations, which take much dedication from a small group of members. Some, if not all, are struggling with dwindling membership, to maintain their various mandates. At the risk of beating a dead horse, we are making a plea to our membership to please support these organizations before they become another part of our history. We are singing to the choir here for some, we admit. Some of the small groups are well attended, but some are not. For example, the Toronto Firefighters War Veterans Association is struggling with membership and the costs associated with conducting monthly meetings. They are currently on summer hiatus, and at the first meeting in September, they will be proposing a motion looking into reducing the number of meetings in half, due to the costs. This organization, like many others, has been around for a long time and represents a huge part of all our histories, not to mention all the families. It would be a shame to see this and any other disappear. Enough said!

Some Final Items

As of the writing of this article, we have published our 60th obituary. Of the 60 services so far, there are at least six where the family has not released ANY information. We are committed to trying to reduce this number to zero for the coming and subsequent years. As written in the following paragraph, we truly believe that all our members should have their service recognized by AT LEAST AN OBITUARY.

This is our regular and frequent reminder for you to begin 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. Please ensure that you update both 3888 and the city with any and all address changes. It’s impossible for any of us to ensure you’re support if we can’t find you.

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. (info@ torontofirehistory.com)

RTFFA Membership

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 we will be holding two general membership meetings each year. One in the spring, where you can sign up and/ or pay your dues in person, and another in the fall. Meetings will involve food and fellowship, what could be better! Come join us and be well.

Don’t forget to follow our social media feeds:

On The web: https://www.retiredtorontofirefighters.org/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TFSRetirees

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/tfsretirees?lang=en

President Alan Thomas - Secretary/Treasurer Mike Neely - Al Falkner - Alan Hall - Ron Coates - Chuck West

The World Police and Fire Games is an athletic event that occurs every two years. It is open to active and retired law enforcement officers and fire service personnel. It is second only to the Summer Olympic games in size and is larger than the Commonwealth Games. This year, it was held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and numerous Toronto Fire Services personnel attended.

TFS ATTENDANCE

I don’t have the numbers from the previous WPFGs, but my impression was that the number of people from Toronto Fire were down from past years. Quite a few TFS personnel joined Toronto Police teams for some of the team sports. I spoke to a few people that didn’t go, and the popular answer was that it was held at a busy time of the summer (Civic Holiday weekend).

Despite this, Toronto Fire performed quite well and took home some hardware. The following results were collected (I apologize if I missed anyone – the WPFG website has not been completely updated).

Member Station Sport Results

Troy Lindmeier 326-A Hockey Gold

Kevin Locke 134-C Hockey Gold

James Coleman 133-B Hockey Gold

Angelo Gambrelis 322-D Hockey Gold

Jeffrey Harper 321-B Hockey Gold

Steven Harvey 212-B Hockey Gold

Rob Shaw 435-D Hockey Gold

Morgan Smietana 341-B Hockey Gold

Djordje Ljubicic 235-C Hockey Gold

Mark Mannering 341-C Triathlon Gold Open Water Swim Bronze

Michael Lasiuk 144-A Dodgeball Gold

Matt Drenters 445-A Cycling Silver Cycling Bronze

Mark Dunn 242-C Pickleball Silver

Brent Weaver 434-C Pickleball Silver

Zachary Coish 441-D Soccer Silver

Nicola Sonsini 322-D Soccer Silver

Dylan Tackoor 221-B Soccer Silver

Marshall Waters 115-D Lacrosse Bronze

Mark Terry 114-C Lacrosse Bronze

Luke Van Schepen 332-C Lacrosse Bronze

Andrew DiMaso 332-C Lacrosse Bronze

Austin Shanks 235-C Lacrosse Bronze

Member Station Sport Results

Bill Jesty 232-C Mixed Softball Bronze

Louise Chen 343-D Rugby 7s 4th

Katelyn Carey 423-A Rugby 7s 4th

Becca Gannon 333-A Rugby 7s 4th

Lisa Cyr Comms Mixed Softball 4th

Kevin Heacock 121-B Mixed Softball 4th

Ken de Jong 445-A Triathlon 6th Open Water Swim 8th

BY KEN DE JONG, TORONTO FIRE CAPTAIN, STATION 445-A

MY EXPERIENCE

My personal experience was a good one (except one major incident, which I will describe in the next section). I drove to Winnipeg with retired Captain Mark Mannering 341-C, as we were attending an additional race in Ann Arbor, Michigan on the weekend of the start of the WPFGs. Firefighter Matt Drenters, from 445-A, flew in and all three of us stayed together in a home of a Winnipeg firefighter (love the brotherhood/sisterhood of our job!) Because of the extra race, we did not attend the opening ceremonies, but Matt did. We did make a visit to the “village”, which had some vendors and a stage with live music. We also traveled to the RBC Convention Centre numerous times, as it was the hub of the games. Some of the events were held right in the Convention Centre itself. Mark and I made it a point to attend one of the TFS hockey games, which was against a team from Los Angeles. At this game, and at numerous other events (including our own), the air of international competition was always there. You were literally representing your country at these events, and it felt quite special.

My triathlon event was run very smoothly. We met the co-ordinator, a Winnipeg police officer, at the “package pickup” and it was clear that she had a lot of experience in the sport. The venue was a conservation area, approximately an hour south of Winnipeg. We drove through some flat farmland, and I was beginning to wonder what kind of lake and treed park this race would be in – but there it was! The bike part of the race did take you out on a country highway, but it was flat and in good shape, so it was a pleasure to ride.

We also did not attend the closing ceremonies (we had to drive back in time for me to be back for my next shift), so I apologize for the lack of reporting here too!

THE CRASH

The only negative of the trip was a major injury to one of our members (and our roomie), Matt Drenters. For those that may not have heard of the accident, Matt has permitted me to share the details of the event.

Matt was in his third cycling race and was coming down a hill at a high rate of speed (estimated to be around 65 kph) when a collision happened in front of him. With nowhere to go, he tried to launch himself over the downed riders and he went over his handlebars. While he doesn’t remember some of the event, his helmet and his injuries show that he landed on his head and then tumbled violently. He broke his C4 to C7 vertebrae and had considerable abrasions on his face, arms, knees, back and hands, as well as a concussion. He was collared, backboarded and transported to the ER at Winnipeg’s Health Science Centre. Miraculously, he was discharged that evening with a neck collar and made his scheduled flight home the next day. He was told he would have to wear the collar for two months but was expected to make a full recovery. It is possible that by the time you read this article, Matt is back to work - although I don’t want to jinx it! Kudos to Acting District Chief, Mark Dunn, 242-C, who was in the same race, and took control of the situation and coordinated Matt’s care, gathered his belongings, and started the process of contacting Matt’s family.

Matt would like to extend his gratitude for the messages and support he received throughout this ordeal. Prior to this race, Matt earned himself a bronze and silver medal in a very competitive field. Congratulations Matt and heal quickly!

WPFGs IN TWO YEARS

The next WPFGs have been awarded to Birmingham, Alabama in 2025. The website, https://bhm2025.com/ has been created and the “projected” sports lineup is presented there. I would highly recommend you consider attending this event to represent Toronto Fire and Canada! There is no qualifying required and there are many team events that have novice levels, so that everyone can enjoy the experience.

If you have any questions about the games, feel free to seek out one of the athletes listed above or myself. Congratulations again to the athletes and see you in 2025 in Birmingham.

Retired Deaths from May 26, 2023 – September 30, 2023

Gord Moses June 5, 2023

Michael J. Iwasin June 19, 2023

Wilfred James Walter June 30, 2023

David Harry Gazey June 30, 2023

Alexander McMillen July 8, 2023

John Draper July 9, 2023

Ralph Payson Amero July 9, 2023

Roman Guspie July 24, 2023

Donald Norman Jackson July 25, 2023

William Alexander Porter August 1, 2023

John L emieux August 4, 2023

Iain Angus McTavish August 16, 2023

Ronald Allan Smth August 16, 2023

Clifford Ferguson August 29, 2023

Douglas Whalen August 30, 2023

Wayne Richard Harris September 2, 2023

Charles Sinclair

September 5, 2023

Eric Adams September 12, 2023

Henrick ‘Rick’ Batelaan

At the age of 59, Toronto Fire District Chief Henrick Batelaan passed away peacefully on July 17, 2023, in his Courtice home, surrounded in love by his family.

Brother Batelann married his highschool sweetheart Jennifer, who admits he stole her heart with his long dark hair and leather vest. He was a loving father and mustached hero to Rachel (Justin) and Kate (Greg), but best known as ‘Pa’ to Scarlett, Callum, Miles and Brooklin, Chief of the S’mores Club.

Predeceased by his parents Joost and Tine, brother John Justin and father-in-law John Gurr.

Rick was born in Toronto, a son of an engineer and nurse – an adventurous spirit, he was smart, inquisitive and always calm under pressure. He will be dearly missed by siblings Lydia (Bob), Anna Marie (Jim), Pete (Jackie), Martin (Marlene), Jacqui, Phil (Etta) and mother-in-law Gail, along with many extended family and friends.

A natural leader, he spent the last 38 years with Toronto Fire Services, starting in Scarborough on May 27th 1985. He worked in various fire stations in East and North Commands, on both A and D Platoons. Captain Batelaan was promoted to District Chief on September 23rd 2019, a testament to his hard work and dedication throughout his career. He joined the Toronto HUSAR (Heavy Urban Search and Rescue) Team in 2009, and remained an active member until his passing. Rick was well respected by his colleagues as a humble and patient mentor, who found immense satisfaction in supporting the growth of others. He will be fondly remembered by his peers at TFS.

Rick was a man of ‘all-seasons’, a true lover of the Great Canadian Outdoors. This started with summer trips riding in his dad’s Plymouth Fury to camp in Killarney (nine of them, including the family cat). He carried on the tradition of camping by taking his own family on many similar adventures to Killbear, Algonquin and the French River – cementing his legacy of Tarp Master.

Rick was a longtime member and former President of Bear Creek Hunt Camp near Huntsville. He enjoyed the thrill of the hunt, the camaraderie and shared experiences of camp life with his buddies. Despite cancer, Rick continued to find his way North to connect with the wilderness and the hunting family he cherished so much. They will continue to keep his memory alive on their own watch.

Rick was a Mr. Fix-It who could repair almost anything from his stash of odds and ends. He also prided himself on completing his daily to-do list, usually before noon! He enjoyed the simpler things in life – a long ride on his motorcycle, a swim in the lake, a fish on the line, a cold beer on a hot day and cooking a meal for family and friends.

He fought a courageous battle, and chose to live fully each day to the best of his ability. His enduring bravery and strength in the face of terminal illness served as a testament to the depth of his character. His parting wisdom for loved ones left without his guiding presence was simply ‘If you don’t know knots, tie lots’.

In

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.

Honour of District Chief Henrick ‘Rick’ Batelaan, a Memorial Plaque will be hung up at a TFS Fire Station.

Captain Michael Clifford Crapper October 12, 1960 – June 6, 2023

Captain David Wilcox June 27, 1962 – September 13, 2023

The sun was high in the sky and the volunteers had their cabins all set up and decorated to match this year’s camp theme, “Medieval Times!” We were all gathered up at the main parking lot with great anticipation for the arrival of our guests of honour, our amazing campers!

It was getting close to the time they should be arriving. We all got very quiet because, in the distance, we could hear a low rumble that became louder and louder! “That doesn’t sound like a coach bus.” Our volunteers looked puzzled and wondered what was coming up the road. Then, all of a sudden, up over the crest of the hill, we could see where the noise was coming from; it was the Red Knights Motorcycle group, escorting our coach buses into camp! Seventeen very beautiful motorcycles, spit and polished, pulled up and parked with everyone’s jaw on the ground. It was absolutely spectacular! The very generous riders dismounted and helped us welcome the campers off the bus to start off a great 2023 Camp Bucko week!

Camp Bucko is Ontario’s only camp for young burn survivors, and it runs for one week each August. We rent a camp named Cedar Ridge Camp, near McArthurs Mills (20 minutes east of Bancroft) on Lake Wannamaker. This great camp offers kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, swimming, a high ropes course, climbing walls, horseback riding, sports fields, woodworking, archery, tubing, arts and crafts and of course, lots of swimming. Each year, the volunteer board of directors chooses a theme for camp week and the 2023 camp theme was Medieval Times! We have a dance where everyone dresses up to match the theme, and games and activities also match the theme.

Camp Bucko also has some special guests who come to visit us throughout the week, to enhance our campers’ week. They included: Smokey the Bear, the MNR fire attack team, the Bancroft Fire Department, the Bancroft OPP, the Blades of Glory Medieval show, a low flyover by a Hercules military aircraft, a SAR helicopter demonstration over the lake, a Chinook helicopter flew over and landed and gave tours, celebrity chef Ted Reader made incredible BBQ, as well as visits from Division Commander Darling, Platoon Chief Bill Bygrave and Ops Captain Daryl Gage of the TFS and Gerlando Peritore and Mike Smith of the TPFFA.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank our members from Toronto Fire who donated a week of their summer to volunteer at Camp Bucko and who, I must say, all “knocked it out of the park!” Without volunteers, there would not be a Camp Bucko.

Jess Nagy 325-D, Lyndsay Johnston 314-D, Shayne Boisseau 142-B, Dangelo Dunham 314-B, Will Stroud 312-B, James Warren 325-D.

Also, a huge thank you to all the generous Toronto Firefighters who donated their precious time to cover shifts for all of us who were at camp This year!

Richard Colmer, Matthew Schembri, Cameron Deans, Andrew Kidd, Austin Shanks, Chris Rowe, Ana Mann, Paul Butler, Jon Ngai, Paul Duffett, Alex Latanville, Neil Ryan, Alexie O’Connor-Bergeron, Padraig Hynes, Brad Stark, Murdo Moody, Colin Baker, Travis Stone, Isam Mohammad Sharif.

Thank you to Deputy Chief Jessop and TFS Management for letting our volunteers have the option to get subs if they were not already off that week, and for the use of the van. Your ongoing support throughout the year is so important and very much appreciated!

Thank you to the Toronto Professional Firefighters, Local 3888, for coordinating the subs for our volunteers; your support throughout the year is imperative to the success of our program. Thank you for your ongoing support!

For more information and how you can donate and or volunteer at Camp BUCKO, please visit our website at http://www.campbucko.ca

Using AI to write a Wellness Tips Article

BY TORONTO FIRE FIGHTER AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEMBER, JOHN BARRASS, STATION 145-D AND TPFFA EDUCATION COMMITTEE

The idea of a Firewatch “tips ‘n tricks” article on well-being is not totally pointless. Firefighters can generally use a little inspiration and advice on how to stay healthy. However, the idea of sitting down and actually writing this article does seem pointless, because AI can do that. Language model artificial intelligence in its current state seems almost tailor made for this purpose. And while it is evolving rapidly (the descriptions of AI in this article will probably seem laughably quaint in three years’ time), it’s worth knowing a little about the benefits and shortcomings of programs like ChatGPT.

First of all, what is AI? Here’s a human answer to that question: Any program that tries to emulate human behaviour or generate something unique, based on its own “learning”, would be considered AI. AI learns similarly to how we learn. It sees what its creators allow it to see, then mimics everything it has observed. It takes advice from its creators such as, “don’t use bad words” or “follow prompts from users in ‘X’ priority.” Modern AI is programmed to learn from its interactions with real people and is able to alter some of its own programming to adapt to its users’ needs.

We set out to build on last issue’s tips article about personal finance. Today’s installment will focus on health and wellness.

Sort of…

Image generating AI will paint you a picture with any content, in any style, based on the precise instructions you input. Language model AI can write a story, an essay, a piece of computational code. It can answer any practical questions you have or speak patiently with you like a therapist or a friend. But it is not your friend. It’s just a computer program. Right?

The issue of whether AI is “true intelligence” provokes questions about the nature of human intelligence and freedom of thought. We all have our limits. And what we think of as creativity is often just high-level imitation.

Here’s ChatGPT, one of the most popular language models answering the question “what is AI?”

“AI stands for ‘Artificial Intelligence.’ It refers to the development and implementation of computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. AI encompasses a wide range of technologies and approaches, including machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics.”

Material written by AI often feels formulaic. It is grammatically perfect, bland, stock standard text with no personality. Try adding some flair with tone of voice instructions like “talk like a pirate” or “in the voice of a ten-year-old.” The art of using AI lies largely in the creativity of the inputs you choose to feed it. Here’s an example: “Write a 60-word article for firefighters with three tips on wellness, in the voice of an uneducated 19th century frontiersman.”

“Listen up, fellow fire wranglers! If ya wanna stay strong like a buffalo, mind these here tips.

First, nourish yerself with hearty grub ‘n’ drink plenty o’ water. Second, get some shut-eye, ‘cause sleep’s as vital as a campfire. Lastly, don’t be too proud to talk ‘bout yer feelings. Sharin’ burdens is like sharin’ a pack o’ coyotes. Stay well, pardners!”

Nailed it.

Professionals are using this software to write resumes, draft letters to their colleagues or bosses, search for technical advice, and for pretty much anything that can be written down. But, beware, because there’s no guarantee that what the AI produces will be accurate. It’s trained using an extremely broad data set from all over the internet and no one, including the programmers, seem to know exactly how the AI is processing or validating that data. This is referred to as the “black box.” With millions of people using this tool every day, the internet is quickly becoming crowded with AI-created content (like this article) and AI will then essentially just be learning from itself.

What about our jobs? An AI chatbot is basically a text machine guessing what words to say to make you happy. It can tell you the steps for operating a pump panel, but it cannot learn to operate one itself. Since the industrial revolution, the

workers most affected by game changing new technologies have been blue collar workers. In this case, it is office workers and information workers who are most concerned about the upheaval. For many, AI will become an essential time saving tool of the trade. But for most information workers, it does represent a serious threat to job security. ChatGPT is fast. Give it the data and it will write you a three-page cost/benefit analysis for a dairy farm’s expansion into goat milk in less than a minute.

“The growing market potential, consumer demand for alternative dairy products, and perceived health benefits of goat milk products present a favourable opportunity. The financial analysis indicates potential profitability and ROI, considering the estimated revenue streams and cost projections”.

Our post-pandemic work environment has already seen a huge shift to working from home for copywriters, programmers, team leads and data analysts, to name a few. Expect the proliferation of artificial intelligence to throw another wrench into that process.

Finally, we asked ChatGPT to write a conclusion to this a rticle (in the literary style of Herman Melville).

“As we navigate this uncharted sea, we must not inquire merely whether the automaton can rise above the stature of humankind, but rather, how we, the mariners of this new epoch, shall adapt and harness the peerless faculties it wields to our advantage within this ever-fluctuating world. Yours, in contemplation, [Your Name]”

Fire Fighter Jerami Haden with little visitors – July 2023 days before he transferred from Communications to Operations New Recruit Class.

TPFFA Annual Family Picnic at Canada’s Wonderland

July 2023 New Operations Recruit Class

– Boot Drive for MD.

TPFFA Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Royal Woodbine Golf Club

2023 Truth & Reconcillation Day

The TPFFA Executives attended the 2023 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial this September, in Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

This annual memorial honours the sacrifice made by our Brothers and Sisters who gave their lives in the line of duty. Thousands of firefighters, honour guard members, pipes & drums and family members from across Canada and the United states attended this ceremony to honour the members who have fallen. This year, 72 names were added to the memorial wall.

2023 Fall Classic Golf Tournament

All charitable proceeds were donated to Camp BUCKO

Empowering Lives:

BY VICTORIA VASS

The Accident

Hello, I’m Victoria Vass, a burn survivor of 20 years. My journey as a survivor began when, at the age of nine, I accidentally fell into a pot of scalding hot soup, leaving me with third degree burns over twenty percent of my body. During that traumatic time, I was incredibly fortunate to have an incredible team of heroes by my side. It all started with the brave firefighters at the scene, followed by the paramedics who rushed me to the hospital, and the dedicated burn unit staff who cared for me over the course of four grueling weeks. However, in the years that followed, I kept my scars hidden, and the memories of that accident were locked away, never talked about.

as there was no peer support system in Ontario. With the help of trusted colleagues from other provinces and states, which I had met in the Canadian burn community along the way, I started up a peer support group, in order to develop a community in the area that I live in.

The Evolution and Growth of Life After Burns

In the beginning, Life After Burns was a humble support group that I initiated in our community. Its mission was simple, yet powerful: to provide a safe space for fellow burn survivors and their loved ones, a place where we could openly share our stories, connect with others who truly understood our pain, and draw the strength to rebuild our lives.

Today, Life After Burns stands as a thriving not-for-profit organization with 17 dedicated volunteers and growing relationships with burn units and rehab centers across Ontario. We’ve also forged relationships with medical professionals and other burn centers throughout Canada, creating a comprehensive network of support for survivors. Our organization has expanded to offer educational speaker sessions, in-person meetups, therapeutic yoga sessions led by a burn physiotherapist, a support group specifically for loved ones, and an annual large-scale event for community building and resource sharing.

The Birth of Life After Burns

Fast forward to just three years ago, when I made a significant decision. I decided it was time to not only face my own past but to reach out to fellow burn survivors and begin a new chapter in my life, one where I could heal and grow from the trauma I had endured. As I was looking for support, I realized that there was a gap in our community,

Our mission has evolved as we have continued to grow. Our mission is to create a safe space and build community through advocacy, mentorship, and connections to resources for burn survivors and their loved ones. We are survivors supporting survivors.

The Impact of Life After Burns

Over the past two years, Life After Burns has had a significant impact on many burn survivors and their families. We’ve seen a positive transformation in those who once felt isolated and overwhelmed. Our programs and community

have provided a comforting space for individuals to share their stories, connect with others facing similar challenges, and regain hope and strength.

Through our various initiatives, we’ve fostered a sense of belonging and understanding among survivors and their loved ones. This supportive environment has allowed them to confront their difficulties with renewed determination. We’ve built a community that once wasn’t there, and it continues to grow every day. The love and acceptance felt when we are together is unlike any other and is truly healing for us.

My journey, from being a burn survivor to founding Life

After Burns, illustrates the incredible impact of resilience, compassion, and the determination of one person and one idea. Through unwavering dedication and the support of amazing volunteers and a caring community, Life After Burns continues to help the lives of burn survivors and loved ones and contributes to creating a more understanding world for all. Together, we are building a brighter future.

Getting Involved with Life After Burns

Life After Burns thrives on the support of a compassionate community, and there are numerous ways you can join us:

Volunteer:

Whether you’re a burn survivor, affected by burns, or simply passionate about making a difference, consider volunteering your time and skills to support survivors and raise awareness about burn prevention.

Donate:

Your contributions can make a significant impact, helping to fund programs for burn survivors and support our ongoing growth.

Attend Events:

Join us at our programs and other events to show your support and connect with survivors and their families.

Spread the Word:

Share our mission and resources in your community to help provide vital support to survivors.

Where to find us:

www.lifeafterburns.com

ourlifeafterburns@gmail.com

Instagram: @lifeafterburns

Facebook: Life After Burns

The number one cause of home fires is unattended cooking. We should always stay in the kitchen while cooking and should always turn the stove burners off when we leave.

Community Reminders!

Now that September 2023 has come and gone, our communities are back to school, hosting community events and neighbourhood festivities; Halloween and Christmas are just around the corner.

Let’s remind our communities with some Fire Safety Tips:

If you, or the people you are surrounded by, ever feel like someone’s health, safety or property is in jeopardy, call 911 for Police, Fire or Medical for immediate assistance.

When using candles within your home, place them in safe candleholders that will not burn or tip over. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Or you can switch to batteryoperated flameless candles as a safer choice.

Hot things burn, using items on the stove can easily be knocked over. We should always turn pot handles away from the stove’s edge.

If a fire or carbon monoxide alarm goes off in your home, school or social/work environment, you need to get outside quickly. Firefighters can only go inside because they have equipment that protects them from fire and smoke.

Ontario law requires working smoke and CO alarms in all homes. Tenants, landlords and homeowners have a legal responsibility to abide by this, other wise there could be penalties for not following the law.

Make sure the smoke and CO alarms are tested at least once a month to confirm if the batteries are working and replace the alar when they are 10 years old.

Answer to Chris Sornberger’s song reference from page 7 is: 16