HALL SHOWCASE ON STATION 146 VOLUME 11 | ISSUE 3
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION
Publications Agreement No: 41203011
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION
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We also give back to the communities and organizations that you care about through donations, sponsorships and volunteering.
ISSUE 3
5 President’s Message 7 Secretary-Treasurer’s Message
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36 2nd ANNUAL
CANADIAN BURN SYMPOSIUM May 25-26, 2015 | Toronto, Ontario
Vice President’s Message
11
Chaplain’s Corner
12
Letters to the Editor
14
Demographics & Statistics
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Hazmat 101: Think You Know About Carbon Monoxide?
30
How Unions Can Be Political
Challenging Paradigms in Burn Care 32 Toronto A continuum of care
Fire Services Honour Guard
34
TIC Technology Coming to all Apparatus
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Culture Specific Fire Safety Education
38
Off-Duty/Media Awards
42
The Need for Wellness & Fitness Programs
44
Member Profile on Tyson Hornby
47
Never Shall We Forget
48
Hall Showcase on Station 146
53
Behind the Mask
56
3rd Annual Canadian Burn Symposium
CHIEF EDITOR Frank Ramagnano
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Fit to Survive
MANAGING EDITORS James Coones & Suzanne Boss Tel.: 416.466.1167 Fax: 416.466.6632 E-mail: firewatch@torontofirefighters.org
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IN THIS ISSUE
44 the favour. At City Savings Credit Union we have a long and proud history of taking care of the financial needs of firefighters in the Greater Toronto area. We’re a full-service financial institution that offers:
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FIRE WATCH (ISSN 1715-5134) is published quarterly by the TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION www.cpd.utoronto.ca/cdnburnsymposium 39 Commissioners Street, Toronto, ON Canada M5A 1A6 Tel: 416.466.1167 www.torontofirefighters.org E-mail: firewatch@torontofirefighters.org
Burn treatment & Best Practices on the Scene for Firefigthers/First Responders Unravelling the Stigma of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder New Fire Dynamics Workplace Safety & Insurance Board Effectively Learn What Services are Available for Burn-injured Fire Fighters and Their Families What Can the IAFF Charitable Foundation Burn Fund Do To Help You & Your Family
#CDNBurn2015
ASSISTANT EDITORS Mykhail Baehr, Marla Friebe, Rodney Johnston, Matt Rayner HA LL SH OW CA SE ON STATIO N 146
DESIGN AND ART DIRECTION Bryan Middleton
Choose City Savings Credit Union for all your financial needs We’re here to take care of you.
VOLUME 11 | ISSUE 3
FIRE WATCH PHOTOGRAPHER Larry Thorne CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL Agreement No: 41203011
THE OFFICIAL
PRINTED IN CANADA Copyright © 2015 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
Toronto Fire Watch’s highly anticipated annual TPFFA demographics issue with a wealth of interesting statistics!
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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, or otherwise without prior written permission from the publisher. FIRE WATCH is an official communication tool of the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association. 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.
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Vo l u m e 1 1 | Is s ue 3 | FIRE WATCH
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE OBJECTIVE STATISTICAL INFORMATION IS VITAL TO OUR ORGANIZATION
I
t provides a solid foundation for informed decisions by elected representatives. We are committed to protecting the confidentiality of all information entrusted to us and to ensuring that the information we obtain is necessary for us to conduct our representation in a professional and thoughtful manner. This Fire Watch issue we take a look at various statistics, demographics and data. This information is used to view how the Toronto Fire Services measures up to other departments, how we measure up to each other, how we can improve and what we are successful at already. The Association uses demographics to determine beneficial alterations that may be required. Knowing your members’ age and service is vital in determining values both within the contract and for those you are trying to obtain. The Association does not request and keep information it has no use for. For example, years ago the association kept track of individual Social Insurance Numbers, aside from this being a large security issue, it was also determined that there was no reason to continue tracking them. Not only did we stop the practice but we were successful in getting our parent organizations to also stop the practice. Large sets of data can be complex, and understanding what the data means requires advanced analytical tools. Statistics are a set of tools that can be very informative for experts when dealing with complex information. While politicians are often accused of imple-
menting policy based on polling data, public opinion polls can help politicians determine what citizens want; however, public opinion polls can also be used deceptively through “push polls”, which have questions that showcase inaccurate results. Understanding statistics helps people determine the meaning of statistics in the news and other fields. Knowing that one outlier can skew averages is important, and understanding the margin of error is essential when dealing with relatively small effects. News organizations and other entities have been known to release deceptive data; learning how data can be misused is essential for determining what to believe. We have experienced this firsthand, where politicians use comparisons that make the case they want but follow no scientific method. The purpose of statistics is to allow sets of data to be compared so that analysts can look for meaningful trends and changes. Analysts review the data so that they can reach conclusions regarding its meaning. Statistics allow people to see how things are or are not correlated and how a change in one variable might affect another. In addition, scientists are often accused of misinterpreting data. For example, a large sample is likely to contain one or more anomalous results. Scientists who do not state a clear hypothesis before running tests and conducting statistical analysis may conclude that one such small anomaly is evidence for a particular hypothesis, even though the result is
Frank Ramagnano
merely noise in the data. The old saying is, “figures will not lie,” and it has been said “liars will figure.” It is our duty to prevent the liar from figuring. In other words, to prevent them from perverting the truth, in the interest of some change they wish to establish. It is for this reason that we, not only in Toronto or Ontario, but across North America, must establish and monitor key indicators in the Fire Service. We need to also analyze the information behind the statistics in order to understand it completely. For example: “More people die in hospitals than any other institutional complex.” By that statistic alone, one could determine that hospitals are unsafe. We all know that is untrue, as we understand the nature of hospitals and we understand what they do. Yet how many people understand the nature of the Fire Service and what we do? Can they understand the information behind the Fire Statistics? It is for this reason that we must invest more energy and resources in understanding the information behind the statistics. If we are not prepared to analyze the information and interpret it ourselves, then it will be done for us by individuals who are seeking their own conclusions for the data.
Frank Ramagnano President, Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, I.A.F.F. Local 3888
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T
he Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association has taken some great strides this year when it comes to advancing our use of technology. It’s something that I am very pleased about and proud of, and I plan on continuing this trend in 2016. In September of 2015, we saw the launch of our completely rebuilt website, which utilizes some of the latest website platform technology available and now allows all of our members and visitors to access the site from practically any device. The new site not only comes with greater security features built into the platform, but also the Secure Socket Layer Certificate that we purchased to further enhance that security. On the backend, posting of materials and managing the site has become far more efficient and we have made significant improvements to our newsletter blasts that members receive. Another area that has been vastly overhauled and greatly improved is our Union Substitutions application process. It is now much easier for members to apply, which allows the overall administration of the process to be far more fluid. As our site continues to evolve, we will be able to make further improvements where necessary, because we now have a solid foundation to build upon. Going paperless was and continues to be our goal. We initiated the online registration for our Association’s events and gave our members the option to pay instantly by utilizing their PayPal accounts. We also revised our online exposure report form and online change of address form, which are available via our website and have both seen a significant increase of use from our members. The TPFFA social media repertoire is also on the upswing! As well as our newly launched Instagram account, we have also seen increased content, usage and following of our Facebook and Twitter platforms by both our members and the public at large. Our President has been actively using his blog on the website to update members with information and has made a great number of station visits, some of which have seen our Media Team attend in order to video the session and post on the website for all members to view.
The recent Town Hall bargaining update took a technological step forward by allowing members to participate on their computer or mobile devices, rather than just on their telephone. As well, an audio .mp3 recording was posted on our website for all members who could not participate in the live event. As we move toward 2016, there are a few James Coones more important technological advancements that we will be working toward in the hopes that it offers greater access, information and Once we have developed a workflow and get efficiency to our Association and our members: all of the Executive Board Officers and Staff par1. Electronic Document and Records ticipating and adhering to the process on a go-forward basis, populating the EDRMS should be Management System If any of you have been to our Association an automatic process. Much time and resources office on Commissioners Street, then you will will be required to bring all of the existing doclikely be aware of not only the amount of doc- umentation into the system but the long-term umentation that flows in, out and through the plan is to gradually have everything scanned and building but also, as a result, the amount of imported into an electronic format and become paper that is archived within the building. Even completely paperless. with the most ambitious and organized paper filing systems, locating the proper document required, in a timely manner, can be a difficult and frustrating task. As such, we recently purchased an advanced Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS) and are currently in the middle of the implementation phase, with the intention of going live with the new system in the first quarter of 2016. This system will allow us to easily digitize all of our documentation, use keywords to ‘tag’ them and then store it in various folders and categories on a secure server, which will also be backed-up for redundancy. More importantly, this new system will allow us to easily and efficiently locate documents from any device, even remotely, through a web-based interface. At some point, this new system will have tens of thousands, and eventually even hundreds of thousands of documents stored in it, and each one will be searchable by any word contained within it. For example, I could type in a member’s name and have it return all documentation (exposure report forms, WSIB claims, correspondence, etc.) attributed to that member. I could also type in a keyword or phrase to search for, such as “Bereavement Leave” and it will return all of the documents containing that phrase and highlight where that phrase is located within the document.
2. TPFFA Smartphone App A smartphone app to accompany our new website that may incorporate a more personalized shift calendar and functionality to better track exchange days, as well as the ability to send urgent notifications through push technology to members. This project will likely launch in the second half of the year, as there is a fair amount of research and work that will be needed, much the same as the new website required. 3. TPFFA Online Store: A new online store where members and the public can purchase Toronto Fire Fighter clothing and various other items is in the works. The hope is that they will be able to order the items, pay for them online and then have them shipped directly to the address of their choice. We are currently working to find as many different interesting products as possible that are either Canadian Made or Union Made that we can offer. We are hoping that this new online store will be launched in the first quarter of the year. Please contact me if you have any other ideas, experience or expertise that will help us advance and become even more efficient as an Association.
James Coones Secretary - Treasurer, Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888 Vo l u m e 1 1 | Is s ue 3 | FIRE WATCH
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VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Diversity Our STRENGTH We know firefighters, so we understand their special financial needs.
O
ur membership is almost
“I was about to take out a ‘lowest rate’ mortgage, that could have actually cost me thousands more. Thankfully I talked with Fire Services Credit Union!”
completely made up
of firefighters, so it stands
to reason that every one of our financial services is offered with the needs of firefighters in mind. At Fire Services Credit Union, we pride ourselves on helping our firefighter members get the right mortgage to suit their lifestyle for years to come. We take the time to get to know you. We support your causes, we share your concerns. You’re never just an account number—if something happens and you need help, who would you rather be with? Becoming a member is easy—just go to: firecreditunion.ca and sign up online. Or call us at: 1-866-833-3285.
All the services of a bank, but designed specifically for firefighters.
MAIN BRANCH: 1997 AVENUE ROAD, TORONTO 1-866-833-3285 • WWW.FIRECREDITUNION.CA FACEBOOK.COM/FIRECREDITUNION
iversity: the quality or state of having many different forms, types, ideas, etc. The state of having people who are different races or who have different cultures in a group or organization. “Diversity Our Strength” is the City of Toronto motto. It appears on the city’s coat of arms, which was created and adopted following amalgamation in 1997. This simple, yet powerful phrase continues to be one of the driving principles of our city. The goal of achieving a truly diverse public service forges city policy and has been the focus of City Council for many years. At a recent media conference, Mayor John Tory called Toronto’s diversity its “ single greatest advantage.” The city’s Equity, Diversity and Human Rights (EDHR) Division has established a Strategic plan for 2015-18 which outlines its goals and confirms the city’s commitment to building an inclusive and welcoming city. Director Uzma Shakir writes in her opening message that the city will remain committed to “creating a public service that is reflective of the population it serves, while harnessing the intellectual capital of a diverse workforce for the benefit of our city.” Your Association has been, and will continue to be a co-operative partner in city initiatives, which strive to ensure that opportunities to enter Toronto’s public service are accessible to all, while minimizing inherent or potential barriers. At the same time, we will work with the City on recruitment to ensure the best candidates continue to be hired to fulfill every aspect of our profession while providing the highest quality of service that the people of Toronto have come to expect. We continue to witness many changes to Toronto’s fire service. As our city changes, so does the way in which we perform our role. Technological change and growth bring about new practices, skills and strategies that we utilize to do our job safely while addressing any type of emergency situation.
D
There are a number of factors that can influence our evolving workforce while some inherent factors can result in change occurring more slowly than desired. Employee retention has always been very high in the fire service - something we should be proud of - with employees staying throughout their working life. This has lead to a perception from the outside that a commitment to diversity has been met with resistance by the fire service. Employee turnover has historically remained at 2-3%; therefore it will take a number of years before significant changes to the workforce are perceived from the outside. Recently, I made a deputation at the Community Development and Recreation Committee regarding the 2015-2019 Master Fire Plan. There were several questions from Committee members on the diversity issue, questioning TFS’ commitment and your Association’s co-operation in pursuing this initiative. I implored a sitting Councillor to visit any local fire station to personally witness the changing face of Toronto’s fire service. During an exchange about the number of female fire fighters currently on the job, I offered to introduce the Councillor to some of the many dedicated women who represent Toronto’s fire service every day.
Damien Walsh
The Councillor shot back, “ What, all four of them?” Clearly, we have a perception problem with key decision makers at City Hall. When I started with the Toronto Fire Department, there was one female fire fighter among the complement of roughly 1,000 at that time. Today, according to information in a July 2013 TFS Staff Report to City Council, there were over 150 women across all divisions. This doesn’t take into account new hires over the past 2 years. In 2015, we have seen 12.5% (15) of graduating Operations recruits as female, and the recent increase in Fire Prevention/ Pub Ed staff has seen a number of women added as well. TFS has been directed to provide an accurate and comprehensive report to City Council on the precise makeup of our division’s workforce. Additionally, media outlets have made inquiries through Freedom of Information requests for Toronto Fire Services to report on its efforts in diversity hiring. This will continue to be a key driver on the City’s agenda. A recent Toronto Star investigative report inferred that a lack of diversity among Peel Police was a factor in their carding practices, a sensitive topic of debate in our own city. The Ontario Police Services Act states that forces should be representative of the communities they serve. Your Association fully agrees with the goal of having its fire service reflect the changing population of our city and that a more diverse fire service will only raise the level of excellent service that we continue to provide. We are a proud profession. Members of Toronto’s fire service spend many years pursuing their education and Vo l u m e 1 1 | Is s ue 3 | FIRE WATCH
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Vice-President’s message...Continued from page 9
ing the technical skills of our trade. A career in the fire service has become desirable for many seeking a new career but it also attracts a certain set of personality traits, which focus on a passion to help in difficult times and a genuine desire to serve. These traits cross all lines, regardless of gender or ethnicity. Retired or planning forfor Retired oror planning for Retired planning No one would question that it is more difficult to become a retirement? Need income? retirement? Need income? Toronto Fire Fighter than ever before. A job posting for Toronto retirement? Need income? An investment of $100,000 can Fire Services receives thousands of interested applicants. Each of us An investment of $100,000 can An investment of $100,000 can provide you with a monthly income of provide you with a monthly income of of provide you with a monthly income would likely admit that putting on that uniform for the first time was * * * one of the proudest days of our lives. We count on every one of us that wears that uniform to uphold the rich history and honour of our For more details or to set up an appointment, give me a call. past. We count on our co-workers and at times, put our very lives ForFor more details or toorset appointment, give me a call. more details toup setanup an appointment, give me a call. in their hands. Alexander Fischer, CFP Financial PlannerFischer, CFP Alexander Every person who becomes a Toronto Fire Fighter wants it known Alexander Fischer, CFP Investment & Planner Financial Financial Planner Retirement Planning Investment & Investment & how hard he or she worked to get here and be accepted as an equal Royal Mutual Funds Inc. Retirement Planning Retirement Planning Tel. 647-201-1141 Mutual RoyalRoyal Mutual Funds Funds Inc. Inc. alexander.fischer@rbc.com Tel. 647-201-1141 member of our proud service. Whatever your background, once you Tel. 647-201-1141 alexander.fischer@rbc.com alexander.fischer@rbc.com join Toronto Fire Services, you become one of us and we can all speak to the difficulty in getting here. Our goal must be to ensure we are able to share our proud profession across all aspects of our Example is based on: RBC MPS Name of Fund: Number of Units: 13,192.61 Example based on:ENHANCED PLUS Example isisbased on: NAV/Unit Monthly Distribution/Unit: $ 0.044 (as of FEBRUARY 20 2015): $7.58 RBC MPS ENHANCED PLUS 13,192.61 Name Fund: Number of Units: society, regardless of gender or ethnicity as we move forward. RBC MPS ENHANCED PLUS 13,192.61 Name ofofFund: Number of Units: NAV/Unit(as Monthly Distribution/Unit: (asofofFEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2015): $7.58 NAV/Unit Monthly Distribution/Unit: $ 0.044 $ 0.044 2020 2015): $7.58 * May be adjusted depending on future market conditions. Stay safe! Please consult your advisor and read the prospectus before investing. There may be commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses
$574.17 $574.17 $574.17
For illustrative purposes only.
For illustrative purposes only. For illustrative purposes only.
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Damien Walsh, Vice President, Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888
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* May bemutual adjusted depending on future market conditions. associated fund investments. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. *Please Maywith beconsult adjusted depending future conditions. your advisor and readmarket the prospectus beforeonly, investing. There not maybe beconstrued commissions, trailinginvestment commissions, management feesmarket and expenses This advertisement isyour intended as aon general of information and should as offering advice. Interest rates, Please advisor and read thesource prospectus investing. mayCash be commissions, trailing commissions, management fees andmay expenses associated with mutual investments. Mutual funds are not There guaranteed, their change frequently and past performance not be repeated. conditions, taxconsult rulings and otherfund investment factors are before subject to rapid change. flow values payments are not guaranteed and may be adjusted depending associated with mutual investments. Mutual fundsofare not guaranteed, values change past performance mayadvice. not be Interest repeated.rates, market This advertisement is fund intended as a general source information only, their and should not befrequently construedand as offering investment on future market conditions. This advertisement is intended as a general source of information only, and should notDistributions be construed as offering investment advice. Interest market conditions, tax rulings and other are subject to rapid change. Cash flow payments are not guaranteed and mayrates, be adjusted depending Cash flow from mutual funds should not investment be confusedfactors with mutual fund rates of return. may consist of interest income, Canadian dividends, conditions, tax rulings and other investment factors are subject to rapid change. Cash flow payments are not guaranteed and may be adjusted depending future market conditions. income or return of capital, and each may have different tax consequences. Individuals should consult with their capital on gains, foreign non-business on future market conditions. Cash flow fromMutual mutual fundsare should not be confused with mutual fund rates of return. Distributions mayor consist of interest income, Canadian dividends, personal tax advisor. funds not guaranteed or covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation any other government deposit insurer. Cash flowgains, from should notincome be confused with mutual fund rates of return. maytax consist of interest Canadian dividends, capital foreign non-business or return of capital, and For each mayDistributions have different consequences. Individuals should consult with their For funds other thanmutual moneyfunds market funds, unit values change frequently. money market funds, there can be no income, assurances that a fund will be capital gains, foreign non-business income or return of capital, and each may have different tax consequences. Individuals should consult with their personal tax advisor. Mutual funds are not guaranteed or covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government deposit able to maintain its net asset value per security at a constant amount or that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. Pastinsurer. personal taxother advisor. Mutual funds are not guaranteed or covered by thefrequently. Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation any other deposit insurer. For funds money market funds, unit values change For money market funds,orthere can government be no assurances that a fund will be performance may not bethan repeated. For funds other than market funds, unitare values frequently. For money market funds, there be noAsset assurances fund will beBank able to maintain its money net asset value per security at achange constant amount or Funds that the full amount of your investment inManagement a fundthat willa be returned to you. Past Financial planning services and investment advice provided by Royal Mutual Inc. (RMFI). RMFI, RBCcan Global Inc., Royal able to maintain its net be asset value per security at a Royal constant amount or that theseparate full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to licensed you. Past as a performance may not repeated. of Canada, Royal Trust Corporation of Canada and The Trust Company are corporate entities which are affiliated. RMFI is Financial services andofinvestment performance mayinnot beprovince repeated. financial servicesplanning firm the Quebec. advice are provided by Royal Mutual Funds Inc. (RMFI). RMFI, RBC Global Asset Management Inc., Royal Bank of Canada, Royal Trust Corporation of Canada and The Royal Trust Company areInc. separate corporate entities which are affiliated. RMFI is(08/2012) licensed as a Financial services andand investment advice are provided Royal Funds (RMFI). Asset Management Inc., Royal Bank ® / ™ Trademark(s) of planning Royal Bank of Canada. RBC Royal Bank are registered trademarks ofby Royal BankMutual of Canada. ©2012 Royal Bank ofRMFI, Canada.RBC Global 36028 financial firmCorporation in the province of Quebec. of Canada,services Royal Trust of Canada and The Royal Trust Company are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. RMFI is licensed as a ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal of Canada. RBCof and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. ©2012 Royal Bank of Canada. 36028 (08/2012) financial services firm Bank in the province Quebec. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. ©2012 Royal Bank of Canada.
36028 (08/2012)
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
25th
2015 MARKS MY YEAR AS A CLERGYPERSON BY DAVID KING, TFS CHAPLAIN, NORTH COMMAND
D
uring the intervening years, I have enjoyed a variety of ministry settings. I have worked in rural parishes and urban ones too. I have offered denominational leadership locally, regionally, and nationally. I have also been involved in institutional chaplaincy, most recently with the T.F.S. No matter where I work, it’s almost inevitable that I find myself accompanying men and women, children and youth, who’ve experienced grief. Whether it’s by way of personality, or professional training, I have an affinity with, and deep empathy for, those who are hurting because of loss. Having that sense of solidarity often results in me being invited into the very private world of those who grieve. Those grieving face any number of hurdles when it comes to living with, and then getting perspective on, their loss. Beyond the experience itself (death, divorce, disillusionment, and more), bereaved persons invariably must interact with folk who, though well intentioned, are seemingly ill-equipped to be supportive in a truly meaningful way. In this instance, being ill-equipped is not a fault, it’s a fact. Over successive generations, ideas and understandings that started out as individual opinions, for example, ‘parents must never let their children see them cry’, have taken on the status of pseudo truth. With each restating, the idea becomes more rooted in the minds of those who offer and hear it. According to John James, a renowned expert on grief recovery, there are some 141 comments that grievers hear following the death of a loved one. The same research that identified those comments also concluded that only 19 of them were actually helpful to grievers! So what distinguishes the helpful remarks from those that aren’t? The answer: where the comments are directed to; in other words, do the comments speak to the hearer’s
emotional centre (their heart) or their intellectual one (their head)? Almost without exception, comments focused towards the grievers’ intellectual capacity (‘you know, it’s better that she’s not suffering anymore’) did precious little to calm the emotional or physiological trauma following the loss. Instead, comments that acknowledged the uniqueness or the consequence of the circumstance (‘your husband’s death will leave a big hole in our crew’) were considered as evidence of true sympathy and shared impact. With this in mind, it would seem appropriate for me to offer some suggestions on the things that can be said, perhaps ought to be said, to those who are grieving. I’ll be happy to do that at the end of this article, first though, permit me to offer to you a sampling of remarks that should never be said to someone in grief:
# 1 - I Know Exactly How You Feel How can anyone possible understand another person’s emotions and reactions unless they have intimate access to their brain and their body? # 2 - Be Grateful For - Asking the griever to deny their pain in favour of replacing it with gratitude is a little like encouraging a person whose finger has been cut off to remember they still have three others and a thumb too!
Rev. David King
North Command Rev. David King (416) 723-8375 g_david_king@yahoo.ca # 3 - Be Thankful They Lived A Long Life - A big reason grievers experience deep anguish and loss is precisely because of the other person’s long time presence in their life. What we’ve had in the past will hardly ever satisfy emotionally what we want in terms of forever-human relationships. # 4 - Keep Busy - While activity may fill the empty hours following the loss of a relationship, the fact remains that eventually each griever will return to a life void of the other. Keeping busy is little more than a diversion from facing with the pain of separation. # 5 - He or She Had a Full Life - A full life may sound like virtuous, but virtues can’t help a broken heart feel whole. A deceased person’s adventures in life may be grieved all the more because they are no longer being realized in the present moment. # 6 - It Was God’s Will - While such a belief may be central to some religious understanding, it may not be so for a griever. Besides, who can be absolutely certain what is, or isn’t the desire of God? Respecting what is helpful to grievers, remember to orientate your message to the hearer’s heart and not their head. Consider something along the lines of: ‘I may never really know exactly what this is like for you, but I am concerned for you’, or ‘I know you’ll miss her/him; I will too’, or ‘This is so tragic, I’m truly sorry that it’s happened’. In addition to being Chaplain to North Command, King is also a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist who will facilitate group and individual grief recovery programs in the fall of 2016 using The Grief Recovery Method . He can be reached at 905-375-7369. Vo l u m e 1 1 | Is s ue 3 | FIRE WATCH 11
2015 FUN FAIR:
MY FRIENDS HOUSE: On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff, myself and in particular the women and children we serve, please accept our sincere thanks for your donation and support of My Friend’s House. My Friends’ House provides a safe haven in our community where victims of domestic violence need not stay in dangerous situations because they have no where to turn, or feel forced into situations that increase their and their children’s vulnerability to victimization. Each year, on average, My Friends’ House provides services to over 600 women and their children in our community through four major programs: 24 hour Confidential Crisis Phone Line, 24 hour Emergency Shelter, Outreach Counselling and Transition Counselling. Local law enforcement, as well as our hospital and other local social services providers rely on My Friend’s House as a key referral source when dealing with our fellow community members living in dangerous situations. While we do receive government funding, it falls considerably short of the actual cost of providing these essential services. Our funding shortfall for this year is estimated to be $200,000 – money that we must raise through donations and fundraising efforts. For this reason, your support is critical to our ability to keep our doors open. We are grateful for your generosity, and most importantly, your shared commitment to helping women and children move from crisis to independent, violence-free lives. Sincerely, Alison Fitzgerald Executive Director
12
Thank you, from Secord Elementary School. Your contribution to our 2015 Fun Fair was greatly appreciated. The proceeds generated this year will help us support technology and arts in the school. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness and generosity Sincerely, The Secord Fundraising Team and the Secord Parent Council Secord Elementary School
YORK UNIVERSITY: AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY & COMMUNITY SERVICE: Thank you for the generous contribution of $240.00 toward the Joshua Yasay Award for Excellence in Criminology and Community Service on behalf of the Toronto Fire Services. Your contribution will make a positive difference in the lives of our students for years to come. With your support, the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies continues to inspire the curious to dream big, reach for the potential and exceed all expectations. From business and law to science and humanities, our students are pushing traditional
boundaries as well-informed, interesting and interested citizens…many of whom aspire to be a part of the TFS. We are also very grateful for the 6-person team from TFS that joined us today – Your participation in our 5-on-5 Charity Basketball Tournament this year was a great addition to the success of the event. We hope that your team enjoyed our charity event and had an opportunity to feel connected to our community. We invite you and/or your colleagues to play again any time! We are thrilled to have counted you amongst our supporters and ecstatic about the additional contribution forthcoming from your union. Please convey your sincere thanks to them. Once again, thank you for sharing our vision and for demonstrating your support with this important gift. Yours truly, Jeff O’Hagan Vice-President Advancement
CLARINGTON PFROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTER’S ASSOCIATION: The Clarington Professional Fire Fighter’s Association would like to express our gratitude & recognize your efforts during the funeral of retired Captain Graydon Brown. This was a very difficult time for both Graydon’s immediate family as well as his Clarington Fire family. It is times like this that we reflect on how fortunate we are to have a circle of friends and strangers, who are now friends, to make a difficult situation better. We appreciate your efforts, they did not go unnoticed. Sincerely, Scott Snowden President Local 3139
THE CARPENTERS’ DISTRICTS COUNCIL OF ONTARIO We wish to thank you for your generous support of the Carpenters’ Districts Council of Ontario’s 2015 Charity
Golf Tournament. Your participation this year has helped us raise close to $100,000, which will be donated to organizations that provide much needed services to our communities. This year’s recipients are the United Way of York Region, Renos for Heroes, the Scleroderma Society of Ontario, the Luso Canadian Charitable Society and Access Uganda. The United Way of York Region has been ensuring help is available when individuals and families in our region need it most. United Way currently helps 41 agencies run close to 100 programs across the region. Renos for Heroes is dedicated to providing complete mobility for injured soldiers with Renos for Heroes essential building and support services foundation.
The Scleroderma Society of Ontario assists individuals living with Scleroderma by providing educational and support programs. The Luso Canadian Charitable Society provides programs and services to assist individuals living with physical and/or developmental disabilities to reach their full potential. Access Uganda is a community based organization that provides care for orphans and people living with HIV/AIDS. We thank you again for your support and we look forward to your future participation in the 2016 Carpenters’ Union Charity Golf Tournament. Sincerely, Tony Iannuzzi Executive Secretary Treasurer
Vo l u m e 1 1 | Is s ue 3 | FIRE WATCH 13
DISTRICT CHIEFS
MANAGEMENT/ EXCLUDING STAFF/ LOCAL 79
TOTAL
159
31
6
5
201
Communications
60
9
4
5
78
Information and Communication Systems
13
5
2
3
23
Administrative Services
7
1
41.3
49.3
Mechanical Maintenance
37
7
2
3
49
27
4
5
36
9
1
1
11
510
60
24
2,694
5
1
2
8
7**
7
Professional Development and Training Special Projects and Emergency Plan Operations
2,100
Policy, Project and Public Information Senior Management Offices
2,376
604
80
96.3
3,156.3*
Note: Based on approved positions as reflected in the 2015 operating budget and organizational chart. * Includes: summer students1.3 FTE’s; 4 temp positions (PanAm Games); 2 temp capital funded positions ** Includes Administrative Assistant at Chief Sales’s Office
14
P312 P313 P314 P315 R321 P322 P323 P324 P325 R325 R326 P331 P332 P333 P334 P335 R341 P342 P343 P344 R345 R411 R412 P413 R413 P415 R421 P422 R423 P424 R425 P426 R426 P431 P432 P433 R434 R435 R441 P442 P443 R444 P445
Station
Unit
1,916 2,581 1,903 2,667 2,140 1,878 1,741 1,832 1,522 1,545 1,521 2,722 2,189 2,472 2,027 2,364 2,456 2,422 2,310 2,695 1,048 1,598 610 1,430 296 950 1,809 2,448 859 1,999 2,367 1,737 1,325 2,628 2,497 1,659 2,555 1,984 1,467 1,724 2,019 1,950 1,887 2,158
312 313 314 315 321 322 323 324 325 325 326 331 332 333 334 335 341 342 343 344 345 411 412 413 413 415 421 422 423 424 425 426 426 431 432 433 434 435 441 442 443 444 445
2014
CAPTAINS
1,748 2,484 1,842 2,608 1,942 1,771 1,764 1,827 1,466 1,548 1,687 2,735 2,112 2,377 2,088 2,233 2,489 2,412 2,209 2,555 952 1,345 1,358 1,164 1,098 0 2,253 2,541 1,164 1,889 2,211 2,014 1,319 2,574 2,722 1,612 2,151 1,957 1,297 1,588 1,891 1,741 1,949 2,122
2013
Fire Prevention and Public Education
FIREFIGHTERS
2014
DIVISION
111 112 113 114 115 116 121 122 123 125 131 132 133 134 135 141 142 143 145 146 211 212 213 214 215 221 222 223 224 224 225 226 227 231 232 233 234 235 241 242 243 244 245 311
2013
Toronto Fire Services Staff Complement By Rank (2015)
P111 R112 P113 P114 R115 P116 P121 R122 P123 P125 P131 P132 R133 R134 P135 P141 P142 P143 P145 P146 P211 P212 P213 R214 P215 P221 P222 P223 P224 R224 R225 P226 P227 R231 P232 P233 P234 R235 R241 P242 R243 P244 P245 P311
Station
Unit
Pumpers And Rescue
3,039 3,670 4,188 2,680 1,512 1,960 2,030 2,242 2,830 3,370 1,321 2,791 4,040 2,737 1,889 129 2,039 1,476 1,723 2,464 2,150 1,933 1,106 1,655 1,962 2,097 2,153 1,405 1,797 1,318 1,369 1,863 2,634 1,621 1,488 2,161 1,300 1,520 2,098 2,461 2,199 1,552 2,105
2,902 3,822 4,342 2,692 1,391 2,124 2,036 2,246 2,706 3,498 1,295 3,120 4,264 2,927 1,909 131 1,900 1,568 1,695 2,597 2,279 2,114 1,325 573 2,437 2,162 2,157 1,561 2,012 441 1,483 2,014 2,804 1,811 1,406 2,138 1,155 1,531 2,214 2,680 2,408 1,662 2,240
Total 172,886 175, 679 % Change 1.62%
Report Period From 1/1/10 to 12/31/14 Data is utilized from Computer Aided Dispatch - Intergraph Business Intelligence Solution. Only Dispatched Events Are Reported
Vo l u m e 1 1 | I s s u e 3 | F I R E WAT CH 14
Vo l u m e 1 1 | Is s ue 3 | FIRE WATCH 15
Demographics and Statistics...Continued from page 15
Total 9,300 9,161 % Change -1.49%
3 13 10 11 7 4 6 5 4
2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 1983 Average Age 45.9 46.0 46.3 46.6 46.9 46.7 46.2 1982 Average Years of Service 17.4 17.5 17.6 17.9 18.1 17.7 17.9 Average Age when starting 31.7 30.7 30.6 28.3 31.4 30.1 30.3 1981 1980 Average age when retiring 56.1 56.3 56.8 56.9 58.6 57.7 57.9 1979 Average sevice when retiring 30.4 30.5 31.6 29.3 32.0 30 30.8 1978 1977 Operations 1976 Captain Average Age 52.9 53.3 53.9 53.9 54.4 54.7 53.6 1975 Captain Avg Years of Service 28.0 28.3 28.6 28.5 28.9 29.1 28.8 1974 DC Average Age 58.2 57.4 57.6 56.8 57.1 56.9 55.8 1973 DC Avg Years of Service 3.8 33.7 33.8 33.2 33.1 32.6 32.4
89 160 93 40 89 97 79 49 50 52 40 63 158 84 93 105 0 135 68 133 67 69 68 126 190 181 129 111 67 99 83 71 35 52 52 24 27 9 5 3 0 1
Left TFS
28 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37
# of Members
1 3 3 6 5 11 10 7 7 6 1 2 1
Start Date
50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62
# of District Chief per each Service Year
1 28 104 77 72 47 53 35 30 10 25 16 4 2 1
District Chief Years of Service
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
# of District Chiefs each age
1 8 8 16 28 44 46 45 49 56 55 47 39 35 12 5 10 5 2
Age of District Chiefs
45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63
# of Captains per each Service Year
89 143 108 38 88 94 77 48 49 53 39 59 155 80 94 100 133 65 131 64 65 67 121 185 176 124 106 61 88 71 53 23 39 33 15 11 4 2 1
Captain Years of Service
114 248 215 114 153 136 145 28 10 145 2,037 1,847 211 7 15 223 12 17 231 145 134 234 8 9 235 18 1 4 332 106 122 332 3,744 4,005 332 10 14 332 2,090 1,827 333 197 207 334 152 198 335 26 33 335 70 83 421 249 275
0-1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 41
# of Captains each age
CMD10 LA114 HS145 HZ145 WT211 SUPPORT7 LA231 DE234 TRS235 CMD30 HR332 HS332 HZ332 LA333 FB334 BOX12 V335 LA421
2014
Speciality and Support
1 1 7 14 11 29 31 28 42 47 50 43 43 46 43 108 47 56 77 93 89 87 85 114 102 109 114 130 149 150 147 144 138 129 109 76 79 47 25 23 19 13 8 3 3 1 1 1
Age of Captains
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70
# of Members each Service Year
Age of 3888 Members
Total 11,978 11,814 % Change -1.37%
Years of Service 3888 Members
2014 2,293 2,353 3,007 2,219 1,942
143 232 313 331 445
# of Members each age
2013
Total 39,949 42,745 % Change 7.00%
2,234 2,474 3,065 2,300 1,905
S143 S232 S313 S331 S445
2013
407 0 1,463 1,596 1,519 1,200 2,290 1,513 967 1,714 1,450 2,029 1,724 2,503 1,763 793 1,275 909 2,402 513 1,281 1,197 643 912 1,080 953 1,349 0 1,226 959 1,340 46 1,073 1,215 1,441
Station
2014
474 6 1,563 1,580 1,314 1,205 2,057 1,217 722 1,761 1,217 1,813 1,622 2,636 1,631 920 1,301 966 2,500 468 1,274 54 1,425 818 972 809 739 412 1,044 825 1,206 276 841 998 1,283
Station
2013
114 114 114 131 133 135 142 213 215 222 226 231 244 312 315 321 322 324 325 331 331 333 333 341 345 411 415 415 421 423 426 432 432 433 441
Unit
Station
A114 PL114 T114 A131 A133 A135 A142 A213 A215 A222 A226 A231 A244 A312 A315 A321 A322 A324 A325 A331 T331 A333 T333 A341 A345 A411 A415 PL415 A421 A423 A426 A432 PL432 A433 A441
Heavy Squads
Unit
Unit
Aerials/Platforms/Towers
120 116 70 120 84 113 87 60 49 60 50 91 65 98 124 70 65
* This chart is produced from data on record January 1, 2015 374 members can retiree without a penality as of this date. 278 are over 50 years old with at least 30 years service and 96 are 50 with an 85 factor.
Report Period From 1/1/10 to 12/31/14 Data is utilized from Computer Aided Dispatch - Intergraph Business Intelligence Solution. Only Dispatched Events Are Reported 16
Vo l u m e 1 1 | I s s u e 3 | F I R E WAT CH 16
Vo l u m e 1 1 | Is s ue 3 | FIRE WATCH 17
Demographics and Statistics...Continued from page 17
Event Summary CALL TYPE
2010
2011
Call Check Carbon Monoxide Fire Fire Alarm Ringing Gas Leak Haz Mat Island Lake Medical Mutual Aid Non Emergency Police Assist Rescue
6,369 4,122 8,925 23,900 538 1,730 107 7 83,105 1 0 24 2,458
6,083 3,976 8,583 22,476 849 1,584 95 8 86,380 0 0 16 2,579
3,223 3,609 9,291 21,935 1,621 1,168 85 20 66,049 1 3 232 2,764
3,868 3,722 9,259 23,389 1,735 1,177 91 14 47,918 0 894 217 3,349
2,880 3,720 9,208 23,892 1,746 1,248 97 8 51,902 1 882 162 3,345
2.6% 3.3% 8.2% 21.4% 1.6% 1.1% 0.1% 0.0% 46.4% 0.0% 0.8% 0.1% 3.0%
% Change From 2013-2014 -25.54% -0.05% -0.55% 2.15% 0.63% 6.03% 6.59% -42.86% 8.31% N/A -1.34% -25.35% -0.12%
71 1,688
79 1,665
58 1,568
58 1,595
55 1,535
0.0% 1.4%
-5.17% -3.76%
9,591 619 887 144142
9,249 720 992 145334
7,202 657 1,026 120512
7,510 1,049 3,618 109463
9,009 1,175 893 111758
8.1% 1.1% 0.8%
19.96% 12.01% -75.32%
0.83%
-17.08%
-9.17%
2.10%
% of Total 1.21% 1.61% 14.87% 47.09% 2.66% 0.84% 0.15% 0.01% 19.51% 0% 0.29% 0.10% 2.99%
% Change From 2013-2014 -23% 3% 0% 3% 2% 14% 42% -51% 8% -100% -11% -20% 1%
Suspicious Substance Vehicle Fire Vehicle Incident Water Problem Wires Down TOTAL % CHANGE
2012
2013
Event Summary 2014
% of Total
WBS#
Projects
2014 Base Budget
CFR097
Emergency Phone System Replacement
CFR098
Fire Station GPS Repeaters
CFR099
Station A (Stn 414)-Hwy 27 and Rexdale Blvd
CFR100
Replacement of HUSAR Equipment-2014
CFR101
Specialized Trucks and Equipment
CFR102
Mobile Workstation Network Enhancement
500
CFR103
Training Simulators Rehabiliatation-2014
100
CFR086
Replacement of Fire Station #135
2,685
Total 2014-Approved
9,497
FR
1,000 275 2,417 50 2,470
$356,765.7
-0.8%
Event Summary By Command
Source: Toronto Fire Services, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) – Intergraph Business Solution, 2015
Dispatch Summary CALL TYPE Call Check Carbon Monoxide Fire Fire Alarm Ringing Gas Leak Haz Mat Island Lake Medical Mutual Aid Non Emergency Police Assist Rescue Suspicious Substance Vehicle Fire Vehicle Incident Water Problem Wires Down TOTAL % CHANGE
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
6,630 4,537 36,563 109,267 2,246 2,464 483 28 86,025 0 0 151 5,769
6,159 4,427 35,003 104,954 3,592 2,297 388 28 89,762 0 0 95 6,214
3,677 4,184 38,230 110,775 6,716 2,201 340 57 68,824 10 1 354 6,846
267 3,010
312 3,117
266 3,056
250 3,023
233 2,892
0.08% 1.04%
-7% -4%
16,927 1,295 941 276,603
17,300 1,535 1,079 276,262
14,879 1,304 1,120 262,840
16,195 2,096 3,870 271,474
17,534 2,446 993 277,807
6.31% 0.88% 0.36%
8% 17% -74%
-0.12%
-4.86%
3.28%
2.33%
4,408 3,373 4,332 4,465 41,146 41,303 127,050 130,826 7,271 7,389 2,051 2,343 296 419 39 19 49,985 54,210 1 0 889 793 342 275 8,230 8,294
Alarm Handling (1:00)
2007
71%
01:42
Turnout (1:20)
26%
02:45
Road Response (4:00)T
83%
04:39
Total Response (6:20)
74%
07:48
First Alarm (10:20)
85%
11:12
2008
74%
01:37
24%
02:46
82%
04:39
73%
07:46
84%
11:13
2009
78%
01:29
24%
02:42
81%
04:42
75%
07:37
86%
11:01
2010
79%
01:26
24%
02:39
81%
04:43
75%
07:36
86%
11:01
2011
82%
01:21
25%
02:39
79%
04:50
74%
07:38
85%
11:09
2012
87%
01:09
32%
02:24
80%
04:45
79% 0
7:17
89%
10:34
2013
83%
01:23
45%
02:09
75%
05:13
76%
07:54
86%
11:02
2014
92%
00:56
43%
02:10
75%
05:05
80%
07:17
87%
10:53
Report from 1/1/07 to 12/31/14 (inclusive)
Source: Toronto Fire Services, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) – Intergraph Business Solution, 2015
18
Response Metrics Benchmarks
Vo l u m e 1 1 | I s s u e 3 | F I R E WAT CH 18
Vo l u m e 1 1 | Is s ue 3 | FIRE WATCH 19
Demographics and Statistics...Continued from page 19
Net Operations $328,114.4 Fire Prevention and $17,215.1 Public Safety Administration Services $18,711.2 Operating Budget 2014- Actual Spending Communications and Net Operations $328,114.4 Technology $14,012.3 Fire Prevention and Public Safety $17,215.1 Adminstrative Services Development $18,711.2 Professional Communications and Technology $14,012.3 Professional Development and Support Mechanical Support $26,450.6 and Mechanical $26,450.6 Headquarters $3,334.5 $407,838.1 Headquarters $3,334.5
Contribution 6.5% to Reserves Interdepartmental Charges 0.8% Other 100.0%
Headquarters 0.8% Communica&ons and Professional Development and Technology Mechanical Support 3.4% 6.5%
$8,894.7
2.1%
$66.7
0.0% 100.0%
2.1% $8,858.8 $422,897.00
$407,838.1
Fire Services 2014 Net Opera3ng Budget-Actuals by Service
Adminstra&ve Services 4.6%
Gross Salaries and Benefits $390,430.7 Materials and Supplies $8,568.5 Equipment $809.9 Services and Rents $5,267.7 Gross Contribution to Reserves $8,894.7 Salaries $390,430.7 92.3% 80.5%and Benefits Interdepartmental Charges $8,858.8 Materials Supplies $8,568.5 2.0% 4.2% and Equipment $809.9 0.2% 4.6% Other Services $5,267.7 1.2% $66.7 3.4%and Rents 422,897.00
Ops Performace
TFS In Service Vehicle Hours for 2014 a. Hours Out Of Service 2014: 33,408 b. Hours In Service: 1,069,512 c. Total Available Service Hours (125 units x 365 days x 24 hours) + (3 units x 110 days x 24 hours) = 1,102,920 d. Unit Availability: 97%
Fire Services 2014 Gross Opera3ng Budget-Actuals by Expenditure Type Services and Rents 1.2% Equipment 0.2%
Contribu&on to Reserves 2.1%
Inter-Departmental Charges 2.1%
Materials and Supplies 2.0%
Fire Preven&on and Public Safety 4.2% Opera&ons 80.5%
Salaries and BeneďŹ ts 92.3%
Financial Highlights
20
Vo l u m e 1 1 | I s s u e 3 | F I R E WAT CH 20
Vo l u m e 1 1 | Is s ue 3 | FIRE WATCH 21
Demographics and Statistics...Continued from page 21
How long does it take to respond to an emergency call from the time the station is notified to arrival on scene?
What is the total cost per hour to have a front-line vehicle available in the urban and rural areas
How many injuries and fatalities resulted from residential fires?
How many fires resulted in property loss?
22
Vo l u m e 1 1 | I s s u e 3 | F I R E WAT CH 22
Vo l u m e 1 1 | Is s ue 3 | FIRE WATCH 23
Demographics and Statistics...Continued from page 23
Unit Response Metrics How many hours are staffed fire vehicles available to respond to emergencies?
Fleet Purchasing Status as of Aug. 14, 2015.
# of Vehicles
24
Budget year
New Truck(s)
Builder Chassis/Body
Status
2
2014
E-One Single axle Aerials no fire pump
Emergency -One
The raw body and chassis will be ready for inspection early September. Delivery anticipated late October.
4
2015
Smeal 105' Rear Mount Aerials
Spartan/Smeal
Three of the four finished trucks have been delivered. The fourth to be inspected and delivered early September.
2
2014/15
High Rise Pumpers
TBD
A committee has been formed to deal with the design, pump requirements, and issues with the current building design constraints.
1
2015
Rehab Truck
PK Vans
The chassis is on order, with final design of the interior and washroom facilities being confirmed while waiting for chassis delivery.
1
2015
Technical Rescue
Freightliner/ Dependable Emergency
The chassis is on order, final body and compartment layout designs are done, and body construction will be almost complete once the chassis arrives late September.
2
2014/15
Air Light Trucks
Freightliner/ Dependable Emergency
Both chassis are on order, the bodies are almost complete and will be installed when the chassis arrive late September.
2
2015
Squads
Spartan/ Dependable Emergency
The bodies are in construction waiting for chassis delivery in October.
2
2014
Training Pumpers
Spartan/ Dependable Emergency
The bodies are in construction waiting for chassis delivery in September.
Up to 40
2015-17
Multi-year Pumper Order
TBD
The bid closed Friday August 14, 2015 with the award pending bid document analysis.
15
2015
Ram ProMaster Cargo vans
TBD
Fifteen units are currently out to bid. 12 for the Fire Prevention Public Education staff, 2 for Emergency Planning Staff, and 1 for the Mechanical Division.
11
2016
Tahoes
TBD
Once it is confirmed the four "test" units function as District Chief vehicles, 11 more units will be purchased and outfitted.
Vo l u m e 1 1 | I s s u e 3 | F I R E WAT CH 24
Turnout (1:20)
111 P111 112 R112 113 A113 113 P113 114 A114 114 LA114 114 P114 114 T114 115 R115 116 P116 121 P121 122 R122 123 P123 125 P125 131 A131 131 P131 132 P132 133 A133 133 R133 134 R134 135 A135 135 P135 141 P141 142 A142 142 P142 143 P143 143 S143 145 HS145 145 HZ145 145 P145 146 P146 211 P211 211 WT211 212 P212 213 A213 213 P213 214 R214 215 A215 215 P215 221 P221 222 A222 222 P222 223 P223 224 P224 224 R224 225 R225 226 A226 226 P226 227 P227 231 A231 231 LA231 231 R231 232 P232 232 S232 233 P233 234 DE234 234 P234 235 R235 235 TRS235 241 R241 242 P242 243 R243 244 A244 244 P244 245 P245 311 P311 312 A312 312 P312 313 P313
44% 43% 47% 49% 38% 31% 44% 39% 42% 36% 38% 45% 61% 31% 40% 37% 36% 33% 42% 38% 36% 35% 44% 42% 47% 57% 47% 40% 55% 61% 51% 36% 0% 29% 41% 37% 28% 30% 38% 55% 39% 44% 39% 43% 39% 34% 31% 39% 34% 17% 13% 19% 53% 49% 35% 100% 45% 36% 100% 26% 44% 25% 50% 51% 46% 45% 30% 40% 37%
Road Response (4:00) Unit Response (5:20)
02:02 4 8% 06:04 02:09 54% 06:17 02:07 37% 08:01 02:04 46% 07:23 02:34 48% 07:29 03:02 9% 19:20 02:13 59% 06:32 02:29 46% 07:28 02:02 50% 07:01 02:20 45% 06:59 02:10 41% 06:38 02:16 35% 07:50 01:53 40% 06:21 02:18 37% 06:31 02:07 43% 07:10 02:14 55% 06:09 02:09 59% 05:54 02:17 37% 06:54 02:09 40% 07:26 02:05 73% 05:16 02:22 53% 06:07 02:19 64% 05:42 02:02 48% 06:28 02:07 50% 06:56 02:03 57% 06:23 01:54 43% 08:11 02:08 22% 11:00 05:39 20% 22:21 02:01 16% 16:05 01:56 32% 08:32 01:57 53% 06:35 02:03 38% 07:09 12:21 29% 29:02 02:25 33% 07:27 02:15 29% 07:26 02:17 32% 07:20 02:26 41% 07:19 02:22 45% 06:27 02:18 42% 06:36 02:04 70% 05:33 02:17 44% 06:38 02:11 55% 06:03 02:09 52% 06:19 02:15 57% 05:47 02:18 57% 05:59 02:14 66% 05:27 02:23 59% 05:44 02:18 70% 05:23 02:18 74% 05:13 02:34 49% 06:16 05:57 17% 14:48 02:27 59% 05:45 02:01 47% 06:24 02:10 26% 09:55 02:09 50% 06:09 00:11 0% 05:39 02:13 51% 06:55 02:12 52% 06:14 00:21 0% 31:05 02:14 50% 06:59 02:11 42% 06:41 02:32 50% 06:40 02:06 44% 07:15 02:02 59% 06:12 02:06 59% 05:51 02:04 76% 04:57 02:27 88% 04:13 02:07 87% 04:22 02:12 84% 04:38
44% 51% 35% 44% 43% % 55% 42% 47% 37% 36% 32% 41% 29% 39% 50% 54% 31% 37% 69% 44% 59% 46% 48% 55% 44% 21% 20% 17% 33% 52% 34% 0% 27% 25% 27% 33% 34% 37% 70% 39% 50% 47% 51% 51% 57% 52% 65% 71% 36% 6% 46% 45% 24% 45% 0% 48% 45% 0% 42% 38% 38% 42% 57% 55% 73% 81% 84% 81%
07:33 07:44 09:33 08:47 09:14 21:02 08:03 09:22 08:34 08:35 08:11 09:30 07:40 08:10 08:42 07:41 07:31 08:34 08:45 06:57 07:46 07:22 07:57 08:24 07:50 09:32 12:24 27:54 17:31 09:49 08:04 08:44 35:42 09:15 09:06 08:55 09:06 08:09 08:34 06:55 08:16 07:34 07:52 07:29 07:37 07:05 07:27 06:59 06:55 08:11 18:48 07:35 07:54 11:25 07:44 05:50 08:30 07:47 31:26 08:35 08:15 08:26 08:45 07:43 07:19 06:30 05:59 05:54 06:15
Turnout (1:20)
313 314 315 315 321 321 322 322 323 324 324 325 325 325 326 331 331 331 331 332 332 332 332 333 333 333 334 334 335 335 341 341 342 343 344 345 345 411 411 412 413 413 415 415 421 421 422 423 423 424 425 426 426 426 431 432 432 432 433 433 434 435 441 441 442 443 444 445 445
S313 P314 A315 P315 A321 R321 A322 P322 P323 A324 P324 A325 P325 R325 R326 A331 P331 S331 T331 HR332 HS332 HZ332 P332 LA333 P333 T333 FB334 P334 P335 V335 A341 R341 P342 P343 P344 A345 R345 A411 R411 R412 P413 R413 A415 P415 A421 R421 P422 A423 R423 P424 R425 A426 P426 R426 P431 A432 P432 PL432 A433 P433 R434 R435 A441 R441 P442 P443 R444 P445 S445
39% 42% 32% 43% 13% 31% 22% 27% 36% 36% 40% 32% 43% 45% 29% 35% 38% 41% 27% 42% 50% 41% 35% 13% 34% 37% 29% 37% 37% 88% 36% 39% 39% 44% 58% 30% 32% 23% 31% 23% 20% 33% 26% 29% 20% 34% 37% 33% 32% 20% 28% 26% 30% 33% 26% 16% 33% 24% 31% 47% 30% 34% 25% 27% 53% 42% 34% 43% 37%
02:11 02:13 02:09 02:06 02:38 02:20 02:34 02:25 02:13 02:18 02:12 02:28 02:19 02:20 02:13 02:18 02:15 02:23 02:41 02:12 09:02 02:34 02:22 05:03 02:18 02:24 05:42 02:36 07:30 01:23 02:14 02:11 02:08 02:10 01:53 02:24 02:16 02:32 02:20 02:25 02:33 02:16 02:25 02:18 03:24 02:16 02:14 02:29 02:21 02:25 02:15 02:28 02:27 02:24 02:09 02:11 02:09 02:15 02:24 02:08 02:17 02:23 02:21 02:23 02:07 02:05 02:12 02:11 02:15
Road Response (4:00) Unit Response (5:20)
66% 89% 77% 84% 37% 51% 60% 68% 81% 72% 71% 86% 90% 84% 72% 57% 73% 50% 61% 70% 0% 42% 73% 9% 85% 75% 19% 45% 83% 82% 64% 69% 65% 67% 82% 79% 76% 38% 38% 44% 57% 58% 34% 38% 8% 62% 66% 70% 76% 71% 54% 78% 80% 81% 51% 35% 44% 29% 36% 46% 47% 55% 38% 49% 55% 44% 46% 57% 37%
07:32 04:06 04:57 04:34 06:55 06:05 06:05 05:14 04:49 05:22 07:00 04:19 04:01 04:36 05:43 06:06 05:11 07:55 06:00 05:19 38:21 14:21 05:11 16:56 04:24 05:06 23:44 06:57 05:52 05:55 05:57 05:47 05:55 05:26 04:34 05:13 05:08 07:53 07:25 07:42 06:25 06:25 07:25 07:07 15:55 05:45 05:56 05:28 04:59 05:48 07:37 04:58 04:57 04:47 06:46 06:55 06:59 07:39 06:35 06:53 07:13 06:39 07:13 07:04 06:25 07:04 07:51 06:39 10:47
62% 85% 70% 80% 28% 44% 47% 59% 77% 65% 67% 79% 87% 81% 67% 46% 67% 44% 48% 64% 0% 37% 58% 3% 79% 70% 15% 39% 43% 86% 59% 62% 60% 63% 81% 71% 69% 28% 32% 38% 48% 51% 27% 31% 3% 54% 61% 60% 68% 60% 47% 69% 71% 73% 44% 39% 37% 23% 28% 43% 38% 48% 28% 39% 54% 40% 40% 53% 31%
09:02 05:45 06:31 06:07 08:46 07:45 07:47 07:00 06:25 07:08 08:25 06:06 05:36 06:12 07:23 07:43 06:47 09:24 07:57 06:52 41:10 16:20 06:56 20:20 06:05 06:50 26:58 08:46 08:50 08:01 07:27 07:20 07:27 06:49 05:58 06:50 06:51 09:44 09:03 09:35 08:28 08:09 09:20 08:46 18:36 07:28 07:32 07:17 06:40 07:33 09:14 06:41 06:36 06:34 08:28 08:35 08:33 09:27 08:23 08:18 08:52 08:22 09:06 08:49 07:56 08:29 09:27 08:10 12:12
Data is utilized from Computer Aided Dispatch - Integraph Business Intelligence Solution. Call Data used only on events where arrival time has been captured. Call processing is the time from when the alarm is acknowledged at the communications center to the start of dispatch via audible or visual annunciation (SSEC-DS) Turnout time is time from start of dispatch to the begining point of travel time (DS-EN) Travel time the time interval when a unit is en route to the emergency and ends when the unit arrives at scene (EN-AR) Total response time is the measure from when the alarm is acknowledged to the unit arrival at scene (SSEC-AR) Only Emergency Events Are Reported Benchmark’s are only calculated when Alarm Handling, Turnout, Road Response and Total Response are all positive non-zero values
Vo l u m e 1 1 | Is s ue 3 | FIRE WATCH 25
Demographics and Statistics...Continued from page 25
Unit Runs by Command
Age of Current Fleet AERIALS
2007
24131
P221
Spartan
Seagrave
2013
25047
R441
Spartan
ERV
1999
26023
A135
Spartan
Smeal
2007
24132
P344
Spartan
Seagrave
2013
25048
R243
Spartan
ERV
1999
26025
A321
Spartan
Smeal
2007
24133
P123
Spartan
Seagrave
2013
25049
R134
Spartan
ERV
2001
27014
A222
Spartan
Smeal
2007
24134
P422
Spartan
Seagrave
2013
25050
R325
Spartan
ERV
2001
27016
A215
Spartan
Smeal
2007
24135
P232
Spartan
Seagrave
2013
25051
R214
Spartan
ERV
2002
27019
A226
Spartan
Smeal
2007
24136
P431
Spartan
Seagrave
2013
25052
R326
Spartan
ERV
2002
27020
A421
Spartan
Smeal
2007
24137
P443
Spartan
Seagrave
2013
25053
R435
Spartan
ERV
2002
27021
A131
Spartan
Smeal
2007
24138
P234
Spartan
Seagrave
2013
25054
R231
Spartan
ERV
2002
27022
A441
Spartan
Smeal
2007
24139
P244
Spartan
Seagrave
2013
25055
R421
Spartan
ERV
2002
27023
A345
Spartan
Smeal
2007
24140
P116
Spartan
Seagrave
2014
25057
R412
E-One
Pumper/Rescue
24141
P143
Spartan
Smeal
2014
25058
R413
E-One
Pumper/Rescue Pumper/Rescue
2004
27024
A324
Spartan
Smeal
2007
2004
27025
A426
Spartan
Smeal
2007
24142
P125
Spartan
Smeal
2014
25059
R425
E-One
2004
27026
A312
Spartan
Smeal
2007
24143
P242
Spartan
Smeal
2014
25062
R321
E-One
2005
27027
T333
E-One
E-One
2007
24144
P113
Spartan
Smeal
2014
25063
R345
E-One
2005
27028
T331
E-One
E-One
2007
24145
P342
Spartan
Smeal
2014
25064
R122
E-One
Pumper/Rescue
2006
27029
A423
Spartan
Smeal
2007
24146
P442
Spartan
Smeal
2014
25065
R241
E-One
Pumper/Rescue
2006
27030
A325
Spartan
Smeal
2007
24147
P223
Spartan
Smeal
2007
27031
A231
Spartan
Smeal
2007
24148
P245
Spartan
Smeal
24149
P334
Spartan
Smeal
Pumper/Rescue Pumper/Rescue
SQUADS
2007
27032
A113
Spartan
Smeal
2007
2004
28013
S445
Spartan
Seagrave
2007
27033
A244
Spartan
Smeal
2007
24150
P212
Spartan
Smeal
2004
28014
S232
Spartan
Seagrave
2007
27034
A411
Spartan
Smeal
2007
24151
P415
Spartan
Smeal
2009
28015
S313
Spartan
Seagrave
2007
27035
A213
Spartan
Smeal
2007
24152
P324
Spartan
Smeal
2012
28016
S331
Spartan
Dependable
2007
27036
PL432
Spartan
Smeal
2007
24153
P432
Spartan
Smeal
2013
28017
S143
Spartan
2006
27037
T114
E-One
E-One
2007
24154
P313
Spartan
Smeal
2009
27038
A341
Spartan
Smeal
2007
24155
P426
Spartan
Smeal
2012
27039
A322
Spartan
Smeal
2010
25033
P211
Spartan
Crimson
2012
27040
A142
Spartan
Smeal
2010
25034
P333
Spartan
Crimson
2012
27041
A415
Spartan
Smeal
2010
25035
P312
Spartan
Crimson
2012
27042
A315
Spartan
Smeal
2010
25037
P325
Spartan
Crimson
2012
27043
A133
Spartan
Smeal
2010
25038
P141
Spartan
Crimson
2012
27044
A433
Spartan
Smeal
2010
25041
P331
Spartan
Crimson
2010
25042
P314
Spartan
Crimson
2010
25043
P323
Spartan
Crimson
PUMPERS 1997
24076
P335B
E-One
E-One
2010
25040
P322
Spartan
Crimson
2002
24107
P227
Spartan
Smeal
2013
25056
P332
Spartan
ERV
2004
24112
P233
Spartan
Smeal
2014
25060
P445
E-One
Pumper/Rescue
2004
24113
P311
Spartan
Smeal
2014
25061
P315
E-One
Pumper/Rescue
2004
24114
P131
Spartan
Smeal
2004
24115
P121
Spartan
Smeal
RESCUES
2004
24117
P114
Spartan
Smeal
2009
25026
R411
Spartan
Smeal
2006
24118
P335
Ford
Dependable
2009
25027
R341
Spartan
Smeal
2005
24121
P135
Spartan
Seagrave
2009
25028
R224
Spartan
Smeal
2005
24122
P343
Spartan
Seagrave
2009
25029
R235
Spartan
Smeal
2005
24123
P226
Spartan
Seagrave
2009
25030
R133
Spartan
Smeal
2005
24124
P433
Spartan
Seagrave
2009
25031
R115
Spartan
Smeal
2005
24125
P111
Spartan
Seagrave
2009
25032
R112
Spartan
Smeal
2005
24126
P132
Spartan
Seagrave
2010
25039
R423
Spartan
Crimson
2005
24127
P146
Spartan
Seagrave
2010
25036
R426
Spartan
2005
24128
P222
Spartan
Seagrave
2010
25044
R225
2005
24129
P145
Spartan
Seagrave
2013
25045
R444
2005
24130
P142
Spartan
Seagrave
2013
25046
R434
SPECIALITY TRUCKS 1992
29006
HMS 145
Ford F, Super Duty
1988
30012
TRS-235
Ford F800
Dependable
1998
30017
Decon 234
Freightliner
PK Vans
2004
30021
A/L 333
Freightliner
Dependable
2005
30030
HR 332
Spartan
Dependable
2005
30031
WT-211
Freightliner
Dependable
2005
30032
HAZ 332
Spartan
Seagrave
2007
30033
A/L 114
Freightliner
Dependable
2008
30034
Com 10
Freightliner
PK Vans
2009
30035
HMS 332
Ford LCF
DEL Unicel
2010
30036
HAZ 145
Spartan
Dependable
2010
30038
A/L421
Freightliner
Dependable
2010
30039
A/L231
Freightliner
Dependable
30044
Com 30
Freightliner
EVI
2012
FIRE BOATS AND MECHANICAL SERVICE UNITS 1964
10111
WL Mackenzie
1988
10112
Sora
Crimson
1982
10113
Wlm Thornton
Spartan
Crimson
2003
20285
MRU 20
GMC C8500
Seagrave
Spartan
ERV
2005
20299
MRU 40
Freightliner
Dependable
Spartan
ERV
2011
30037
MRU 10
Freightliner
Dependable
Unit
P111 R112 A113 P113 A114 LA114 P114 PL114 T114 R115 P116 P121 R122 P123 P125 A131 P131 P132 A133 R133 R134 A135 P135 P141 A142 P142 P143 S143 HZ145 P145 P146 P211 WT211 P212 A213 P213 R214 A215 P215 P221 A222 P222 P223 P224 R224 R225 A226 P226 P227 A231 LA231 R231 P232 S232 P233 DE234 P234 R235 TRS235 R241 P242 R243 A244 P244 P245 P311 A312 P312 P313 S313 P314 A315
Station
111 112 113 113 114 114 114 114 114 115 116 121 122 123 125 131 131 132 133 133 134 135 135 141 142 142 143 143 145 145 146 211 211 212 213 213 214 215 215 221 222 222 223 224 224 225 226 226 227 231 231 231 232 232 233 234 234 235 235 241 242 243 244 244 245 311 312 312 313 313 314 315
2013
1,748 2,484 1,295 1,842 474 153 2,608 6 1,563 1,942 1,771 1,764 1,827 1,466 1,548 1,580 1,687 2,735 1,314 2,112 2,377 1,205 2,088 2,233 2,057 2,489 2,412 2,234 2,037 2,209 2,555 952 7 1,345 1,217 1,358 1,164 722 967 1,098 296 0 1,761 2,253 2,541 1,164 1,889 2,211 1,217 2,014 1,319 1,813 145 2,574 2,722 2,474 1,612 8 2,151 1,957 18 1,297 1,588 1,891 1,622 1,741 1,949 2,122 2,636 3,039 3,670 3,065 4,188 1,631
2014
Unit
1,916 2,581 1,611 1,903 407 136 2,667 0 1,463 2,140 1,878 1,741 1,832 1,522 1,545 1,596 1,521 2,722 1,519 2,189 2,472 1,200 2,027 2,364 2,290 2,456 2,422 2,293 1,847 2,310 2,695 1,048 15 1,598 1,513 610 1,430
P315 A321 R321 A322 P322 P323 A324 P324 A325 P325 R325 R326 A331 P331 S331 T331 HR332 HS332 HZ332 P332 A333 LA333 P333 T333 FB334 P334 P335 V335 A341 R341 P342 P343 P344 A345 R345 A411 R411 R412 P413 R413 A415 P415 PL415 A421 LA421 R421 P422 A423 R423 P424 R425 A426 P426 R426 P431 A432 P432 PL432 A433 P433 R434 R435 A441 R441 ATV1 ATV2 ATV3 BOX12 ICS1 SUPPORT7
950 1,714 1,809 2,448 859 1,999 2,367 1,450 1,737 1,325 2,029 134 2,628 2,497 2,353 1,659 9 2,555 1,984 14 1,467 1,724 2,019 1,724 1,950 1,887 2,158 2,503 2,902 3,822 3,007 4,342 1,763
Station
2013
2014
2,680 920 1,512 1,301 1,960 2,030 966 2,242 2,500 2,830 3,370 1,321 468 2,791 2,300 1,274 3,744 10 2,090 4,040 54 197 2,737 1,425 152 1,889 129 70 818 2,039 1,476 1,723 2,464 972 2,150 809 1,933 1,106 1,655 1,962 739 2,097 412 1,044 249 2,153 1,405 825 1,797 1,318 1,369 1,206 1,863 2,634 1,621 276 1,488 841 998 2,161 1,300 1,520 1,283 2,098 16 6 5 26 1 12
2,692 793 1,391 1,275 2,124 2,036 909 2,246 2,402 2,706 3,498 1,295 513 3,120 2,219 1,281 4,005 14 1,827 4,264 1,197 207 2,927 643 198 1,909 131 83 912 1,900 1,568 1,695 2,597 1,080 2,279 953 2,114 1,325 573 2,437 1,349 2,162 0 1,226 275 2,157 1,561 959 2,012 441 1,483 1,340 2,014 2,804 1,811 46 1,406 1,073 1,215 2,138 1,155 1,531 1,441 2,214 14 1 0 33 0 17
Total 271,474 % Change
277,807 2.33%
315 321 321 322 322 323 324 324 325 325 325 326 331 331 331 331 332 332 332 332 333 333 333 333 334 334 335 335 341 341 342 343 344 345 345 411 411 412 413 413 415 415 415 421 421 421 422 423 423 424 425 426 426 426 431 432 432 432 433 433 434 435 441 441 Unallocated Unallocated Unallocated Unallocated Unallocated Unallocated
Report Period From 1/1/10 to 12/31/14 Data is utilized from Computer Aided Dispatch - Intergraph Business Intelligence Solution. Only Dispatched Events Are Reported
26
Vo l u m e 1 1 | Is s ue 3 | FIRE WATCH 27
BY KIRK FUDGE,TORONTO FIRE FIGHTER, STATION 332-D
I
n celebration of the new carbon monoxide law (Bill 77) we thought it would be prudent for all TFS personnel to brush up on their CO skills. Along with CO we often find ourselves surrounded by other toxic gases that not all crews are trained to detect or given the proper equipment to monitor for them. In this issue, we are going to talk about carbon monoxide and other gases that we regularly encounter - whether you realize it or not. I know a lot of you are saying, “carbon monoxide is easy, I know everything I need to know about it, and we have a CO monitor on the truck.” Fair enough, but I challenge you to you a quick knowledge review; how many of the following questions can you answer without opening a book, using Google, or turning on your CO detector? • What is the TLV-TWA of carbon monoxide in the workplace in Canada (allowable exposure over an 8hr period?) • Is carbon monoxide flammable? • What is the first alarm (A1) setting (ppm) on your MSA Altair? • What is the second alarm (A2) setting (ppm) on your MSA Altair? • What is the quantity (ppm) of carbon monoxide TFS policy stipulates for evacuation of a residential occupancy? • What is the CO short term exposure limit (STEL)? Without a full understanding of carbon monoxide, and the monitors we utilize to detect it, we are potentially placing ourselves and the public in harm’s way. Let’s quickly take a look at carbon monoxide: where it comes from, where it isn’t going to be, and the flammable limits assigned by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). We know that carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas, and is a derivative of incomplete combustion; a by-product from industrial processes, and a man-made gas used to
28 28
create other chemicals (like those that ensure meats stay rosy red to appeal to our senses.) If we look at the chemical and physical properties of CO, we gain a better understanding of its dangers, and knowledge that allows us to instil confidence in the public. With new laws coming into effect regarding CO detectors, we have all been asked, “Is it better to have a CO detector on the ceiling, or in a wall outlet?” In order to answer this question correctly, we must recall that CO has a relative gas density (RGasD) of 0.97 (air is equal to 1). If the RGasD number is greater than 1 (heavier than air), we would expect to find the gas in low lying areas. If the number is less than 1 (lighter than air), the gas will ordinarily rise. With CO, the number is very close to 1.0, causing it to mix somewhat uniformly in the air from top to bottom. This can be aided by a fan or furnace kicking on, or something as simple as a window or door being opened. Both detector locations have merit, and in a perfect world every residence would have both. Keep in mind that most people spend the majority of their time at home sleeping. Typically, we always recommend outlet-style detectors in sleeping quarters, as they approximate the height and orientation of occupants in their beds. CCOHS has established that workers in Ontario are allowed to be exposed to an average of 25 ppm of CO, over the course of an eight hour day, forming part of a forty-hour work week. Under those conditions, an individual can work a 30 year career, and not suffer long term health effects. This is known as the Threshold Limit Value- Time Weighted Average (TLV-TWA). This is the level that triggers the A1 alarm setting on your MSA Altair. The A2 alarm - 100 ppm is the Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL), which means any employee can be subjected to this limit for a maximum 15 minute exposure period, after which they must be given a 1 hour exposure break. This can occur up to 4 times in a work day. Is carbon monoxide flammable? Absolutely! CO has a very large flammable window when compared to other elements; natural gas (98% methane) for example, has a lower explosive limit
(LEL) of 5%, and an -upper explosive limit (UEL) of 15%. Propane’s LEL is 2.1%, and its UEL is 9.5%. Both of these substances readily come to mind when we think of flammable gasses. Now look at the flammability range for CO: the LEL is 12.5%, and the UEL is 74%. In the previous 2 examples, we had an explosive range of not more than 10%, yet CO is flammable over a range of more than 60% by concentration. It is important to note that 10,000ppm is 1% by volume in air. Anyone who’s taken a smoke reading class recently, knows that CO is a major contributing factor to many explosions commonly mistaken for back drafts. Every station has access to MSA’s Altair CO Detector, but does everyone understand what they are good for, and more importantly, their limitations? Each morning we are required to test the detector by placing it into the docking station (not the exhaust pipe of the truck), and allowing the machine to perform a bump test. The bump test simply subjects the CO detector to a known concentration of gas, and requires the monitor to accurately read it within a specific timeframe, and with no more than 5% error deviation. Once successfully completed, a check mark appears on the screen, and we’re good to go, right? To effectively understand and use the Altair monitor, we need to understand how it works, what it will detect, and within what range or levels it can function. The sensor inside the Altair is an electrochemical sensor. This type of sensor contains an electrolyte solution that reacts with the targeted gas inside the sensor, and produces an electrical current that can be read by electrodes, then displayed as a reading on the LCD screen.
• You cannot detect CO at natural gas calls when there is an absence of combustion. • Levels of poisonous gas other than CO, cannot be detected. • The CO detector cannot indicate where a gas ranges on the Ph. scale. • The CO detector cannot detect flammable levels. • One of the worst environments for any detector is to be immersed in smoke. We already know smoke contains CO, and many potentially more toxic and dangerous elements. Let’s take a look at some of the gasses present at virtually all fires we respond to today, and compare their typical concentrations to that of CO. Once the fire is out, many toxins continue to off-gas for up to 72 hours. Foolishly, it used to be a badge of honour, when for days afterwards, that smoky smell would rise from your pores during a work-out, or in a hot shower. If you’re lucky to have a full head of hair, that smell could persist up to 30 days – and that’s without being directly involved with overhaul. • Phosgene - from plastics: IDLH - 2ppm. • Hydrogen Cyanide – fabrics: IDLH - 50ppm. • Phosphine - paints/glues: IDLH - 50ppm. • CO - incomplete combustion: IDLH - 1200ppm. Further research into TFS standard operating guidelines will take you into E-Airm, G-Airb, G-Carb and FCC 10-205.
The sensor is protected on the outside, by a membrane that filters out interfering gasses, but allows the targeted gas to pass unimpeded into the sensor. If however, you subject your monitor to high levels of any gas, the sensor becomes saturated, and you will get erroneous readings – possibly even ruining your monitor. The primary purpose of our CO monitors, is to detect carbon monoxide. Although you can observe readings of other gasses with them, unless you know what specific gas you are dealing with, and have the correct conversion factor, the readings from the monitor will be irrelevant. The MSA Altair can be used accurately with CO only!
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How Unions can be
POLITICAL
“But I thought unions were just for people who don’t know how to do their jobs.”
BY JULIE PETRUZZELLIS, GR COMMITTEE MEMBER
B
ack in 2008 my partner, a CUPE member, was on strike for 85 days before being legislated back to work. My cousin, a non-unionized worker in the banking industry, made the comment above. She had heard about the strike in the news but really had no understanding of what the strike was about let alone a grasp of the important work that unions do. In a day and age when union membership is on the wane, she is certainly not alone. Even within unionized workplaces like ours, many members are not aware of the history, purpose and potential of unions. Recent changes in the leadership and direction of our local present us with an opportunity to address some misconceptions and consider how we want our union to advocate for our rights and for workers’ rights going forward. One way we can do this is by thinking about the different ways unions have been political over the last seventy-five years. In the 1940s when unions were evolving from the trade guilds of the previous century into their modern form, workers were fighting for a kind of economic justice that we take for granted today, including fair pay, benefits, vacation time and reasonable work hours. Today we can say that most workers define workplace justice as something that addresses racism, sexism and other forms of systemic discrimination. Over time, the ways that unions work for their goals has changed. Broadly, unions in Canada tend to follow either a Business union or a Social union model. Unions following a business model focus on collective bargaining, work somewhat cooperatively with employers and do not invest in big-picture advocacy for workers’ rights. Their community work is limited to charitable giving and their political action is mostly lobbying. Unions following a Social union model pay more attention to larger social and political issues. A third type of union, less common in Canada, works actively towards social change, collaborating with other unions as well as with groups outside the union movement while still actively addressing parliamentary politics. An individual union may closely follow one model, or take a middle ground, incorporating elements of business, social union, or social activism models. A union’s strategies and priorities depend on the work and the goals of members, so they change over time.
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Unions often need to react to the political climate of the moment as well as to work toward their strategic longterm goals and objectives. Most of us of us have heard of Political Action Committees, or PACs. 3888 has an active FirePAC that raises funds directly from our membership in order to lobby government. Political Action Committees began as an American phenomenon in the 1940s as a way for corporations and unions to make financial donations to politicians during election campaigns. The work of PACs includes lobbying politicians at all levels of government to consider the needs of workers in specific unions, such as our work with the Liberal government on presumptive legislation. This influence includes financial donations. It also involves endorsing candidates and encouraging members and and others to vote for them specifically because of their stance on fire-related issues and as a way to meet the union’s legislative goals. One example of this is 3888’s involvement with candidates in Toronto’s municipal elections. Many unions take a broad approach to political action which includes PACs, but also addresses the relationship between workers’ oppression and the distribution of wealth and opportunity within their specific communities and on a global scale. This approach to political action incorporates member education, social justice advocacy and direct action. This is a good time to consider what we want political action to mean for 3888. Members may have an interest in developing activist caucuses that participate in the social justice work of the larger union movement. Many of our union committees have been opened up to members at large, creating an opportunity for more of us to actively contribute to the direction of our union. I don’t come from a firefighting family, but it is important for me to know that the way that I participate as a worker in a job that I love will have an effect on my children. Whether they choose to become firefighters and start a family tradition or to make a living as “potions scientists” (my eight year old’s current goal), they are likely to be wage earners. Improvements in quality of life, job security, health and safety can be goals beyond just the next contract and for more than just the new recruits starting at the academy.
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Union Fast Facts: • Roughly 1 in 3 workers in Canada are members of a union, a decrease from approximately 42% at our peak unionization rate in 1984. • In the 1970s an average of 365,000 workers per year were on strike; in 2009 that number was 67,193. • Today, contract negotiations are more likely to be concessionary than to include negotiated improvements. • In the 1940s, the majority of union members were white men working in the private sector and manufacturing; today, the majority of unionized workers are women working in the public sector (health care, education). • S candinavian countries and Iceland have the highest union density, at approximately 67% and 82% respectively.
FIREPAC Fast Facts: • All FirePAC monies come exclusively from member donations; no membership dues are used. • FirePAC political endorsements can help publicize firefighter issues and educate politicians. • F irePAC advocacy has helped to institute presumptive legislation and to recently expand that legislation to include six additional cancers. • You can donate to 3888’s FirePAC via e-transfer to firepac@torontofirefighters.org. You can also donate by payroll deduction through the Fire Service Credit Union or by mailing a cheque to Toronto FirePAC at the TPFFA office at 39 Commissioners St., Toronto, M5A 1A6. Statistics and background information for this article were sourced from David Camfield’s Canadian Labour in Crisis, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and from Human Resources Development Canada.
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H
onour, pride, commitment and tradition. These are the words that the Toronto Fire Services Honour Guard personifies as a ceremonial unit to represent our Fire Service. The TFSHG was created for the purpose of attending parades, events and funerals with a group of dedicated members, to embody the professional look and tradition of Honour Guard and Ceremonial Guard units of military and other emergency services.
The TFSHG was the effort of the collaboration between our Association and Management. The topic had been discussed on several occasions during Labour/Management meetings; however, it was not always the top priority during the tough times and growing pains for our service since amalgamation. Both the Fire Chief and the Association have recognized the need and importance of having the Guard, and the direction was given to
formally create the Toronto Fire Services Honour Guard, as a result of Labour/ Management meetings over two years ago. Chief Sales, having come from a Service where an Honour Guard had already been in place, agreed with, and felt it necessary that after 15 years (at that time) since the amalgamation on January 1st, 1998, that the Toronto Fire Services required its own Honour Guard. The purpose of this Guard is to unify the service, to fill a void, and complement the long-standing Toronto Fire Fighters’ War Vets Colour Party, who traditionally attend almost every event in which our members attend and parade. The War Vets Colour Party, composed of dedicated volunteers who are either retired or active members, represent war vets and fire fighters alike. They have their own Association and constitution, and have partaken in ceremonies carrying our nation’s colours for decades. In contrast, the Toronto Fire Services Honour Guard officially represents Toronto Fire Fighters, as well as the City of Toronto. Although similar in concept, the TFSHG can be directed by the Fire Chief to attend any function they deem necessary, from parades to funerals, to events where representatives of
the state or the Queen would be in attendance. Chief Sales and then President of the Association, Ed Kennedy, agreed to move ahead with forming an Honour Guard. Deputy Chief McCoy and TPFFA Executive Officer Mike Ogle were directed to create, manage and run the Guard and to be the main contacts for this joint effort. Deputy Chief McCoy and Mike Ogle met several times and worked tirelessly to make sure that this important unit got off the ground. Having similar views on the matter, they were able to make a final presentation to Chief Sales, demonstrating the model and structure of how the Guard could be run, based on observations and discussions with numerous departments and Honour Guard Commanders, including consultation from Acting Captain, Andrew Berg. The Chief approved and agreed to fund and outfit 40 members to start. The Association agreed to establish a policy that would provide funding on a yearly basis. Six different uniform concepts were created, with the final decision being a double-breasted tunic, which is historic and specific to the fire service. An FCC
was issued looking for interested Toronto Fire members of all divisions to form the Honour Guard. Many volunteers applied, and the Guard was able to create a 40 standing member unit, which included staff from not only the Operations Division but the Communications and Fire Prevention divisions as well. These members met regularly for practices and looked quite polished and professional at their inaugural Honour Guard parade during the 2014 Toronto Fire Fighters Memorial Service at Station 334. At this ceremony, Chief Sales and Ed Kennedy conducted a final inspection of the Guard. It was at that point that the TFSHG started its own tradition and has since been recognized by other services. During its first year, the TFSHG was extremely busy, having attended over 40 events. From the Toronto, Provincial and National Memorials, to parades and ceremonies, the Guard has represented Toronto Fire. In 2015, for the Guard’s first full year of existence, the following have been attended so far: • Toronto Raptor’s Game on January 12; • Ryan Moonlight’s Funeral on January 29; • William Crawford’s Funeral on March 7; • Repatriation for fallen CF member Sgt. Andrew Doiron;
• TFS Recruit class graduation on March 12; • St Patrick’s day Parade on March 15; • Ryan Moonlight Memorial Hockey Game on March 26; • Reception at Varity Village with many dignitaries including the Lt. Gov. of Ontario on March 26; • Easter Parade on April 5; • “Thank you Canada” Dutch Liberation Festival on May 2; • Rayanne Dubkov’s Funeral on May 6; • CFFF Golf Tournement on May 25; • Toronto Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial on June 7; • TFS Recruit class graduation on July 2; • Pan Am opening Ceremonies on July 10; • CNE parade on August 22; • Labour Day Parade on September 7; • Canadian Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial on September 13; • IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial on September 19 Although many dates are set annually for events, the Guard has often been called upon to attend events throughout the year for such things as Hero of the Games ceremonies for MSLE or the unfortunate passing of one of our members. Although no previous military or drill experience is required, being a part of the TFSHG requires commitment and dedication. Members of the Guard regularly attend practices, which are held every other
week. They must maintain a uniform in pristine condition, including highly polished boots, and be ready to attend a function usually with a week or less notice. The Toronto Fire Services Honour Guard is honoured to represent our Fire Service. It is proud to serve, committed to professionalism, and has the desire to follow the tradition set by Honour Guards from around the world, while we set our own distinct traditions. Look for the Toronto Fire Services Honour Guard at the next event. They provide an excellent example of professionalism that will make all Toronto Fire Fighters proud to wear the uniform!
BY MYKHAIL BAEHR,TORONTO FIRE FIGHTER, STATION 235-D
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BY RODN EY JOHN STON, AC TING
CAPTAIN, STATION
242-B
I
n the early 1990’s, thermal imaging camera (TIC) technology began to emerge as a key tool for the fire service. Over the past two decades, the technology has become very mainstream in fire departments throughout North America, with the vast majority of departments deploying TIC technology on all front-line apparatus. The range of uses for TIC technology has expanded over the years. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in their Technical Note 1499 Performance Metrics for Fire Fighting Thermal Imaging Cameras – Small – and Full-Scale Experiments, lists the following uses:
1. Size up: Assess hazard, find fire/heat sources, escape points, and vents 2. Communication: Lead or direct searches, interface with incident command, account for team members 3. Search: Locate victims, other first responders, fugitives, missing persons in dark and/or smoky environments 4. Tactical: Direct hose stream, check upper layer temperature, check for changing conditions, detect obstacles, passageways, damaged structural members, judge distances, use in rapid intervention teams
5. Overhaul: Ensure fire is out, look for hidden smoldering and hot spots 6. Forensics: Identify source of fire, determine fire spread, record video during fire for later use as evidence 7. Wildland Fires: Ground and air based search for hot spots and personnel 8. Hazmat: Determine material levels inside containers, track material movement and spill spread limits 9. Other Preventative: building maintenance, emergency medical applications, motor vehicle accident investigations
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Toronto Fire Services has not historically implemented TIC technology on par with our peer fire service agencies throughout North America. This has led to TFS being at a relative disadvantage compared to other departments in terms of operational abilities, public safety, and firefighter safety. In order to address this deficiency, in the spring of 2014, Deputy Chief Darrell Reid established the TFS Thermal Imaging Committee with twenty-one TFS members, nineteen from Operations and two from PD&T. The Committee’s goal was “to determine the best TIC solution for TFS, and to recommend a comprehensive implementation plan for TIC technology at TFS.” The committee’s work had a number of defined “in scope” goals, including:
presentations from all vendors who formally entered the RFPQ process, and participated in live TIC demos. TFS members also participated in several months of field-testing of TIC’s, which scored high enough in earlier stages of the process to qualify for the field-testing program component. At the time of this writing, the work of the Committee has been very successful. The Committee designed the testing and evaluation tools for each step of the process, and following vendor presentations, live demonstrations, and field-testing the Committee has narrowed the field of options down to three choices. These three suppliers are the only ones who will be allowed to bid during the Request for Quotations (RFQ) process, the final step in purchasing. Each of the remaining options are high end TIC’s which scored at least 80 percent during the testing process, far ahead of the rest of the field. All remaining cameras are fully NFPA 1801 compliant.
1. listing TIC technologies
appropriate for TFS needs
2. recommending the total TIC inventory requirements for TFS
3. recommending a TIC
deployment model for TFS
4. recommending a TIC training framework
5. recommending a TIC support, maintenance, and repair framework
6. building budget estimates for TIC implementation
7. supporting the development
and presentation of a business case for TIC
8. completing a Request for
Pre-Qualifications (RFPQ) process
Throughout the course of nearly a year, Committee members reviewed research and peer use of TIC technologies, scored vendor document submissions and
A budget for purchase of TIC’s has been approved and the TFS will be purchasing a camera and all accessories for every frontline fire apparatus. Spare TIC’s, training TIC’s, and special operations TIC’s will also be purchased. Throughout the rest of 2015 and into 2016, TFS members will be provided with TIC training, and by the first quarter of 2016, every TFS member will have access to a TIC on their truck. This is an important step forward for TFS, as we begin to capitalize on some of the same operational and tactical advantages that TIC’s have provided to most of our peer departments for some time. The TFS TIC Committee is providing a great example of a new way of purchasing critical equipment, with strong collaboration between TFS Management and Association members. The TIC’s we purchase will have been selected by frontline users, with the purchasing, evaluation, and budgetary work facilitated by Management but supported by members.
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This program was a great success and clearly demonstrated that when people feel that their culture and beliefs are respected they are eager to discuss how they can keep themselves, their families and communities safe.
BY ADINA KAUFMAN, TORONTO FIRE FIGHTER, STATION 343-D
“Turn off your stove and other appliances when not in use.” “Do not leave candles unattended.”
But what if one’s religious beliefs prevent 100% adherence to such advice? For members of Toronto’s Orthodox Jewish community, many fire safety messages present a unique set of challenges.
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s a mother and her eight children slept, a fire broke out in Brooklyn, NY, in the early morning hours of Saturday March 21, 2015. While their father was out of town at a conference, the children and their mother were trapped in their burning home. Seven children died that night, while the mother and a child were taken to hospital in critical condition. The cause of the fire was determined to be a malfunction in a hot plate that had been left on to heat food for the Sabbath, setting off flames that incinerated the stairs of the home and trapped the children in their second-floor bedrooms as they slept. There were no working smoke alarms on the first or second floors of the home. This tragic Brooklyn fire sent shockwaves, sadness and fear throughout the Orthodox Jewish community both in Brooklyn and far beyond. My cousin, Rabbi Noah Sonenberg, reached out to me and suggested we should seize upon the strong interest in fire safety that permeated the Toronto community in the aftermath of this fire to deliver a fire safety presentation targeted at not simply members of the Jewish community, but specifically those who were the most observant and devout followers of religious rituals, rules and customs. These are fire safety messages that we all know well: “Do not leave candles unattended.” and “Turn off your stove and other appliances when not in use.” But what if one’s religious beliefs prevent 100% adherence to
such advice? For members of Toronto’s Orthodox Jewish community, many fire safety messages present a unique set of challenges. I knew that Toronto Fire Public Education was already involved in a number of outreach and education initiatives with a variety of Jewish groups, including the Bernard Betel Centre, Jewish Immigration Aid Services and B’nai Brith Bogoroch Senior Centre. I reached out to Acting Captain Denise Hynes in TFS Public Education. She was immediately enthusiastic about this opportunity to extend our outreach further into this specific community. My cousin connected us with Rabbi Mordechai Torczyner, who runs an ongoing series of educational programs for the Orthodox community. His programs offer a unique combination of secular education with a respect for religious regulations and beliefs. As a team of four people (2 rabbis and 2 TFS personnel), we moved forward in designing a program that would send a strong fire safety message, while respecting religious beliefs. We decided that Denise would present the program, with Rabbi Torczyner offering insights and explanations about what kinds of safety accommodations best conform to religious law (“halacha”). Denise developed a great presentation. She focused on general fire safety topics appropriate to all citizens, such as the need for smoke alarms on all floors, placement of carbon monoxide alarms outside sleeping areas, performing monthly checks of alarms and semi-annual battery changes, ensuring electric appliances/devices are CSA and/or ULC approved, and the importance of practising your home fire safety exit plan. She also explored unique topics such as how to reconcile fire safety best practices with religious
requirements. For example, Hanukah (Jewish festival of lights) candles must be lit and displayed in the front window of the home. Suggestions included placing the candelabra (Hanukiah/Menorah) on a large metal cookie sheet with a lip in case a candle falls over, ensuring curtains are pulled far back and away from flames, exploring options such as candles inside stable glass chimneys, and considering electric lights instead of lit candles. On June 10, 2015, A/C Denise Hynes delivered her presentation at Yeshivat Or Chaim. The audience was very involved and engaged, and Rabbi Torczyner was able to respond to halacha questions as they arose. The images used in the presentation were culturally appropriate (thanks to my cousin’s family volunteering for a family fire safety photo shoot with Denise a couple weeks prior to the presentation.) Once the presentation was over, many attendees stayed to ask further questions, both typical for the average fire safety presentation (e.g. Do I really need to change smoke alarm batteries every 6 months?) and atypical (e.g. How can I safely warm food for my meals on the Sabbath when I can’t turn on or off an appliance from sundown on Friday until sundown on Saturday?) Attendees were very enthusiastic about sharing what they’d learned with family and friends, and many asked about when we would next offer the session so that they could encourage others to attend. This program was a great success and clearly demonstrated that when people feel that their culture and beliefs are respected, they are eager to discuss how they can keep themselves, their families and communities safe. It is a great addition to the wide ranging outreach already being done by Toronto Fire Services Public Education in a wide range of communities and we’re looking forward to offering the session again. Vo l u m e 1 1 | Is s ue 3 | FIRE WATCH 37
BARRY WHITE AWARD
Presented annually to Volunteer(s) of Box 12 or Support 7 for his/her/their outstanding & dedicated service to TPFFA members at emergency calls.
Presented to: Gord MacBride to By Adina Kaufman, Toron Fire Fighter, Station 343-D
On March 27, 2015, The Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association Annual Fire Fighters’ Off-Duty and Media Awards event was held at the Sheraton Centre. The host for this event was Carolyn MacKenzie, award-winning anchor of The Morning Show on Global (and spouse of a Toronto Fire Fighter). The Off-Duty Awards recognize members who have distinguished themselves while off-duty, bringing pride to our profession and benefit to their community. The Media Awards, established in 1949, honour media professionals who have produced insightful, unusual anddramatic coverage that has helped to inform the public about the work of Toronto Fire Fighters.
Off-Duty Awards: BOX 12 AWARD
Presented to: Lana Bond
BERNARD “BEN” BONSER AWARD
Presented to: Jason Gilbert (344–A)
Presented annually to an individual or individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in a voluntary capacity for the direct betterment of L3888 members. The spirit of this award is to recognize outstanding service and volunteerism as demonstrated by the Box 12 Association.
Presented annually to the Local 3888 member(s) who distinguished himself/herself/themselves while off-duty by making a rescue or being involved in saving the life of a fellow citizen in a hazardous or threatening situation.
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Lana Bond is a dispatcher in Communications and whenever tragedy strikes, Lana is there. Her spirit of giving knows no bounds and her volunteerism has measurable positive impacts on the lives of her colleagues and their families. One of her colleagues, a single mother of 4 children, passed away suddenly; Lana sprang into action and for the past six years has organized a fundraiser to provide those children with a Christmas. When another colleague was diagnosed with cancer, Lana raised funds and organized the communications staff to fashion a beautiful quilt that would offer comfort when feeling cold during chemotherapy. She is always doing something for her colleagues; whenever a helping hand is required, Lana is there.
When Jason Gilbert took advantage of the earned deferred leave program and embarked on a world tour in 2014 with his wife Tracy and their three young children, he never imagined that he would find himself at a beach in Costa Rica saving a life. A young woman was dragged out by a rip tide. Jason was able to swim out to the woman and drag her to safety on a shoal parallel to the beach despite her panicked attempts to grab onto him that threatened both of their lives. Jason’s selfless and courageous actions that day saved the young woman’s life.
Gord MacBride has been part of the Greater Toronto Multiple Alarm Association (GTMAA) for over 35 years. He was instrumental in arranging for the
GTMAA to run the Scarborough Fire Department (SFD) canteen service and worked with the department to secure the current Support 7 truck. Gord is a Lifetime Member of GTMAA, has served on the executive board, and has always stepped forward to help. He spent countless hours volunteering with Fire Trucks R for Kids, the annual SFD Halloween Haunted house, the Fire Chiefs Convention Parade, the International Fire Buff Association Convention, and many fire prevention and GTMAA events over the past many years.
ROY SILVER AWARD
Presented annually to Volunteer(s) of Box 12 or Support 7 for his/her/their outstanding & dedicated service to TPFFA members at emergency calls. Presented annually to the Local 3888 member(s) who distinguished himself/herself/ themselves while off-duty by performing CPR and/or First Aid on or for a fellow citizen.
Presented to: Paul Kennedy (334–A, Retired) (2013 Award Winner)
Presented to: Sean Coles (331–B) and Dave Robinson (332–B) (2014 Award Winners)
While riding his bike, Paul Kennedy came upon a car in a ditch and quickly offered assistance to the driver. Crying and upset, she directed his attention to the bushes where he saw a cycling helmet and found an off-duty paramedic attending to a man with severe head and body trauma. Together, Paul and the medic began CPR and Paul continued compressions after the arrival of Markham Fire Fighters and York Region Paramedics.
Sean Coles and Dave Robinson were refereeing a hockey game when Sean noticed one of the players become disoriented and fall on his face during a pause in the game. Sean determined that the player was VSA. Dave had the score keeper call 911 and called for the AED (Automated External Defibrillator) which was brought over by another player, an off-duty paramedic. Sean and Dave worked together with the paramedic to provide CPR and they used the AED to deliver two shocks. A pulse was regained and the man, a father of two, was taken to hospital. The patient has made a full recovery.
AL PEARSALL AWARD
Presented annually to the Local 3888 member(s) who contributed time, energy and ability toward the improvement of his/her/their community and fellow citizens, while off-duty.
Presented to: Greg Gilchrist (121 – B) Out of the Cold offers homeless persons a hot meal and a warm, safe place to sleep. Volunteers offer safe and friendly human contact. Greg Gilchrist stands out among
hundreds of volunteers at the First Interfaith Out of the Cold program. He began as a dinner server about 10 years ago and soon involved his whole family. He joined the steering committee, and became a one-man fundraising committee and enthusiastic volunteer recruiter. Greg established an annual tradition of L3888 members cooking and serving a holiday meal for guests of the program. Greg’s amazing work ethic, perpetual good nature and commitment to the program reflect positively on him as both a fire fighter and a human being.
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Off-Duty Media Awards...Continued from page 39
Media Awards: BEST NEWS STORY, BROADCAST TELEVISION
Presented to: Global News Team– Seconds Count
In April 2014, four fire trucks and 84 fire fighter positions were eliminated. Six months later, The Global News Team delivered in-depth follow-up on these cuts and their effects on public safety. Global News interviewed L3888 President Kennedy, identified specific incidents where longer response times were attributed to the cuts, offered Fire Chief Sales an opportunity to respond to concerns about the cuts, and spoke with a citizen whose experience of a house fire had left her “worried about everyone’s safety” considering recent cuts.
BEST PRINT ARTICLE, CIRCULATION OVER 100,000
Presented to: Chris Doucette (The Toronto Sun) – City Budget Cuts
When politicians talk about financial constraints, it’s often hard, if not impossible, for citizens to understand the real impacts of proposed budget cuts. Chris “Douce” Doucette’s news article in The Toronto Sun presented a clear picture of how the loss of four frontline apparatus would directly impact citizens. His balanced reporting examined the actual costs to keep those trucks in service (less than $8/ year per citizen) and explained that Toronto now has fewer trucks in service than 16 years ago at amalgamation.
BEST PHOTO BY A FIRE FIGHTER
Presented to: Mykhail Baehr (235– D) – “Lasting Impressions”
Every year in September, a memorial service is held at The Canadian Firefighters Memorial in Ottawa to pay tribute to Canadian Fire Fighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Mykhail (“Bear”) Baehr’s photo,
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BEST PRINT ARTICLE, CIRCULATION UNDER 100,000
Presented to: Joanna Lavoie (The Beach Mirror) – Suspicious Fire in Leslieville
Joanna Lavoie from The Beach Mirror reported about a suspicious two-alarm fire in Leslieville. She delivered accurate reporting of facts and provided insights from on-scene fire officials. Lavoie explored the human side of the incident through impact statements from the residents directly affected by the fire including an 85-year old man who was rescued by fire fighters. She also reached out to the local councillor. Lavoie’s article struck a perfect balance between conveying all the facts of the event and sharing the emotional impact on the local residents and community.
BEST NEWS STORY, WEB-BASED
Presented to:David Shum (Global News) – Council debates Toronto Fire Services cuts Online news reporting requires journalistic skill and experience to balance the demand for immediate information with the need for thorough research and analysis. David Shum’s online story about Toronto City Council debating budget cuts to the fire service showcased his understanding of municipal politics and the pressures facing Toronto’s Fire Fighters.
Presented to:Alex Chronopoulos and Tammy Thorne (dandyhorse) – A day in the life of Toronto firefighters
Alex Chronopoulos and Tammy Thorne presented the human side of local fire fighters through the dandyhorse weblog, sharing stories of fire fighters who are cyclists themselves and are eager to go ‘above and beyond’ the call of duty for fellow cyclists in emergency situations. They described one injured cyclist’s appreciation for the fire fighters who delivered her trusty two-wheeled steed to her home while she went to hospital with paramedics and also described how a crew of fire fighters detained a suspected bike thief in Kensington Market until police could arrive.
“Lasting Impressions”, captures a touching moment after the 2013 ceremony as family members kneel at the memorial wall, carefully rubbing the name of a lost loved one onto paper. Bear’s photo captures this moment in time with both an eye that sees the poignant scene and a heart that intimately feels the ultimate sacrifice every fire fighter is willing to make every day.
Presented to: John Hanley – The Toronto Sun – Withrow Ave. House Fire
BEST PHOTO, CIRCULATION UNDER 100,000
Presented to: John Hanley – Etobicoke Guardian – Dundas St. West Jewellery Store Fire
BEST PHOTO, WEB-BASED
Presented to: John Hanley – The Toronto Star – Dundas St. West Jewellery Store Fire
BEST LIVE NEWS STORY, WEB-BASED BEST WEBLOG
BEST PHOTO, CIRCULATION OVER 100,000
Presented to: Irene Preklet and Cynthia Mulligan (CityTV, 680 News) – Seconds Count
On January 30, 2014, as Toronto City Council debated the 2014 budget, reporters Irene Preklet and Cynthia Mulligan were on scene sharing events as they happened. At the conclusion of the council meeting they delivered an online companion piece to complement their live reports. The online report offered further insight into the day’s events in Council Chambers with commentary from concerned parties including TPFFA President Ed Kennedy.
While many photos are taken at any fire scene, there are few photos that succeed in truly capturing the story of a fire with just one shutter click. John Hanley’s skill in this realm is evidenced by his complete sweep of our 2014 Best Photo categories and his 8 previous TPFFA Photo Awards. Hanley’s photo taken at the three-alarm house fire on Withrow Ave. captures not only the visual effects of flames and smoke on the winter night sky, but also the challenges faced by fire fighters confronted with a serious house fire in a densely built residential neighbourhood with narrow streets and parked cars obstructing fire operations. His photos of the four-alarm fire at a jewelry store on Dundas St. West convey the teamwork that is vital to extinguishing a deep-seated fire under harsh winter conditions.
BEST FIREWATCH ARTICLE
Presented to: Kirk Fudge (332–D)– HazMat 101: Clear and Present Danger In 2014, Kirk Fudge of HAZ 332 wrote the first of a planned series of articles on the topic of Hazardous Materials, discussing the danger of liquefied gases, specifically carbon dioxide (CO2 ) that is used in the food service industry. This article is very informative from both a scientific and practical standpoint. After reading the article, a fire fighter will be more knowledgeable, more aware, and most importantly, better able to keep him/herself and others safe.
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F
irefighting is undoubtedly a physically demanding occupation. When asked to do so, we must perform strenuous activities in confined spaces with restrictive clothing, heavy loads and the nerve-racking realization that failure could have catastrophic consequences; for ourselves, our brothers and sisters, or the people we are sworn to protect. This level of occupational demand is comparable to that imposed on elite athletes. In fact, such comparisons have been accepted by the strength and conditioning world to such an extent that they have created a new name for our kind: The tactical athlete. Tactical athletes include members from law enforcement, the military and firefighters. We are unique from other athletic populations because we are asked to perform at elite athletic levels despite the fact that we cannot prepare for our events like other athletes do: • We rarely get to warm up before being asked to perform. • We rarely get to know what demands our next “performance” will require of us.
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the thing that we love to do the most – ride on a fire truck. Obviously, such thinking is equally short sighted. Are we really willing to risk our own lives, and the lives of our brothers and sisters, just so we can stay on a fire truck? Do we really want to continue living in a state of denial, or would it be better to know if our capacity to do the job has diminished and, if so, be given an opportunity to rebuild it? Make no mistake. Firefighting is an occupation fraught with unpredictable dangers. But the state of our physical capacity is not unpredictable. We can and should maintain capacity levels close to those we started the job with. We can and should regularly test our capacity to ensure that we are fit for the duties we are sworn to perform. We wouldn’t enter a burning building using a poorly maintained or untested SCBA. Why, then, do we continue to enter burning buildings with poorly maintained and untested cardiovascular or musculoskeletal systems? Many people see Wellness and Fitness Programs as luxury perks or benefits rather than sound business practices. For tactical athletes, though, there is no such distinction. For tactical athletes, a wellness and fitness program is a necessity. As firefighters, we need a program that allows us to measure our capacity in relation to the demands of our job. We need a program designed to help us maintain that capacity over decades of wear and tear. And we need a program that can help us regain capacity when age, injury or illnesses threaten to erode it. In 1994, the IAFF, with the support of the IAFC, set out to build just such a program. The result of their efforts, the IAFF Wellness and Fitness Initiative, is a program designed specifically to ensure that firefighters are able to maintain the capacity to perform their duties safely and effectively over a career and, indeed, a lifetime. The IAFF Wellness and Fitness Initiative includes five components, each of which is fundamental to the continued health and safety of our members. They are the following: • We generally don’t have strength and conditioning coaches to help prepare us for performance. • We don’t get to retire from our sport as soon as age and injury begin to limit our capacity to perform. • The consequence of performing poorly is measured in lives, not medals. Despite the recognition of physical capacity as an absolute job requirement, fire departments have traditionally been hesitant to invest in Wellness and Fitness programs. They tend to spend heavily on the maintenance and repair of equipment, but rarely see the need to invest similarly on those who operate that equipment. We are quick to put the blame for such short sightedness on management. But the truth is, we as firefighters have our own issues with Wellness and Fitness programs. Many of us, particularly those whose physical capacity has declined after decades of active duty, are quite reasonably apprehensive of any program which would require us to be physically accountable. Many of us see such programs as punitive and as a threat to our continued ability to do
• Medical Component Annual medical and fitness testing for all firefighters should be mandatory and non punitive with strict emphasis on confidentiality • Fitness Component Fitness programming and instruction emphasizing performance and injury prevention should be accessible to all firefighters and taught by qualified Peer Fitness Trainers. • Injury and Rehabilitation Doctors and rehabilitation practitioners with specific background or knowledge in dealing with firefighters should be accessible to all firefighters who have lost their capacity to do the job due to injury or illness. • Behavioral Health Firefighters should have access to professionals who are specifically trained to help them with behavioral health issues such as PTSD, mental health, substance abuse and family/relationship issues.
• Data Collection Departments must carefully and confidentially collect all data related to the costs and benefits of their Wellness and Fitness Program. The IAFF has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars and two decades of work into developing the Wellness and Fitness Initiative. In cities where it has been implemented, the WFI has a proven return on investment. It literally saves firefighters’ lives. And, in so doing, it saves cities’ money But more importantly, it can also have a significant impact on overall quality of living. Think about it. Sure, we need to be able to perform effectively and safely while at work. But firefighters tend to have very busy lives off the job as well. We tend to be very active with our families, we often have physically demanding hobbies or interests; and we tend to play sports, often at a very high level. So there is no doubt that maintaining our physical capacity will extend well beyond the job to these other things that we love to do. Moreover, the consequences of not maintaining that capacity will also extend well beyond the job. If we get injured while at work, or if we suffer from a heart attack, this will have a direct effect on our ability to do all these things that we love to do as well as the people that we love to do them with. Whether we like it or not, we are all tactical athletes. We signed up for this. We do not have an off season. We do not get to retire when we lose a step. We do not get extra incentive for games won or points scored. We get very little in the way of accolades or rewards. But we can stand proud, and say we do a job most others couldn’t or wouldn’t do. Having a WFI Program in place ensures that such pride is never misplaced. It ensures that we maintain the capacity to perform at the level expected of us at the onset of our career. It ensures that when we do fail, it is not because we weren’t prepared. And it ensures that we have done everything we can to preserve our quality of life in the face of the many unpredictable dangers by which our occupation is defined.
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Member Profile on Tyson Hornby BY TONY MACDONALD, RETIRED TORONTO FIRE CAPTAIN
I
n 2003, Tyson Hornby finished playing Varsity football when he graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor’s Degree. He wanted to travel and decided to go overseas. He took an English teaching position in South Korea and only intended to stay a year, but ended up there for three years and travelled throughout Southeast Asia between teaching contracts. After Korea, he spent two years in Australia, where he became more involved in the strength and conditioning profession. It was an easy transition, as he had been involved in weightlifting and High Intensity Training during his football playing days at Guelph. Tyson had met a girl in University named Sarah. They liked each other, but lost contact when he left Canada to travel. Tyson says, “I may have been too immature to be in a serious relationship.” In 2010, after six years of traveling and working overseas, he moved back to Canada, where he and Sarah reunited. The interest was still there, and within the year, they were married. They moved to Collingwood, where Sarah is a Physiotherapist. “We are both active and wanted to be in a community that could give us four seasons of fun. The move to Collingwood was an easy decision.” Tyson has been active all his life, playing football for over ten years throughout High School and University, and then he played semi-pro ball in Australia. He works hard to influence those around him with his knowledge and
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experience in conditioning and strength development. It was a natural transition for him to become a CrossFit coach in 2009. His experience with Olympic weight lifting and High Intensity training allowed him to build on the basic fundamentals of CrossFit. Olympic weight lifting was a major part of his cross training while playing ball. It involves moving heavy weight quickly, and he still uses it as a cross-training tool for firefighting. He returned to school in 2011, to take the pre-service firefighting course at Georgian College. It was a tough decision, as he and his wife were expecting twins. They knew it would be a financial strain to stop earning for a year, while at the same time, spending money on more education. They made it through the year though and are proud parents of their twin daughters. “Keira and Kaia are the joy in our life, and help to keep us active in our community. Our girls participate in gymnastics, swimming, soccer, tee-ball, and recently took up tennis. They are four-years-old, and have so much energy to burn”
After spending a year and a half coaching at the CrossFit Indestri fitness club in Collingwood, he bought the business! Tyson says, “It has always been in my nature to give back to those who are in need, and help those who may not know what direction to take in regard to health and wellness. One of the main reasons I became involved with the fitness industry was to get more kids active. Too many times I see empty playgrounds. We have a strong kid’s program at CrossFit Indestri, with age ranges from 4 to 17 years of age. My main concern is with the not so active kids. We try to focus our efforts on those who may not have the financing to play sports. We have given many kids the opportunity to attend our fitness classes at no cost to their parents.” Tyson’s CrossFit Indestri in Collingwood is a major supporter of the Run for the Cure. His mother (a triplet) and her two sisters are all breast cancer survivors. With their Run for the Cure Barbecue/Silent Auction that they hold at Indestri, they were able to raise the most money in the town of Collingwood from 2011-2013.
Tyson became aware of a new program called Marafun. It is a running program for elementary students to participate in every spring. The goal for every participant is to run 30 minutes before school starts every morning. The kids choose how many laps they would like to do. The end result after eight weeks is to have completed an entire marathon. Tyson was asked by the founder of the program to sponsor one school to participate in Marafun. He responded, “How much would it cost to sponsor every Kid in Collingwood?” They are now sponsoring every kid in Collingwood and intend to continue this for the foreseeable future. They hope that gyms or other businesses in other towns will follow this lead.
In June of 2014, Tyson began his firefighting career with Toronto Fire and is stationed at 113 on A Platoon. He says, “I love my job, and look forward to every shift because of the guys I work with. A few guys have asked me for fitness tips, whether to increase their mobility, or to improve their golf games.” Tyson comments, “In most workplaces that I have been a part of, I have noticed a lack of health and wellness, caused by poor motivation. In the fire service, we are expected to be able to perform very strenuous tasks, while working in harsh conditions. We also see things on the job that people outside of emergency services would not be able to relate to. For me, I keep myself motivated making fitness goals. In July, I ran my first full marathon. I am not built for long distance running, which made the challenge even more attractive for me. I plan to compete in the Firefit challenge in Wasaga Beach in August and compete in Montreal in 2017 at the World Police and Fire Games. Goals can be big or small. Running a 5K or participating in strongman competitions. As long as a goal is there, the motivation will keep you healthy on the job.” Tyson’s last word, “I am willing to help any of our brothers and sisters in the fire service to increase their awareness of health and wellness, and the major role it plays in our lives. If I can make a difference in one person’s life, the effect can resonate to those around them and beyond.”
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Peter Van Kirk May 20, 1967
Servicing Toronto Fire Fighter Personnel for Over 60 years
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After exiting the building it was obvious that a trip to the hospital was needed, but Pete wanted to stop by station on the way to clean up first. Another firefighter was assigned with taking him to the hospital and he collapsed on the way, causing an urgent call for help with resuscitation efforts. Both Aerial 3 and the District Chief came to assist and loaded Pete Van Kirk into the chief’s car in an attempt to quickly get him to Scarborough General Hospital. After consulting with doctors it was determined that the forty-nine year old husband and father of two had died from a heart attack. Henry Harrison (Pete) Van Kirk joined the Scarborough Fire Department in 1953. During World War II he served with the Canadian Army with the Second Field Ambulance RCAMC in Italy, France and Germany. He was laid to rest at Pine Hills Cemetery.
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On the evening of May 20, 1967 the pumper from Warden Avenue in Scarborough was dispatched for a fire at the Pizza King Restaurant on Lawrence Avenue East. A case of careless smoking transformed the building from a restaurant to wild inferno by the time firefighters arrived. It was quickly recognized that the fire was coming from the basement and crew worked their way down the stairs against very strong heat and smoke. Pete Van Kirk, working with his acting Captain, pushed toward the fire and knocked it down despite the challenging conditions. Shortly afterward Van Kirk complained of not feeling well and began to exit the basement as he experienced chest pains.
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Leslie (Les) Hamilton August 20, 1962
Standing in front of his store Regent Dress and Sportswear Limited on a Monday evening, Max Milman was watching rush hour traffic pass by before turning around to see his shop suddenly engulfed in flames. Realizing it was too late to get inside to his phone he sprinted next door to Lazar’s restaurant and reported the fire. The initial response arrived at Spadina Avenue near Adelaide Street to the dress shop where the fire had spread throughout the three storey building. Firefighter Les Hamilton had just reached the Bellevue Avenue station for his night shift when the call for a second alarm came in and he and his crew raced to the scene. Captain Frank Wright and Firefighter Hamilton attempted to gain access to a second storey window from a ladder but had difficulty to due to security bars. After several minutes using a battering ram they made entry into the second floor with a hose line ready to attack the fire. The thick smoke was overwhelming and Hamilton immediately gasped for air and felt pain in his chest. Captain Wright told him to go outside to get some fresh air and he proceeded out to the second storey ledge. It did not take long before other firefighters noticed Hamilton having serious difficulty breathing and decided to bring him down the ladder. Moments later he was loaded into the Chief’s car and rushed to St. Michael’s Hospital and by the time he arrived his heart had stopped twice. He was injected with adrenalin and worked on at the hospital for over an hour before being pronounced dead as a result of a heart attack and collapsed lungs. Meanwhile, a second firefighter, Raymond Adams from Adelaide Street, had also been helped down from the building after he collapsed twice. Fortunately for Adams, he was treated with a resuscitator and back on the job within minutes, helping to extinguish the fire that caused $30,000 in damage. Later that evening firefighters would learn the fate of Brother Hamilton who had 19 years of service with the Toronto Fire Department. A funeral was held on August 23, 1962 for the 43 year old who was survived by his wife Helen and daughter Lynn.
Michael Safko
December 4, 1958 to July 15, 2015
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. All prices are subject to change without notice and do not include applicable taxes. Items are subject to stock availability. Sorry, no rainchecks.
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STATION 146 BY BERNICE HALSBAND, TORONTO FIRE FIGHTER, STATION 343-C
THE NOTORIOUS JANE STRIP Driving down Jane Street from the 407 can be a little intimidating if you rely on the area’s reputation. I must admit I felt like a bit of a wide-eyed tourist, even though I’ve lived in the city for ten years. Like any other Toronto neighbourhood, this area has enclaves of nice houses, usually off the main street, with high-rises, strip malls and Affordable Housing on the main streets. Of all the Toronto neighbourhoods with unpleasant reputations, the Jane Street Strip may be the most notorious. Sure, there’s Parkdale, Rexdale, Regent Park, Riverdale, and other neighbourhoods that come to mind where notoriety is concerned but unfortunately, the ‘Jane & Finch’ area is commonly known to most Torontonian’s as an unsavoury neighbourhood within an otherwise safe city. Station 146 is located just south of the Jane & Finch intersection, closer to Wilson and Sheppard; another intimidating area known in Toronto. In fact, in a study by the CBC on Toronto’s most dangerous neighbourhoods
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(www.cbc.ca/features/crimemap/), Downsview-Roding-CFB (Jane and Wilson/Sheppard area) outranked Glenfield-Jane (Jane and Finch area) for assault occurrences. Furthermore, there was a downward trend in assault occurrences from 418 to 299 over the four previous years in the Glendfield-Jane area, whereas the Downsview-Roding-CFB area had been sitting steady between 400 and 488. Nonetheless, studies and statistics only reveal a portion of what those neighbourhoods are really like. People who grow up and live in these areas recognize them as their home, a place where memories are made and their stories are told. In similar ways, the firefighters that serve the Stations in Toronto experience this feeling of comfort and family, no matter what their surrounding neighbourhoods are like, especially those who have been serving a specific Station for a number of years. The Jane and Wilson area used to be a predominantly Italian neighbourhood, followed by a recent influx of Filipino, Jamaican, Vietnamese and Latin American families. A 2011 census showed the top birth country of all immigrants to be Italy, but for recent immigrants (2006-2011) the Philippines, Latin America, Jamaica, Nigeria and Vietnam reigned supreme. As I’m driving down Jane Street, past Station 142 and towards the 401, I looked at my surroundings wondering what these neighbourhoods used to be like and how did they get to where they are today. Visually, there were low and high-rise apartment buildings that lacked the traditional window coverings; strip malls with run-down businesses; and eateries, bars, discount supermarkets and a variety of national and ethnic fast-food chains created a strong feeling of an economically deprived neighborhood. The Housing Affordability and Suitability rating for this area is unsettling. It states that 19% of the dwellings do not meet the National Occupancy Standards and 56% of the households make less than $50,000/year. For example, according to Toronto.ca the Downsview-RodingCFB area is home to 35,000 people: 6,400 are households with children, 2,700 of those homes are single parent households and 2,300 of those homes are supported by single mothers. This is well above the average for the city. Two thirds of the dwellings are low and high-rises with a respectable 33% being single-detached houses. The population is very diverse, and though Italian and Tagalog are at the top of the list for languages spoken, 90% of the population still speaks English. The diverse groups within this area make up 53% of the population, with the largest group being African American (6,000). The second largest population are the Latin Americans (3,000) followed by the Filipinos (2,800), Southeast Asians (2,100) and South Asians (1,500) rounding out the bottom three. It was a Wednesday night when I stood in the kitchen of Station 146 talking to the B Shift, asking them about their experience on the job and what memorable calls they’ve participated in throughout
their careers. Fire Fighter Leo Logiacco, a member who has been at this hall for 13 years, recalls an incident a few years back where Pump 146 was called to a ‘pedestrian struck’. He tells his story as a short anecdote: They arrived and quickly realized that the patient hadn’t actually been struck, but shot and thrown out of a moving vehicle. Captain Bulman, a member who has been at the hall for almost as long as Leo, keeps saying ‘Pfff…it’s all a blur’, as Leo tells his story. I try to prompt them for more details and feel pretty silly about it because I know that these neighbourhoods can be unpredictable but do believe that sometimes these experiences need to be shared in order create further awareness within the firefighting communities. There seems to be a lot of promise for interesting stories but I fear that our members of 146 have become desensitized to the happenings of their neighbourhood and therefore cannot pinpoint specific incidences that do not involve a shooting or stabbing victim. ‘Any gangs in the neighbourhood?’ I ask innocently. Leo looks at me like he’s not sure if I’m joking or not and waves me over to the kitchen window overlooking the southern exposure.
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Station 426...Continued from page 49
WE OFFER POLICE & FIREFIGHTERS RATES He points to the building on the other side of a chain link fence and I can barely make out the graffiti but it says ‘Bloods’. A building that appeared to be tagged by a gang, whether it was an authentic gang related tag, no one really knows but it would be safe to assume it was. Sure enough, as I researched the area later that day, rapdictionary.com tells me that the Bloods and Crips, as well as the Gatorz, frequent the Jane Strip. Crossreferencing with the toronto.ca website and CBC news, they confirm heavy gang activity in the area. Chalk Farm and Falstaff, two high-rise complexes a few kilometres apart, come up often as I speak to 146, as well as in my online research. Unfortunately, the issues revolving around gang related incidents in these neighbourhoods are on a much more complicated and complex level that I cannot elaborate on at this time, as that is another form of intense research all on its own. Nonetheless, life is tough in this area of poor socio-economic standing, and belonging to, or pseudo-belonging to a gang is a reality for most youth who live in the 146 area. As one social worker put it, “poverty, marginalization, race and gender creates elements of antisocial behaviour.” (http://www. theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ canadas-toughest-neighbourhood/ article1086849/?page=all) BEFORE THE NOTORIETY The area surrounding station 146 was mostly farmland from the time the region was settled by Europeans until the early 1970’s. Captain Bulman pointed me to a picture of the hall when it was built. The structure, built in 1956 at 2220 Jane Street is the only thing visible; all around are farm fields. It’s not too surprising when research reveals that the population in the surrounding area went from 1,300 to a whopping 33,000 from 1961-1971. This area was not prepared for that sort of population growth or population density and seems to have been poorly designed and neglectfully managed from the start. This could be a contributing factor as to why this area is now one of the 13 priority neighbourhoods to be re-established in Toronto. The hall itself used to have two Pumps and a Chief, but now car 14 is at Station 142 and the other Pump went to 145, leaving 146 as a single truck hall with a B-Class Foam Pump. Despite being in a priority neighbourhood there is a homely atmosphere at Station 146. Perhaps it feels this way because of the crews. B Shift made me feel very welcome when I arrived
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to do my research and were kind enough to invite me to stay for dinner before I headed home for the night. IT’S NOT ALL SHOOTINGS AND STABBINGS Besides the residential area, there is quite a bit of industry surrounding Station 146. Though in decline now, there are still many manufacturing plants operating, as well as the Humber Regional Hospitals and the new highly secure Coroner’s building. Pump 146 had the good fortune of running two calls in one day at the Coroner’s building located west of Keele between Weston and the 401. Both involved lift assists for bodies over 600 lbs. On October 18th 2015, the new gigantic Humber Regional Hospital opened at Keele and 401, on 30 acres of land. It is North America’s first fully digitalized hospital. This acute care facility will have patient floors, a large emergency room department, a mental health facility for both in and out patients, diagnostics, geriatric and cancer care, a floor dedicated to visiting families with cafeterias and walking space, dialysis, surgical department and much more packed into 15 floors spread over 1.8 million square feet. Maple Leaf and Reichold Chemicals have relocated but Primo Foods, OEM Automotive Industries, Gay Lea Foods Co-Op., and other food manufacturing buildings sit almost side-by-side with car shops and heavy equipment rental places just west of the 400, north of the 401. Station 146’s run area does have it all: Highway calls servicing the 401 and 400, not to mention MVC’s on Jane Street. In fact, the North York corridor of the 401 is one of the busiest stretches of highway in all of North America and Captain Russell confirms ‘it does keep us busy!’ Even my rendezvous with the A Shift didn’t work out, as they ended up at a call on the 401 for several hours on the day we were scheduled to meet. Station 146’s area also responds to medical calls, which keeps them busy all day long with no other truck at the hall to share it with. Captain Russell of the C Shift tells me that they run with West Command (442, 415, 413) more often than with North Command. The picture of the northwest side of the city emerges as a spread out area, in sharp contrast to the core. Calls can run up to 10km into the north and west and if there is a fire in the northwest corner, Station 146 will probably respond to it.
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Letter from the Editor… A Little
Empathy G o e s
a
Now, I will take you back two or three issues when I As a member of the TFS Peer Support Team, I receive several calls from members, even when I am not on call; whether referred by someone I have worked with during my tenure with TFS, someone who has previously contacted me about an issue, or be it a “cold call” because my name is on the Peer Support contact list. Over the last two months, I received three calls from different individuals, which really stuck out in my mind and continue to do so. The issues that I was contacted about were not unusual, in fact, very prevalent in this day and age, and for which cause anxiety as a result. What is profound for me is the impact that support had on these individuals. One never knows how, when, or even if, they will be impacted, or how they will react. There is no right or wrong response and it is more often than not, the cumulative effect of incidents/issues that cause anxiety, and not the result of one lone incident/issue. Imagine for a moment being promoted and starting your new job next week, only to find out before you start that your sibling or child has been
L o n g
W a y
diagnosed with cancer, which has already taken the life of one of your parents. This set of circumstances could change the dynamic from exciting and new to reflection, uncertainty and worry. It is in this set of similar circumstances whereby empathy is important, and what you do with the information you learn about. Simply referred to as putting oneself in another’s shoes, better yet, beside them, showing support along the way in the best way you know how. You would be surprised at how much the smallest gesture can make a difference. I hear so often today that “people just don’t care.” So, think about basics in human interaction and be the one to step up and express becoming qualities like support, care and empathy. People who have “Type A” personalities are usually the ones out there helping others, and in turn find it difficult to ask for help. I truly believe these qualities fit well with the TFS Credo of Courage, Compassion and Service.
Be the difference… Lynn
*This offer is exclusive to the members, family members and family friends of the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association and is valid until December 31st, 2015. This offer may not be combined with any other offer. Dealer invoice does not include licence, insurance, Global-I administration cost, $5 OMVIC fee or any taxes. Please call 416 465 9000 for details.
TORONTO FIRE SERVICES EAP/CIS NEWSLETTER - Volume 11 Issue 3 Fire Watch
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Below are 12 very short stories all with very good lessons. Each really made me think twice about the daily happenings in our lives, as we show empathy in dealing with others!! EMPATHY 1. Today, I interviewed
my grandmother for part of a research paper I’m working on for my Psychology class. When I asked her to define success in her own words, she said, “Success is when you look back at your life and the memories make you smile.”
2.
oday, I asked my mentor - a very successful T businessman in his 70s-what his top 3 tips are for success. He smiled and said, “Read something no one else is reading, think something no one else is thinking, and do something no one else is doing.”
3. Today,
after a 72-hour shift at the fire station, a woman ran up to me at the grocery store and gave me a hug. When I tensed up, she realized I didn’t recognize her. She let go with tears of joy in her eyes and the most sincere smile and said, “On 9-11-2001, you carried me out of the World Trade Center.”
4. Today, after I watched my dog get run over
by a car, I sat on the side of the road holding him and crying. And just before he died, he licked the tears off my face.
5. T oday
at 7AM, I woke up feeling ill, but decided I needed the money, so I went into work. At 3PM I got laid off. On my drive home I got a flat tire. When I went into the trunk for the spare, it was flat too. A man in a BMW pulled over, gave me a ride, we chatted, and then he offered me a job. I start tomorrow.
10. T oday, a boy in a wheelchair saw me desperately struggling on crutches with my
broken leg and offered to carry my backpack and books for me. He helped me all the way across campus to my class and as he was leaving he said, “I hope you feel better soon.”
11. Today, I was feeling down because the results of a biopsy came back malignant.
When I got home, I opened an e-mail that said, “Thinking of you today. If you need me, I’m a phone call away.” It was from a high school friend I hadn’t seen in 10 years.
12. T oday, I was traveling in Kenya and I met a refugee from Zimbabwe. He said he
hadn’t eaten anything in over 3 days and looked extremely skinny and unhealthy. Then my friend offered him the rest of the sandwich he was eating. The first thing the man said was, “We can share it. The best stories are lived, not told.
TORONTO FIRE SERVICES / TORONTO PROFFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION L 3888
sisters stood around my mother’s hospital bed, my mother uttered her last coherent words before she died. She simply said, “I feel so loved right now. We should have gotten together like this more often.”
7. T oday, I kissed my dad on the forehead as he
passed away in a small hospital bed. About 5 seconds after he passed, I realized it was the first time I had given him a kiss since I was a little boy.
8. T oday,
in the cutest voice, my 8-year-old daughter asked me to start recycling. I chuckled and asked, “Why?” She replied, “So you can help me save the planet.” I chuckled again and asked, “And why do you want to save the planet?” Because that’s where I keep all my stuff,” she said.
9. T oday, when I witnessed a 27-year-old breast
cancer patient laughing hysterically at her 2-year-old daughter’s antics, I suddenly realized that I need to stop complaining about my life and start celebrating it again.
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6. T oday, as my father, three brothers, and two
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TORONTO FIRE SERVICES EAP/CIS NEWSLETTER - Volume 11 Issue 3 Fire Watch
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3 rd Annual
2 ANNUAL nd nd
2 ANNUAL BURN SYMPOSIUM CANADIAN
CANADIAN BURN SYMPOSIUM Toronto 2015 CANADIAN BURN SYMPOSIUM May 25-26, 20152015 | Toronto, Ontario May 25-26, | Toronto, Ontario
BY BRIAN MCALINDEN, ACTING CAPTAIN, STATION 232 B
O
n March 29th of this year, I watched one of the most frightening news clips any fire fighter will ever see; the image of a fire fighter falling through the roof into a raging inferno below. Fresno California Fire Captain, Pete Dern, was on a rooftop preparing to commence vertical ventilation when the roof he was standing on, caved in. Flames shot out of the hole where he fell and it took roughly two minutes to locate and extricate him. My initial thoughts at the time were, what would I do? What could I do? What seemed most troubling to me was what could I do for him if I were the first person to start providing medical care for him? I try to keep up to date with emergency medical training and when I saw the footage of the fire fighter being treated outside on the driveway, I discussion tried consider Join the on:whaton:we could Join thetodiscussion do for that man in that particular situation. Burn treatment & Best I •suppose positive side to a&tragedy • the Burn treatment Best is, it often forces others to try and gain insight Practices on theonScene for for Practices the Scene into the problem to prevent or manage Firefigthers/First Responders Firefigthers/First Responders future situations. Fortunately for me, around that time, I was invited to attend • Unravelling the Stigma • Unravelling the Stigma of of the 3rd Annual Canadian Burn Symposium, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder beingPost held Traumatic in Toronto during spring of Stressthe Disorder this year. (Timing is everything!) NewDynamics Fire Dynamics • Hosted New• Fire by the Surgical Department at the University of TorontoSafety • Workplace & • Workplace Safety and & Sunnybrook Health Sciences, the symposium was a Insurance Board Insurance two-part series ofBoard seminars, designed to provide •professional and Effectivelydevelopment Learn What Services • Effectively Whatprocedures Services insight into new Learn innovations, areforAvailable fortreating Burn-injured and are processes managing, and Available for Burn-injured Fire Fighters Theirsevere Families rehabbing people who haveand suffered Fire and Their Families burns. TheFighters audience was for Plastic • target What Can the IAFF Charitable Surgeons, Trauma Surgeons, Allied health • What Can the IAFF Charitable Foundation Burn Fund professionals, physiotherapists and Do firstTo Foundation Burn Fund Do To responders. Help You & Your Family
The seminars that I attended were designed for the first responders that may deal with frontline situations and patient care in a pre-hospital setting. There were some interesting lectures that provided a new perspective to initial care response. Ken Webb gave a presentation that highlighted the risk of compression burns and the consideration of hypothermia in burn victims with significant body surface area burns. Ken shed some light on what happens when fire fighters are exposed to high temperatures in the PPE that we wear - in some cases, the gear will hold nd heat to cause the burn. For example, enough making contact with a superheated fire fighter may cause a burn, if your contact point causes the material to make contact with the skin, the heat absorption in the material will transfer to the skin. This can also be caused inadvertently by trying to actively cool the fire fighter with water from a hose stream. The weight of the water soaking the material will
2 ANNUAL
spouse or partner power of attorney, your family may find themselves in a tough spot, as bank accounts may be frozen. Scary thing to think of - there’s more to the burn, than the just the burn. Paul also brought up some interesting points with regard to compensation entitlement for lodging, travel, parking, and mileage, escort allowance for families who have to travel to and from hospitals during long hospitalizations. The IAFF’s Tom Flamm addressed what the IAFF International Charitable Burn Fund can do for you and your family. A compelling speaker by the name of, Lionel Crowther, Winnipeg Fire Department, talked about the burns he suffered in a fatal house fire in 2007 that claimed the lives of two Winnipeg Fire Captains. Crowther’s account of the events during that evening’s deadly fire shocked me. The routine nature of the fire and the details he recounted with us made it seem like it was just
CANADIAN BURN SYMPOSIUM May 25-26, 2015 | Toronto, Ontario
Challenging Paradigms in Burn Care A continuum of care
Challenging Paradigms Challenging Paradigms in Burn CareCare in Burn A continuum of care A continuum of care
Help You & Your Family
56 56
www.cpd.utoronto.ca/cdnburnsymposium
#CDNBurn2015
friends and family alike. The overwhelming complexity of this type of injury affects more than just the fire fighter. I would hate to think that my injury is hurting my family too. It is one of the main reasons why the IAFF is getting involved, to help families and fire fighters during this significant ordeal. There are programs available like the IAFF Burn Foundation and S.O.A.R. Program (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery) through the Phoenix Society, to name a few, that can offer assistance. Support programs will be a necessary part of a burn survivor’s recovery, particularly for fire fighters. We are regarded as the people who will look after others. We are expected to be strong, however, when a significant burn injury affects a fire fighter, it seems to hit home even harder for us because we ourselves feel that we should be able to handle it on our own because of the job we do. Kind of a self imposed double standard!! Vince Savoia
Join the discussion on: Burn treatment & Best Practices on the Scene for Firefigthers/First Responders Unravelling the Stigma of of the • Tema Conter Memorial Trust reminds us that wePost do have access to peer andDisorder family Traumatic Stress support 24/7 through the Tema Conter line • New Fireand Dynamics (1-888-288-8036) of course, we have the fire department EAP/Critical Incident • Workplace Safety & Stress Team available (416-338-9327). Insurance Board In summary, the Canadian Burn Symposium was a very worthwhile seminar that shed • Effectively Learn What Services some interesting information on a variety of Available topics thatare I found relevantfor andBurn-injured meaningful. It provided grassroots treatment procedure Fire Fighters and Their Families right through to the post-hospital recovery • What program. Although will Can the the symposium IAFF Charitable not be back in Toronto until 2019, the 4th Foundation Burn Fund Do To Annual Canadian Burn Symposium will take Help You24&and Your place on October 25 Family in Vancouver •
make it heavier and contact the skin, causing a burn before cooling the fire fighter down. Ken asked members to consider utilizing appropriate PPE and peeling away bunker gear carefully to avoid compression burns. Other topics included mass casualty responses, challenges and strategies with regard to best practices and treatment on scene and through to rehabilitation, for fire fighters and first responders. Paul Atkinson presented WSIB issues, and discussions included what services are available for burninjured fire fighters and their families. Atkinson presented some shocking information, such as, if you were to be badly injured in a fire where intubation and controlled medical sedation were required, and you have not given your
another day in any firehall – anywhere. I could relate to every word he said with regard to the response, the tactics used, the conditions, everything...until everything went sideways. His remarkably harrowing account of the flashover, the narrow escape for him and three others, and the deaths of Captains Nichols and Lessard really hit home, because it was so routine. That could have been you or I, very easily. Although Lionel’s lecture did not cover the fire ground burn treatment, he did elaborate on the hospitalization process and the posthospital recovery process. Few of us get to hear about that extremely unfunny part of the recovery. The emotional toll a serious injury takes on the fire fighter extends out to
www.cpd.utoronto.ca/cdnburnsymposium
next year.
#CDNBurn2015
Vo lVo u ml ue m1e1 1| 1Is|s Is ues ue 3 | 3FIRE | FIRE WATCH WATCH57 57
6
Fit to SURVIVE
The fire fighter’s guide to health and nutrition
Ginger bread Ingredients:
• 8.5 cups whole wheat flour • 3 cups luke warm water • 4 ½ tsp of active dry yeast (not instant/quick rise) • 2 tbsp black strap molasses • 2 tsp ground cinnamon • 2 tsp ground ginger
Directions:
1) Get back to the basics of balance • ¼ tsp ground cloves • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg • 1/8 – ¼ tsp fresh ground black pepper (to personal taste) • 1 tbsp canola oil (try walnut oil, if available, for added depth of flavour!) • 2 tsp vanilla extract
Combine the yeast, warm water, molasses, and half of the flour in a large bowl. Mix well to thoroughly combine. Cover mixture with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and leave to rest for 30-40 minutes. Mixture will become bubbly and expand in size. Add the remaining flour and all remaining ingredients to the yeast mixture. Knead together in the bowl or on a floured flat surface until the dough becomes less sticky and begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl or flat surface. Knead time for this recipe of 3 loaves is approx 5- 10 minutes (Bonus – light arm workout!)
Place kneaded dough into the bowl, cover, and leave to rise for approx 1 hour. Once dough is doubled in size, punch down, and divide into three equal portions. Place each portion into a light greased 9x 5 loaf pan. Allow to rise once more until doubled (1 hour) Preheat oven to 350°, and bake loaves for 25-30 minutes – be careful to not over bake! (Tip: tap the top of a baked bread loaf and listen – if it sounds hollow, it’s done!) Remove bread from pans and allow to completely cool on a wire rack. Slice each loaf into 12 slices, enjoy fresh or freeze immediately for fresh bread all season long.
Small portions of your favourite holiday treats can fit into a healthy eating plan –but try not to hover exclusively around the dessert table, and give that veggie tray a shot. With diagnosed medical conditions and food allergies, it can become routine to omit entire food groups, which can mean missing out on important nutrients. Aim to include two food groups at snacks, and at least three food groups at meal times, to ensure balance.
2) Leave ‘all-or-nothing’ off your list
All too often, the thought pattern of ‘I’ll just get back on track in January’ or ‘I’ll skip breakfast and lunch so I can eat all I want at supper’ can cause us to fall into the all-or-nothing trap”. Not eating throughout the day can l ead to more overeating later in the day, and can make it difficult to make healthy eating decisions. Eat your regular balanced meals throughout the day, and have a small, healthy snack an hour before a party. You’ll find it easier to make healthy choices if you’re not too hungry.
3) Keep your host in the loop
Communication with the host and other guests, It’s important to realize that for some allergic individuals, simply the smell of the food in question is enough to induce an allergic responsewhile inconvenient at times, is key in the case of a severe or life threatening allergy. It’s important to realize that for some allergic individuals, simply the smell of
the food in question is enough to induce an allergic response. Clear communication and understanding of requirements and needs can help ensure an enjoyable and safe time for all party goers,.
4) Bring a dish that’s safe for you
If it’s appropriate, ask your host or hostess if you can contribute to the meal in some way. As an example, if someone with a diagnosed milk allergy is presented with the scenario of being excluded from most of the available dairy and dairy-containing options, one strategy is to bring a dish with a milk alternative option they (and perhaps other guests) can enjoy.
5) Plan ahead
If it’s not possible to bring your own dish to the gathering, have a small snack containing choices from two food groups just before the party, or bring it with you. Have a plan to make sure you are able to eat something over the course of the gathering.
6) Make balanced nutrition a priority
Speak to a Registered Dietitian if you’re having difficulties with meal planning and nutrition management of your health condition. Eat Right Ontario offers nutrition advice from a Registered Dietitian over the phone to all residents of Ontario, free of charge.
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Vo l u m e 1 1 | Is s ue 3 | FIRE WATCH 59
Re-Printed with the permission of Sunnybrook Foundation, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
holiday party tips for people with dietary restrictions
3888 RECENT HAPPENINGS
Local 3888 President, Frank Ramagnano, swears in 38 new Operations Division recruits on July 29th, 2015, during an orientation day and BBQ lunch hosted by the Association at the Fire Academy. Local 3888 members participate in the 9th annual Toronto East General Hospital Danforth Dash Bed Race on August 7th, 2015. Proceeds go to priority needs at the TEGH to enhance patient care in the community.
On July 30, 2015, fire fighters from St ation 432 and surrounding fir e halls responded to a fire at the Duhaney re sidence and quick ly put out a 2nd floor bedroo m fire. Soon after the fire, P432 Captain, Andr ew Fife, put forwar d the idea of notifying the As sociation that Enez Duhaney might need a hand after the fire. A fin ancial donation, a collecti on of furniture and various toys for her two ch ildren were given to her during a meet and greet with the crew s who responded to this fire.
2015, was moved to the Toronto Zoo The TPFFA Annual Picnic on July 8, Pan Am/Para Pan Am Games. due to the City of Toronto hosting the steps inside the main gate near the A private picnic site was located just this year’s activities was a scavenger Panda Interpretive Centre. Added to ns. participants visited the Zoo’s attractio hunt card, which was completed as 60
Muscular Dystrophy Boot Drive: Toronto Fire Fighter recruits pose for a photo while they create awareness and donate their time to the TPFFA’s Annual Fill the Boot Campaign at Union Station in Toronto to support Muscular Dystrophy Canada and its research efforts to help eradicate 40 neuromuscular diseases.
Ronald McDonald House McHapp y Day: On May 6th 2015, TPFFA members were supporting Toronto’s Ronald McDonald House on McHappy Day , serving breakfast to the local com munity in support of those families who need a place to stay when they have love d ones who are sick and are receiving trea tment at the Hospital.
Vo l u m e 1 1 | Is s ue 3 | FIRE WATCH 61
EAST AUTO BODY, 13 Gower St. 416-751-1984 Vo l u m e 1 1 | Is s ue 3 | FIRE WATCH 63