Hall Showcase on Station 433 VOLUME 6
|
ISSUE 4 | Winter 2010
A Fire Fighter’s Trip to Afghanistan Member Profile on Charles McGregor Publications Agreement No: 41203011
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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION
VOLUME 6
|
ISSUE 4
| WINTER
2010
IN THIS ISSUE 16
21
5 President’s Message 7 Secretary Treasurer’s Message 9 Vice President’s Message 11 Chaplain’s Corner 12 Letters to the Editor
24
26
15 Fire Fighter’s Toy Drive & Global Partnership 16 A Fire Fighter’s Trip to Afghanistan 19 Fire Fighter Survival & Rescue 21 FMS ...what is it? 22 Local 3888 Memorial Plaques
30
34
24 Elections 2010 26 The Christmas Spirit of Local 3888
FIRE WATCH (ISSN 1715-5134) is published quarterly by the TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION 39 Commissioners Street, Toronto, ON Canada M5A 1A6 Tel: 416.466.1167 www.torontofirefighters.org E-mail: firewatch@torontofirefighters.org
29 Staff Profile on Julie Frost
FIRE WATCH is published quarterly by Xentel DM Incorporated on behalf of the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association
38 In Memoriam
Chief Editor Ed Kennedy MANAGING Editors Frank Ramagnano & James Coones Tel.: 416.466.1167 Fax: 416.466.6632 E-mail: firewatch@torontofirefighters.org ASSISTANT EDITORS Marla Friebe, Rodney Johnston, Janos Csepreghi, Doug Erwin, Damien Walsh
30 Member Profile on Charles McGregor 34 Firehall Showcase - Station 433
39 Never Shall We Forget 40 Fit to Survive 42 3888 Recent Happenings 53 Behind the Mask 44 2011 Operation Shift Calendar
ASSISTANT COPY EDITORS Alyssa Petrillo & Marcel Ramagnano Design and art direction Xentel DM Incorporated
47 Upcoming Events
FIRE WATCH PHOTOGRAPHER Keith Hamilton
47 Ad Index
Canadian Publications Mail Agreement No: 41203011 Printed in Canada Copyright © 2010 Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association Advertising Debra Cheeseman, Project Manager Merchant Card Acceptance Tel: 1-800-366-3113 Ext. 102 Fax: 1-866-764-2452 Email: publications@xentel.com • www.xentelpublications.com 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, 3 products and services does not indicate endorsement of same by the TPFFA, and the TPFFA assumes no responsibility for their accuracy.
HAL L SHO WC ASE
ON STA TIO N
VOLUME 6
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On The Cover Santa and Sparky arrive at the the Local 3888 Annual Children’s Christmas Party, held at Variety Village on Saturday December 4th, 2010. Photo Credit: Gerlando Peritore
A Fir e Fig ht er ’s Tr ip to Af gh an is ta n Me m be r Pr of ile on Ch ar le s Mc Gr eg or Publications Agreemen
t No: 41203011
W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | F I R E WATCH
433
ISSUE 4 | Winter 2010
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE A RENEWED MANDATE
O
n November 9, 2010 the results of the recent election for your new Union Executive were announced and I was given a considerable and decisive mandate to be the President of Local 3888 for the next two years. I offer my sincere thanks to those of you who saw fit to give me their support in the election. To those who did not vote for me, or decided not to exercise their right, be assured, that I not only intend to represent all of the membership as your President but will also work long and hard to live up to the expectations of my supporters. It will be my intention, during my term as President to lead an open administration which will be accountable to the Local 3888 membership. The democratic process demands nothing less of its elected officials. .A nother outcome of this most recent election has meant that your Board now has a blend of seasoned members with a considerable amount of experience as well as a number of new faces. With this in mind, I have aligned the various committees with the intention of making sure that your new members are exposed to a speedy learning curve in order that we may continue to deliver the kind of quality service that Toronto Fire Fighters demand, expect and deserve. Thus, committees will be larger than in the past and I will also have a designated Executive member (Liaison), who will be responsible to the various and diverse divisions within our bargaining unit. In this way, I anticipate that whether you work in Communications, Fire Prevention, or any other division of the Fire Service, you will have a consistent and knowledgeable person to deal with your enquiries and issues in a quick and efficient manner. While it is evident that our new
Board members will bring a needed sense of passion and change to our organization, I must acknowledge that the loss of experience on our Executive Board will also be a challenge that we will strive to meet. I appreciate the hard work of those who will not be returning to the Board and their significant contribution during their terms in office. I have been involved with this Union since its inception and have continually been impressed by the dedication and devotion to our cause that I have witnessed from most Executive members. Therefore, I want to thank those who have served in the past and wish them all the best in the future. Also, I extend a warm welcome to those
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Ed Kennedy
Arbitrator. We will now be looking at dates in which the Arbitrator is available for mediation/arbitration of our case. I appreciate that this can be a slow and frustrating process, however, it is the system that we must deal with under the “Fire Protection and Prevention Act” in the Province of Ontario and at the end of the day, it has, in my opinion, served us remarkably well. Your bar-
It will be my intention, during my term as President to lead an open administration which will be accountable to the Local 3888 membership. The democratic process demands nothing less of its elected officials.
who are just beginning their journey as representatives of our Local. When all is said and done, I can attest to the fact that it can be a great and rewarding learning experience. They will receive all the support, education and knowledge that I, other Board members and our Ontario Provincial Fire Fighters Association can impart to them. I have always been of the opinion that education is one of the most important aspects of our Union and I anticipate that our new Executive members will partake of the various forums available to them and become confident and competent representatives of our Association. Securing a Collective Agreement must always be one of the very top priorities for any union and this process is continuing. As I noted in my last magazine article, we have filed for Arbitration and it has now been agreed by the parties (the City and Association nominees), that Kevin Burkett will be our
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gaining committee, in concert with Jeff Sack, our nominee and Jeff Nester, our advocate, will be working diligently to ensure that we are well prepared to proceed when we secure dates to begin the proceedings. Finally, thank you once again for your continued support for myself and for your new Executive Committee. I look forward to working with them, and all of the membership, to ensure that our Association continues to move forward, following the path established by past leaders which our membership truly deserves and expects. In closing I wish you all the best this holiday season and into 2011.
Ed Kennedy President, Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, I.A.F.F. Local 3888
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SECRETARY TREASURER’S MESSAGE
A
n election is the process used to ask for the mandate of the people in a democratic body. An election is a common exercise followed by unions, where members cast votes to select their representatives.
In the same way the government is formed and receives a mandate, your union executive is formed and receives their mandate. But the similarities end there. The rules governing the union are very different than those of the government. The difference lies in the fact that after you exercise your vote and select your government representatives your participation is limited. With a union you do not sit on the side lines for a period of time until the next election; you still have the power to not only influence change but be the catalyst for change. Being an active member doesn’t end with this election. As TPFFA members, the opportunities we have to engage in the process go far beyond November 9. Under our constitution, we have access to a series of fundamental rights, including: the ability to attend union meetings, vote on policy, submit policy suggestions, offer constitutional changes, and express your opinions and views on the actions being considered. This means that we have the right to speak out against what we do not like and to stand up for what we believe. Members have the power to direct those in positions of power. As I visited a quarter of our work locations in preparation for the elections, I was surprised that many members were dissatisfied with how the association had been conducting some of its affairs. Despite our general meetings and communications tools, some of these issues had never before been brought to my attention. Some issues were not new and in fact they were issues that I or the executive board had agreed and/or recommended. They had ultimately been defeated at a union meeting. This naturally led me to question whether we are communicating effectively? Are we engaging the membership? Are members taking an active interest? Are members
educating themselves with the resources we provide? All the tools used to ensure democracy are useless if they are not being used. As I drove from work location to work location I came to the conclusion that we have to do more and we have to do it better to ensure that our member’s voices are being heard. With that said, I know I have direct influence over improving this process. I believe we will be introducing many items to engage the membership over the months to come. I am excited with some of the items that our committee, investigating different technologies to improve communications, is reviewing. Sometimes it takes an election for you to really get a feel for how the members are feeling. Now we have to act on that knowledge and turn it into a mandate to improve our methods of communication. I vow to you that I will work hard to introduce
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Frank Ramagnano
I am grateful to have had the opportunity of working with them. If you have an opportunity please thank them in person for all that they have done to improve the lives of Toronto Fire Fighters. (I know they all like beer!) I am excited about working with the new executive members and the new energy and ideas they will bring to our organization. I am also thankful for our returning members as I believe we have skilled and experienced leaders. I would be remiss if I did not express my appreciation for your support and confidence in my ability to effectively represent you as a member of Local 3888’s Executive Board. Thank you, for
With a union you do not sit on the side lines for a period of time until the next election; you still have the power to not only influence change but be the catalyst of change.
and implement these tools and new resources. As I said this involves more than just the executive, a key element of this exploration is dialogue. We need the membership to engage and to use the resources that are developed. We need to establish ways to get feedback on the resources and we need everyone to work together in order to make our association as strong as it can be. I would like to offer my gratitude to our executive members that will not be returning. Rick Berenz, Scott Eyers and Ian Hamilton have worked tirelessly over the years on behalf of the members. While I have had my disagreements, as is normal, I never questioned their commitment or desire to improve our local. I consider them all friends and
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the time and consideration that was shown to me during my visits. It is such a tremendous honour to be acclaimed and I will do my utmost to live up to that honour. Because the good will of those we serve is the foundation of our success, it’s a real pleasure at this Holiday time to say “Thank You” as I wish you a warm and happy Holiday Season and a peaceful and prosperous New Year to you and your loved ones.
Frank Ramagnano Secretary - Treasurer, Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888 W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | F I R E WATCH
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WOULD YOU? YOU WOULDN’T ENTER A HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERE WITHOUT YOUR SCBA ON...
WOULD YOU?
YOU WOULDN’T PERFORM AN AUTO EXTRICATION WITHOUT PROPER PPE AND EYE PROTECTION...
WOULD YOU? SO WHY WOULD YOU EVER GET INTO A MOVING FIRE APPARATUS WITHOUT FIRST PUTTING ON YOUR
SEATBELT?
LOCAL 3888 REMINDS ALL OF ITS MEMBERS TO ALWAYS BUCKLE UP!
ALWAYS! 8
VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
I
t is with honour and humility that I assume the office of Vice President of our great Association. Our members have bestowed an immense responsibility upon me that I accept gratefully and willingly.
This recently completed election campaign for your Executive Board provided me with incredible insight into the role of our Association and the service you have come to expect and deserve. I learned many valuable lessons as I embarked on a city-wide odyssey to meet with and hear the concerns of as many of our members as possible. If I missed you on the campaign trail, I apologize, but I hope to have the opportunity to meet with you over the course of this term. Elections are a healthy and necessary component of our democratic process and the level of interest and participation by our members throughout this recent campaign speaks volumes about the responsibility our members place in their elected leaders. It provided an interesting perspective to be involved in the city’s municipal election, while at the same time participating in our own process. I believe there were lessons learned from both of these campaigns- not the least of which is that Toronto is a very large city! Throughout the weeks of campaigning, it was encouraging to hear that an open and clear discussion was occurring between our members and the many candidates running for office. I am grateful for the respectful and frank discussions I took part in across the city. These discussions were driven by issues that you were passionate about and it is now the responsibility of your Executive Board to work toward addressing them. This Association, much like our city, has very distinct cultures, customs and traditions, across the various divisions that have evolved from our former municipalities. Your Executive Board will always strive towards respecting our differences while moving our goals forward and providing quality service for all of our members.
During any electoral process, it is imperative that all voters believe they have the opportunity to not only be heard but understood regarding issues they deem important to them. While the primary task of our profession is a simple one- maintaining safety in the community we serve- the administration of our profession and its day to day operations, continue to become more complex. Numerous pieces of legislation
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Damien Walsh
less and dedicated service of our members of yesterday and today. We will continue to protect and build upon that legacy. I look forward to serving you with honour, respect and dedication for the next two years as we move forward in these challenging times. Your new Executive
Your Executive Board will always strive towards respecting our differences while moving our goals forward and providing quality service for all of our members.
now govern our daily routines as demands on the performance of our duties continue to rise in an ever increasing litigious society. We must continue to evolve in the ways we do business while ensuring that each member continues to receive superior representation in all aspects of our Association. The central function of your Association can be broken down into two basic areas: serving our members and providing leadership to move us forward. This will be the focus of my efforts in this next term. It is also important to recognize those past members of your Executive who dedicated themselves to serving this membership. Our Association has consistently been viewed by other labour organizations as being a leader in providing responsible, quality services to its members and we will continue to earn that reputation. Today, as we see those who work in public service continuously facing suspicion and acrimony from the media, our profession still enjoys much favour in the public eye based on the many years of self-
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Board consists of an excellent mix of experienced and committed members who look forward to working for you over the next term. While each member of your Executive Board brings a different set of skills to the table for this term, it will require all of us working together to face our future challenges. We will also need you, our members to continue to communicate with your Executive Board with that same passion that we witnessed throughout this recent election. Stay safe and we will see you out there!
Damien Walsh, Vice-President, Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888
W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | F I R E WATCH
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YOUR PENSION
OPTIONS VOLUME 3
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ISSUE 3 | FALL 2007
Captain John A. Chappelle
1954 - 2007 VOLUME 4
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2008 ISSUE 1 | SPRING
FIRE HALL SHO
Publications Agreement
No:
41203011 WCASE: Fire Station 315
TFS Demographics Where do you fit in?
VOLUME 4
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ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2008
Would You Escape a Fire in An d thHom e?ard e Aw Your
Goes To...
Publications Agreement No: 41203011
Local 388 Station 116 Fire 8 hos FIREHALL SHOWCASE: ts annual Media Awards
Due to popular demand, we will be offering a subscription service to all those who do not currently receive a copy of Toronto Fire Watch or would like more than one copy of each issue. The total cost of the subscription will be $20.00 per year to cover shipping and handling. You will receive, to the address specified on the card below, 4 issues of Toronto Fire Watch (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter). You MUST fill out the accompanying card and return it, along with a cheque.
Publications Agreement
No: 41203011
Who Helps Chi ldre Who Set Fires?n A look at the TAPP -C Program
FIRE HALL SHO
WCASE: Fire Station
224
First Name
Last
Phone
Street Number
Street
Apt. #
City
P.O.
Mail to: 39 Commissioners Street, M5A 1A6, Toronto Make Cheques payable to the T.P.F.F.A.
10
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER By David King, TFS Chaplain, North Command
A
s I type these words it’s mid-November and I’m poolside at my timeshare condo in Barbados.
Part of the preparations for this annual pre-Christmas holiday include a trip to my local bookshop where I stock up on just enough reading material to last the two weeks that I’m here. This year, in addition to the latest release from Dan Brown (The Lost Symbol) and others, I’ve brought along Burning Down The House - Fighting Fires and Losing Myself, by Russell Wangersky. Currently, the editor of The Telegraph newspaper in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Wangersky’s book chronicles his seven extraordinary years as a volunteer fire fighter (ultimately, attaining the rank of Deputy Chief) and his long unacknowledged descent into the frightening world of post traumatic stress. Devoid of the sensational and overly graphic details that fiction writers use to fill their pages, Wangersky offers his 271 page partial autobiography with just enough real life detail to show how destructive the consistent exposure to stressful situations can be for fire fighters, whether part-time or full-time, volunteer or professionally employed. While not one to usually recommend plays, movies, or books for that matter, as each of us has our own distinct interests and preferences, I truly believe that this account ought to be required read-
lounging
Rev. G. David King
ing for all who work in the fire service (regardless of their job), and those who know someone who does. In fact, I would suggest that reading Wangersky’s quasijournal might even permit you to glean from it, aspects of your own, or another person’s reality. And moreover, that by having an awareness of what post traumatic stress can look like, how to prevent it, or at least address it more quickly should life circumstances become oppressive and derailing.
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NORTH COMMAND Rev. G. David King 416.723.8375 dking@united-church.ca lance doors slammed closed, or when the doctors took over doing chest compressions. Wipe off the dirt and sweat and pain, and don’t think about it anymore... But that’s not what happens in real life
This year, in addition to the latest release from Dan Brown (The Lost Symbol) and others, I’ve brought along Burning Down The House - Fighting Fires and Losing Myself, by Russell Wangersky.
As a tribute to the enduring value of Burning Down The House, I’ll close this article by again commending it to your reading, by encouraging you to reach out for help if you sense you are overly stressed by the pressures of life, and by quoting Wangersky directly: “When I started on the trucks in Wolfville, it all seemed simple enough: .You did your job, and then you hung up the stress at the same time you hung up your bunker gear. We were tough guys, all. The injured and the dead were supposed to be gone when the ambu-
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and with real people, now is it! Now I can go through a pamphlet on post-traumatic stress disorder and recognize every single symptom. I have the sleeplessness and cinematic nightmares. I’ve got the memories that unroll in my head like movies I can’t walk away from...I’ve got the unfathomable irritability and the sudden, inexplicable flashes of anger... (I’ve) become an unlikely poster boy for a kind of mental illness I knew nothing about when it first fingered its way into my life...”
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W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | F I R E WATCH 11
rs e tt e L to the Editor
A SPECIAL THANK YOU FROM THE ELLWOOD FAMILY
It is now 11 months since our family has started on a new journey in life. As you know it all started last October when Darrell was taken to hospital, having trouble breathing. From there things went downhill for the next few months. Darrell was on life support; and with the help of a ventilator, dialysis, and heavy duty sedation his body was able to return to some form of normalcy, so his newly diagnosed Multiple Myeloma could be treated. He was released from hospital December 11th to come home and start to walk again, build his strength and started a regular chemo treatment December 21st. This treatment continued until the first week of June. In the early part of June Darrell started preparations for a stem cell transplant and by July 4th he was home from London, with brand new blood cells in his system. With the amazing medical care he has received, along with time to heal he is now on a road that we hope will keep him in remission for quite a few years. As we know the cancer will return and we pray that it will take its time to revisit. We know in our hearts that all of this would never have been possible had it not been for the wonderful people who took the time to visit, say a prayer, give positive thoughts, send emails, cards and gifts, cook food, work his shifts, and many other great things. We know that a proper thank you should have been sent long ago, and we hope you will know that we have truly appreciated all that you have done. It seems that the fog we have been living in has just started to dissipate in the last couple of weeks. It is amazing to look back now that the fog has started to clear and try to make sense of what we have all been through over the past year. However, the fog clears to show the true meaning of life: love and laughter, family and friends. Just wanted to send a formal “Thank You” for all the support, thoughts and prayers, 12
gifts and visits you have provided for my family throughout our journey. This has truly shown the true meaning of “brotherhood” and we will never forget it. Things are progressing very well and I am hoping to return to work on administrative duties this month. Thank you for your support. –Darrell Ellwood and family.
High Respect Shown for one of our Own My name is Sgt. Rob Cullen, the author of the piece regarding late Fire Fighter Wilson. Please allow me to thank you for the many kind words and recognition in response to our small impromptu honour of a fallen unknown hero. Just for the record, the Constable identified in the piece who made the
suggestion was Sean Boyes, #603. Allow me to also thank you for your service in making our communities safer. I never intended for this story to have such an effect, and it has been a bit overwhelming. I have had contacts from Nova Scotia to BC. The letter is all over websites in Canada and the U.S. That firefighter is no longer alone. His name has been on the minds and in the eyes of thousands. The way it should be. No hero should die alone. There has been a result from this that we never saw coming. I was contacted by the Mikey Network. I was unfamiliar with them until now. They are a charity that provides Automatic External Defibrillators (AED’s) for places that could benefit from their presence. They asked that PC Boyes and I find an appropriate spot in the Town of Georgina, so that a unit could be donated in the memory
of Fire Fighter Wilson. It didn’t take us long to identify the Sutton Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion as the recipient. The Mikey Network is providing the unit, mounting, and organizing training through York EMS for 8 people. Under the unit, there will be a plaque dedicating the unit to honour the life Fire Fighter Robert Wilson. Although he is no longer with us, his memory has not answered the last bell. He may have more lives to save. And it could just be the life of one of our veterans, other heroes to whom we owe so much. At this time of year, I can think of nothing more fitting or appropriate. And lastly, I received a letter from Charles Jennings, Secretary of the North York Retired Fire Fighters Association. Unfortunately, I do not have his e-mail address. He was at the service for Firefighter Wilson, and spoke there. I was particularly touched to know that the flag that we had sent with him was folded and placed into the casket before the start of the service. Fire Fighter Robert Wilson - a hero, and a Canadian, for time eternal. Thank you again for your kind thoughts and words. Keep Safe. –Sgt. Rob Cullen York Regional Police
ONTARIO FIRE MARSHAL RETIRES Hi Everyone: Thank you very much for taking the time to come out on the 28th of October to help me ease into a new phase in my life. I sincerely appreciate having had the opportunity to know and to work with all of you and it meant very much to me to be able to spend those few hours with you. Many thanks for the gift (MacBook Air) that will become my primary communication tool in my retirement. I look forward to seeing you again in my capacity of a person of leisure. Take care. Stay safe. THANKS. –Patrick Burke
FIRE WATCH accepts Letters to the Editor, articles, essays, and photographs from Local 3888 Members, active and retired. We will also accept fire related submissions from outside authors or photographers. Letters to the Editor may be forwarded to: Letter to the Editor FIRE WATCH 39 Commissioners Street Toronto, Ontario Canada M5A 1A6 Letters Policy You may email your letter to: firewatch@torontofirefighters.org FIRE WATCH welcomes letters to the editor to give you – Local 3888 members – an opportunity to express your views, concerns, ideas, or gripes. We can’t print every letter and in some instances letters will have to be edited due to space limitations.
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We do not accept attachments. Please paste your letter into the body of your email and use the subject line “Letter to the Editor.”
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articles Before sending a full article submission, we suggest that you forward an outline or suggestion for an article to the Editor. FIRE WATCH is your magazine, and as such, we will accept articles on any subject related to Local 3888 and the fire community. Subjects could include but are not limited to: health issues, history, sporting events, equipment, training issues, personal essays, etc. Article submissions/queries may be forwarded to: Articles FIRE WATCH 39 Commissioners Street Toronto, Ontario Canada M5A 1A6
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You may email your submission/query to firewatch@torontofirefighters.org We do not accept attachments. Forward your suggestion in the body of an email and use the subject line “Article submission or query”. Photography Please contact the Editors before forwarding your photographic work for consideration. FIRE WATCH does not offer payment for submissions.
W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | F I R E WATCH 13
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14
Toronto Fire Fighter’s Toy Drive and Global Toronto Partnership By Rick Berenz, Toronto Fire Fighter’s Toy Drive
T
he Toronto Fire Fighter’s Toy Drive has been in a successful media partnership with Global Toronto for the last four years. The need for a media partner became evident in 2005 when donations were significantly lower than in previous years. This was attributed to the fact that the media organizations that previously advertised the Toronto Fire Fighters’ Toy Drive had stopped doing so in order to promote their own Toy Drives. Global Toronto is part of CanWest media. CanWest has experienced some difficult economic periods over the last four years but managed to fulfill their promise to promote the Toronto Fire Fighter’s Toy Drive. I am pleased to report that CanWest is well on the road to financial recovery and this will only strengthen the partnership. The partnership and resulting promotion of the Toy Drive through the Global Television channel (namely the Six o’clock news and Public Service Announcements) has provided us with a means to deliver the message - “Drop a new unwrapped toy off at any fire station in the City of Toronto”. This “free air time” is worth tens of thousands of dollars and since our Toy Drive falls under the Christmas Tree Foundation - a registered charity - this promotion can be done at no charge to us and comply with all regulations. The work of Global Toronto for our Toy Drive has not gone unnoticed by the broadcasting community. On October 21, 2010 Global Toronto received a Community Service Award for their efforts with the Toronto Fire Fighter’s Toy Drive. The Ontario Association of Broadcasters Community Service Awards program acknowledges the generosity of broadcasters but also recognizes the creativity in creating a successful public service campaign. The success of these causes, in many cases, lies with the broadcaster’s ability to promote and encourage the public to become involved. At a time when there are so many different and equally worthy causes to support, it is a very difficult task to create the perfect campaign or program that will encourage people to as-
sist those in need. Each year, radio and television stations across Ontario are invited to submit their best public service campaigns and showcase their station’s efforts to raise awareness for the many important causes in their communities. Global Toronto submitted the 2009 Toronto Fire Fighter’s Toy Drive campaign to the OAB awards program and won. I was honoured to be invited to the awards ceremony on October 21 at the “On The Parc”. I was asked to receive the award with Global Toronto’s Dayna Gourley, Supervising Producer of Global Toronto and daughter of retired TFS PC Stan Gourley. Global Toronto is extremely proud of this award as it is a sought after acclamation of a broadcaster’s community service programs. “We at Global Toronto are proud to be honoured with the Ontario Association of Broadcasters Community Service Award for our support of the 2009 Toronto Fire Fighters’ Toy Drive.” says Patrick O’Hara, Vice President of Eastern Stations. “We are thrilled to partner with our local heroes; the Toronto Fire Fighters, to help promote this important annual event. The Toy Drive has continuously proven how caring and giving Global Toronto viewers can be, and we look forward to making 2010 another record-setting year.” The Toronto Fire Fighter’s Toy Drive is also very proud of Global’s achievement and is confident this will only enhance our respective efforts to collect and distribute toys to Children in need throughout the City of Toronto. W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | F I R E WATCH 15
A Fire Fighter’s Trip to Afghanistan By Brian Beauchamp, Toronto Fire Fighter
M
y story began two years ago when I was sitting with my friends at a bar watching the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championships). We talked about how big this sport is becoming and the possible path it may take in the future. As with most things in life, it’s all about the money. Ontario resisted legalizing it, yet it was legal in most states and across Canada. I thought, with my background as a wrestler and international judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu player, which were the main components of mixed martial arts, it would be a good fit for me to be qualified as a referee or official before it becomes legal here. I called UFC referee, “Big” John McCarthy, in California and booked a slot in his MMA referee school. It was an intensive three days but after graduating, I began my MMA referee career working in Alberta, BC, and driving to Michigan, Indiana and Washington on my weekends to gain experience. 16
Six months later, I refereed the main event at XKL (Extreme Kombat League) in Ypsilanti, Michigan between Ottawa’s Mark Holst and UFC Veteran Cory Hill. Holst won in the second round, and after the fight, Holst’s Manager came up to me and said, “I hear you’re from Ontario? I have a contract with the Canadian Forces and in the summer there’s a chance that I am bringing ten fighters and a ring to Afghanistan to put on some fights for the troops on Canada Day (July 10).” He told me that there is no pay, harsh conditions and little sleep, but a chance to give back and entertain the troops and that I would be the only referee. As a former Canadian Forces reservist I said, “Yes, count me in!”
As July 1st came closer, I was notified that the fights had been called off because of operational requirements and that there were fierce firefights in the region. I continued working out west and was being mentored by Big John and Mario Yamasaki, as well as Alberta Athletic Commissioner, Dale Kliparchuk. In September, I was called again and was told the fights are on and we had to be in Ottawa on October 9th to fly over with “Team Canada,� a group that was being put together for troop moral. The group included Guy Lafleur, Actor Paul Gross, two rock bands, ten fighters and support staff. We flew out of Ottawa on the Prime Ministers Airbus (Canada 1), flying eight hours to Germany where we refueled and then
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on to Camp Mirage in Dubai. After being issued helmets and Ballistic chest protectors, we were loaded in the Globe master for the final three-hour flight in darkness over Pakistan and into Kandahar. We arrived in total darkness and were greeted by Defense Minister, Peter McKay and the Chief of Defense Staff General, Walt Natynczyk. The next day was an eye opener; daylight, we could finally see this place called Afghanistan. Sunny and clear as far as you could see – and of course, there was the dust and 38 degree heat to deal with. Our days included briefings about the Afghan mission, Roadside bomb detection and counter-measures, Afghan culture, visiting the different battle groups, eating with the troops, tours of the airfield and aircrafts including: Chinooks, hueys, Blackhawk’s and fighter jets. One of the most important messages relayed to us was to listen to the troops and tell them they are appreciated and not forgotten back home. At breakfast one day, a soldier gave me a wristband which I wear to this day. On it, it reads, www.canadianheroes.com. I encourage every fire fighter and every Canadian to go on that site and see the pictures and the stories of the men and wom-
18
en who are serving our country and that have died for our freedom. I made a point of attending the memorial and to read the name and bio of all 153 soldiers inscribed on it, so that I could leave knowing that I knew just a very little about every one who didn’t come home to their loved ones.
It took me an hour or so, but I finally came to Pte. Kevin McKay of the 1st Battalion of the Princess Patricia Light Infantry, the son of TFS Captain, Fred McKay, who I used to work with in North Command. As a father of two children and former reservist, I was overcome by the emotion of it all. Seeing his picture and reading the notes left by his mom and dad to their son. I shed
a tear, a tear for Kevin and a tear for all the soldiers who aren’t coming home. In my seven days there, I wanted to tell anybody, anybody who would listen, from the combat arms trades, to the employees working at Tim Horton’s, “Thank you. Thank you for your service, you will not be forgotten, and what you are doing over there in that god-forsaken place is important. For us, putting on MMA fights was fun, and if we could just make one or two soldiers smile, it was worth leaving our families on Thanksgiving. On Tuesday night, we held the weigh-ins and on Wednesday night, we held the MMA fights at the boardwalk close to Kandahar airfield. What a night! Although I have refereed on TV with millions watching, there will never be an experience in my lifetime that will come close to refereeing ten fighters with 3,000 troops watching from ten NATO countries, while helicopters and F-18s take off as I look up into the Afghan sky. I know that I left something behind when I left Kandahar; some of the life was sucked out of me and I have been forever changed. I will be going back in March to try and do my little part in making a difference in a soldier’s life as they are making a difference in ours.
&
FIRE FIGHTER
SURVIVAL RESCUE &
IRIT
What is it anyway?? W
e hear Incident Commanders make reference to the IRIT, but really do we know what it is? What does it take to be an IRIT? Who can do it? If I am tasked to be one ….what do I do? Is this the same as “two in-two out”? These are all fundamental questions that every firefighter should know the answers to, long before that call comes in. Quite simply IRIT is an acronym that stands for ‘INITIAL RAPID INTERVENTION TEAM’. The fire service in Ontario is required by the Ministry of Labour and Section 21 Guidance Note #6-11 to provide a rescue team of at least two individuals anytime that we have firefighters working in an environment that is Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health. (IDLH).
Guidance Note 6-11 “The employer should provide written operational guidelines for establishing rapid intervention crews/teams of at least two firefighters to rescue firefighters in circumstances where there is the potential to become lost or trapped. The potential to become lost or trapped can occur at emergencies such as interior structural fires, confined space rescues, high angle rescues etc. ….” So how does this translate to the TFS and our SOG’s? If the TFS has Rapid Intervention Teams that are dispatched to confirmed working fires, shouldn’t these
meet the requirement under the Guidance Note? NO. Under the Guidance Note, as soon as firefighters go ‘on air’ or encounter a situation where they may become lost or trapped then we require a RIT. However the issue we face is what to do to meet our requirements under the act and provide for firefighter safety during the time between the first arriving trucks and the arrival of the first RIT Rescue. In some commands this time lag might be in excess of 10 minutes. The answer is to establish an IRIT. We know that most times when crews roll up to a working fire they are not going to wait around until the first four-person RIT truck arrives before making entry. So in order to allow these crews to do their jobs efficiently and effectively, IC’s must establish an IRIT (minimum two firefighters) at the start prior to anyone going inside. So who can be an IRIT? Quite simply, any firefighter on the fireground can act as an IRIT member provided they not doing a task that requires them to be on air or if acting in the capacity of an Incident Commanders or Sector Officer.
Section 21 Guidance note 6-11 states that: “If a R.I.T. is to be assembled from onscene firefighters performing other functions, a number of additional key elements
must be addressed in the Operational Procedure such as: Personnel must know that they have been designated as the R.I.T. They cannot be performing functions that require the use of their S.C.B.A. air supply. The Incident Commander or other Sector Officers cannot be designated as the R.I.T. A R.I.T. is not required for every pair/ crew making entry into a hazardous area, but more than one R.I.T. may be required if resources are available depending on the size and geographical layout of the incident.” The TFS IRIT will meet the two in, two out requirement under the Guidance Note. Firefighters can be doing other tasks but whatever their task is they have to be able to leave it at a moments notice to render help or to save a firefighter in distress. In short, establishing an IRIT early allows first arriving crews to fast attack a fire, perform a rescue, and mitigate a situation rapidly while still having someone watching their backs if something goes wrong. It is a fact that the majority of firefighter MAYDAYs happen in the first 8 minutes of an incident. Those first minutes on scene are probably the most dangerous times for firefighters. Things are happening fast, the incident command structure is just being set up, accountability is just being established. There is a huge potential for confusion if something goes wrong on the fire-
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Survival & Rescue ... Continued from page 19
ground. Therefore it is imperative that and IRIT is established immediately. This will afford the greatest level of safety in a very dangerous time for those initial crews incase they require someone to assist if they get into trouble. This might be their only chance for rescue before a RIT Rescue arrives on scene. So the IRIT must be ready as there may be no second chance. The current TFS RIT protocol of dispatching a RIT crew of 4 to a working fire far exceeds any requirement under the act. In fact, having a dedicated RIT crew of 4 is based upon recommendations from a USFA/FEMA Technical Report. The report
named Rapid Intervention Teams and How to Avoid Needing Them released in March 2003 states “it is important to note that rescue teams staffed with only two firefighters can be dangerously inadequate. The physical, mental, and psychological stresses associated with the rescue of a fellow firefighter are immense.Many fire service leaders believe that four personnel should be considered the minimum. Two, however, meets the OSHA regulatory requirements.” “In this report, the two-in/two-out requirements pertain to initial arrival and deployment of first due operations. Once
a scene progresses beyond the incipient stage (which often happens even before the fire department arrives, especially in incendiary fires) and escalates to a working fire or additional alarm or both, then the need to deploy a formal RIT unit becomes a factor. Firefighter safety is the issue with both RIT and two-in/twoout. Each has its own requirements and distinct (though related) approaches to providing safety based on an escalating level of need. Both are implemented and often staffed differently, but are established with the common goal of affecting firefighter rescue.”
Classified Advertising in the Toronto Fire Watch Magazine Name Work Phone
Division Home Phone
Ad (20 words max – please print clearly) # of issues Signature
Payment: Cheque
Credit Card #
Price: $25/issue + GST=
20
Greatings
Season
Ads run one issue free of charge. Home phone or pager numbers will be used. Ads MUST be submitted in writing. Phoned ads are not accepted. Submit before the 1st of the month. Send to Toronto Fire Watch, #600, 20 Huhgson St. S., Hamilton, ON L8N 2A1 or email: publications@xentel.com
Functional Movement Screen …what is it? BY Tim McDonald, Wellness/Fitness STI, B Platoon, Stn 445
“Fix it before it breaks” is the slogan of our new health and wellness workshop. It is one of several initiatives aimed at reducing risk of injury to our firefighters. The Functional Movement Screen and Corrective Exercise System (FMS) was developed about 15 years ago for the NFL football teams, and is currently used by pro and college football programmes, MLB, NHL, NBA teams and the U.S. Marines. Back in the early 1990’s the Indianapolis Colts were puzzled that their very fit athletes were still getting injured. Their motivation to protect their athletes, lead them to a group of exercise professionals and physical therapists, who developed the Functional Movement Screen. The theory behind the FMS is that through observation and analysis of seven specific movements, faulty movement patterns due to muscle imbalances, asymmetries and reduced flexibility can be identified. The movements are: - Squatting - Stepping - Lunging - Reaching
- Leg raising - Push-ups - Rotary Stability
Execution of each movement is scored from 0 to 3 points. Therefore, perfect overall test score for the seven tests would be 21 points. In most cases, scores above 17, indicate good functional movement. One “weak link”, weakens the entire chain. Ignoring the weak link (or problem) increases the potential for injury, and strengthening the wrong links will further compromise the integrity of the chain.”**
In a recent study, the U.S. Marine Corps screened over 900 recruits and followed them through basic training. Those that scored 14 or less on the FMS were twice as likely to suffer an injury, than those that scored higher.”*** Professional athletes also use FMS to identify weak areas and subsequently target such, in an effort to achieve optimal performance. After week 5 of this years NFL season, teams that used FMS had a 65% win rate. The NFL teams that didn’t use the FMS had a win rate of 45%. That is a 20% better win rate for NFL teams that used the FMS on a regular basis. The fire service is now recognizing the potential benefit to their personnel. Recently the Tuscon Fire Department studied 433 firefighters for one year. Functional Movement Screening combined with core training and a safe lifting education program, resulted in a 62% reduction in lost time due to injuries of the back, and upper and lower extremities.* As firefighters, we work in unpredictable settings, possibly fatigued and sleep deprived without the opportunity to warm-up before responding to a variety of physically demanding tasks. If we use the FMS to correct any muscle weakness and imbalance, then we have taken a positive step toward better health and wellness. If you would like to participate in a half day FMS workshop, please e-mail our Health and Wellness coordinator, Terry Buckley. (tbuckley@toronto.ca) and cc your Platoon Chief.
*
Core Strength: A New Model for Injury Prediction and Prevention.
Peate, Bates, Lunda, Francis and Bellamy
**
FMS Manual. Cook, Burton, Fields
*** Interrated Reliability of the Functional Movement Screen.
Minick, Kiesel, Burton, Taylor, Plisky and Butler.
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Local 3888 Memorial Plaques By Marla Friebe, South Command Fire Prevention
V
isiting station 224 today for the memorial plaque dedication for LODD Fire fighter Leo Dorgan, I can see why this ceremony is such an appropriate and touching way to pay our final respects for any brother or sister who has committed the ultimate sacrifice. Gathered around the truck bay are many fire fighters who worked with Leo during his career and many who have not, but still attend to show support and respect for a fire fighter who spent a long career protecting this small East York community. Leo’s ceremony opens with a reading of the plaque by TFS Chaplain Hugh Donnelly, followed by the Words of Dedication...
“And now, on behalf of the men and women of the Toronto Fire Services, I dedicate this plaque, sacred to Leo’s memory. May this tribute serve as a constant reminder of his life and his work. He was a professional fire fighter whose commitment to the safety and welfare of the citizens of this city shall forever be his legacy.” The memorial plaque dedications began in Toronto fire stations shortly after amalgamation as a way to pay tribute to fire fighters who have died in the Line of Duty. Local 3888 Executive Member Neil McKinnon developed the program after the Membership ex22
pressed a desire to recognize fire fighters who had died in the line of duty. Ron Nickle, our Head Chaplain at that time, created the service component. The dedications are an acknowledgment of the fire fighter who no longer is with us, and a reminder to all that remain behind that this is a dangerous job. The dedications are always held at the last work location of the fire fighter and on the same shift, with family, friends, and colleagues in attendance. Following the ceremony, there is an opportunity for the group to gather over a coffee and a few snacks to reminisce, talk, and laugh about the old times.
stands as a reminder of the dangers and hazards associated with this job. “We are not only concerned about the building collapses, but also the diseases and “injuries associated with fighting—typical’ fires,” said Neil McKinnon. “It’s also a reminder to everyone, veteran fire fighters and recruits alike to beware. Make sure you work safely and always wear your PPE.” The plaques belong to the station and remain in a prominent location where they are visible. Frequently, the plaques prompt members of the public who enter our stations to ask questions about our departed coworkers, how they died, and what an enormous sacrifice that individual has made for the city. As Fire Chief Wil“Fire stations are woven into liam Stewart emphasized, “It is important the fabric of the community ... to recognize those who came before us as such, the men and women these plaques will serve for future generathat work here do not just ‘do tions of fire fighters to remind them of the a job’...they provide a service fire fighters who looked after the citizens of this community.” to the community in every rePerhaps nobody put it in better perspecspect. They become guardians tive than Co-ordinating Chaplain Hugh of their communities. The men Donnelly. When asked what he thought and women of the Fire Service what was the true meaning behind the understand the responsibility plaque ceremony, he suggested that they help keep us connected to and risk that accompanies this service.” the spirit of what fire fighting is all about, which is ‘care.’ “When we honour the lives of those who have given so much in a spirit of Over 70 plaque presentations have taken place to date, many for care, then we are reminded of that spirit and of what is at the very fire fighters who had retired long before amalgamation. Eight of heart of what we do. That spirit inspires us. Care is at the core of those ceremonies have occurred in the past year alone, and each everything we do.”
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Election 2010 ! d e v l o v n I t o G You By Damien Walsh, Chair, Government Relations Committee
E
lection 2010 is in the books and by all accounts it was one for the ages! Our involvement in this marathon campaign began in earnest back almost a year ago. Potential candidates jockeyed for early position in what would prove to be the most dynamic campaign our city has ever witnessed with 44 hotly contested ward races and a frenzy of competitors for the Mayor’s chair. A record number of candidates contacted our Association seeking out our support with a desire to learn what issues mattered to Toronto’s fire fighters. As months passed, your Government Relations Committee developed a strategic plan regarding which races we felt our members could have the greatest impact in. Our goal was simple- continue to support those members of Council who have supported our issues over the years, as well as assisting new candidates who had shown an interest in supporting us. With a new set of rules which banned any trade union financial donations to candidates, as well as a dramatically shorter sign campaign, it would be a considerable challenge to determine where best to allocate our most valuable resource- our members. Once again, we put this Association on the political map in this city and showed that we are a force to be reckoned with in any election campaign. With such wide-spread interest in this campaign, it was no surprise that we would not only have record voter turnout but, also the greatest participation ever by our members in a municipal campaign. Your newly re-structured Toronto FIREPAC Committee, as well as Stewards and many members quickly mobilized and got to work doing what we have shown we do best in any campaign-the very unglamorous, un24
sung, but invaluable work that candidates seeking office have come to respect us for. Utilizing lessons learned from previous campaigns and new resources provided by our Ontario Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, our members quickly took to the task of supporting those who support us. The Target 2010 program rolled out by the OPFFA was a great success which saw a record number of our members come, out for a single day of volunteerism on October 13th. Despite a media fed firestorm fuelling demand for change throughout this campaign, we held our ground, standing up for old allies and winning new ones along the way. Again, it is important to note that no formal endorsements were given to any candidate and the decision to support a candidate in a ward race was based strictly on a candidate’s previous record of support for our issues or their strong commitment to working with us to achieve our municipal objectives. While much of the media’s attention was focused on the Toronto election, every other municipality in the province was going through a similar process. Once again, a record number of our members were involved in seeking elected positions in the municipality in which they reside. Many were successful and we wish them well in their future roles as leaders of their local government. An additional challenge for our Association this time was the concurrent running of our own L3888 Executive Board elections. This made it very difficult for our own Executive members to contribute their time to the municipal campaign while campaigning for their own position. This is the first time we
have had to deal with this and we must examine the timelines of our own electoral process for the future good of our Association in having the ability to take part in the municipal election. Our L3888 stewards proved what a valuable resource they are to this Association: not only in the work they performed, but through engaging a considerable number of our members. They once again, truly demonstrated the potential of what we can do when we strive for a common goal. It is important to note the contributions of our membership who called, asked questions, contributed their own money and got involved. You made a difference and showed that our Association can have an impact on those who affect the daily lives of our members. We acknowledge that we had members working in other races across the city. With many members living in the city, they also had a difficult decision as not just employees but residents as well. The key is- they got involved in this municipal campaign and worked for a candidate they believed in. This can only benefit us all in the long run through the relationships established. I want to recognize the efforts of your Toronto FIREPAC Com-
mittee, the Stewards Committee and the many individual members who contributed their own time and money. You got involved and help our Association make an impact throughout this campaign. It will be an interesting four years with this newly elected Council and a new Mayor. We wish them all success in serving this city and look forward to building a strong working relationship for the good of all employees and citizens of Toronto. Thanks to you all and we will look forward to even greater success in 2014. See you there!
Some key races that our members had an impact upon: Ward 1 Suzan Hall Ward 5 Peter Milczyn- Elected Ward 6 Mark Grimes- Elected Ward 8 Anthony Peruzza- Elected Ward 9 Maria Augimeri- Elected Ward 10 Brian Shifman Ward 13 Sarah Doucette- Elected Ward 14 Gord Perks – Elected Ward 18 Ana Bailao- Elected Ward 19 Mike Layton- Elected Ward 20 Adam Vaughan- Elected Ward 21 Joe Mihevc- Elected Ward 27 Joel Dick Ward 29 Mary Fragedakis- Elected Ward 30 Paula Fletcher- Elected Ward 31 Janet Davis- Elected Ward 32 Sandra Bussin Ward 33 Shelley Carroll- Elected Ward 34 Peter Karl Youngren Ward 35 Adrian Heaps Ward 37 Michael Thompson-Elected Ward 38 Glenn DeBaeremaeker- Elected Ward 40 Norm Kelly- Elected Ward 43 Paul Ainslie- Elected Ward 44 Ron Moeser- Elected W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | F I R E WATCH 25
The Christmas Spirit of Local 3888
Wii Have a Winner!
26
an who donated All attendees e er w y rt at the pa unwrapped toy ve ha ket in order to given a draw tic ular in the ever-pop the chance to w ing System. Wii Console Gam tle inner was lit This year’s w of r te granddaugh Emma Wilson, on ils , ghter, Craig W Toronto Fire Fi n. 4 on “C” Platoo from Station 11 Don’t a! Emm Congratulations the of l o badly in al beat Grandpa to great games!
T
he annual Local 3888 Christmas Party was held on Saturday December 4th at Variety Village. Once again the party was very well attended with over 1,000 children and many proud parents/ grandparents, and friends making the event as successful as ever and filling the air with Christmas spirit. The generosity of the members of Local 3888 was again demonstrated by those in attendance, as many donated unwrapped toys to help put smiles on the faces of underprivileged children throughout Toronto. Throughout the course of the day the children enjoyed a number of activities including inflatable rides, a rock climbing wall, obstacle course, face painting, airbrush tattoos, sports games, and various arts and crafts. As a volunteer on the inflatable rides for the day, I was privileged enough to witness the children’s excitement first hand. While some raced through the inflatable obstacle course, others were proudly showing off the prizes they won at the games or the tattoos and face paintings done by one of the many other volunteers. Nearby, crowds of children and parents alike were gathering to watch balloons being twisted and transformed into almost anything their hearts desired. The definite highlight of the day of course was the special appearance of Santa Claus who took time out of his busy schedule to join the party. The wait for Santa was well worth it, as the excitement could be seen on all the children’s faces. Everyone had the opportunity to spend some cherished time with Santa to discuss their Christmas wish lists and receive a photo. Between the visits with Santa and other attractions, attendees had the opportunity to relax and enjoy the variety of excellent food available. A new addition to the popular menu
was French fries which were a big hit with the hungry masses. Some of the other treats included old time favourites such as popcorn and cotton candy. Most importantly the 2010 Christmas party gave everyone the opportunity to come together and enjoy the joyous occasion with the Local 3888 family. Frank Ramagnano, chairman of the Children’s Christmas party stated, “I am immensely pleased and grateful with all the help we received to run this event. All the time and energy put into organizing the party is more than worth it after a day like today where every child leaves with a smile on their face. The Christmas party is a great opportunity for both children and parents to celebrate and be proud of belonging to the 3888 family”. All photos by Toronto Fire Fighter, Gerlando Peritore
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The danGer dOesn’T end when The fIre’s OuT.
This photo was taken in 1980 in Canada. A lot has changed since then, but job hazards – especially during investigations – are sometimes still not treated with the caution they deserve. Photo: Carlo Hindian/Masterfile
YOUR SCBA THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE
AGAINST TOXIC EXPOSURE.
Toxic fumes from smouldering debris are just as harmful as those from an active fire. So until you’re sure the danger’s really over, wear your SCBA. Originally developed by: Office of the Fire Marshal, Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association, International Association of Fire Fighters, The Fire Fighters’ Association of Ontario, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Municipal Health and Safety Association, Ontario Section 21 Committee, Ontario Ministry of Labour, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). © 2006, WSIB – all rights reserved. Printed in Canada. #5065C (07/06). To order posters, contact WSIB: 1-800-663-6639, or WSIB Marketing: 1-800-387-0750 / 5540 (Outside Ontario / Canada).
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S T A F F
P R O F I L E
O N
JULIE FROST LOCAL 3888 SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR
Biography Julie was born and raised in Toronto, or as she would proudly say, “East York”. Family is a big part of her life; she has seven brothers and sisters and seventeen nieces and nephews. So, memorizing the Local 3888 membership should be a breeze. Julie has two amazing sons, Dylan and William, who are both entering College/University this coming fall. During her spare time, Julie enjoys running, fishing and watching hockey with her husband Rob. Go Leafs Go! Julie is committed to physical fitness and has her eye set on accomplishing the first item on her “Bucket List,” to complete a full marathon. Good Luck! Julie joined the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association in November of 2010.
What would our members find interesting about you? When my boys were in public school, I was the co-chair of their school council. The council’s focus was to provide the necessary equipment to enable the children to remain competitive when it came to education. I take great pride in our council’s fundraising accomplishments during my tenure, in which we purchased new computers for the schools computer lab. I am very passionate about two major charities that I volunteer with and assist with fundraising: POGO – Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario and the Ride to Conquer Cancer. I have also been involved in Girl Guides of Canada for the majority of my life.
What is your work background?
payable/receivable department and then transferred to the Administration Wing. For the past eight years, I have worked for PrintLegal Document Management Services, providing document management solutions to major law firms and corporations within the GTA.
How can you contribute positively to 3888? I can contribute to Local 3888 by utilizing my previous work experience and sharing knowledge with others. One of my primary responsibilities will be to lead the business plan of developing a records management system for all of the Union’s paper files and documents. My focus will be to seamlessly make the transition from paper to electronic format, while improving document accessibility and information distribution, and above all, office productivity to enhance the day-to-day requirements of the Executive Board.
What do you hope to gain from working with the TPFFA? I hope to gain a sense of accomplishment and to grow personally and professionally, as I have the opportunity to work with some exceptional people (hero’s) who service the city of Toronto. I have an enormous amount of respect for our fire fighters and I am proud to be part of this family. I welcome the challenges that lie ahead and look forward to making a positive contribution within the workplace as well as participating in the many charitable events throughout the years. Thank you everyone for such a warm welcoming.
I worked for Toronto East General Hospital for ten years in the accounts
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By Tony Macdonald, Retired Toronto Fire Captain
Member Profile on
T
hirteen Canadians were selected to represent Canada at the FireFit Firefighter Challenge Championships that were held in Dubai, U.A.E. in January 2010. The selection process was looking for the best competitors in Canada at the sport, but these individuals also needed to be team builders, and competition organizers. The final requirement was to choose competitors who would be excellent ambassadors for the sport, for their Fire Department, and for Canada. One of the thirteen competitors chosen was Local 3888 member Charles McGregor who is works at Station 331 on B shift. 30
Charles McGregor was born in London, England, and lived there until he was ten years old, when he and his family moved to Hamilton, Ontario. He had played soccer in England and began playing here as well. His first job was a paper route, and he enjoyed Boy Scouts too. Charles was always in good physical condition and at age 14 he received a Canada Fitness Award. Charles began playing the trombone in grade 7 and continued playing it through high school, enjoying many band trips and events along the way. He learned North American football and played linebacker and safety on his high school team. In grade 10, he was the only junior on the team, and he was a Captain on the team for two years. They played all their home games at Ivor Wynne Stadium. He was invited to the Hamilton Tiger Cats high school football camp, and suited up for the Burlington Braves Football Club for a year. He was also a member of his high school rowing team which won the Championship at the Henley Regatta. When he graduated from high school, Charles received the Scott Park Merit Award. At 17 years of age Charles joined the Canadian Forces Reserve. He trained as an artillery technician and communicator at CFB Shilo. He rose to become a Master Corporal in Petawawa with the Airborne Royal Canadian Horse Artillery.
Charles McGregor
He also worked during this time as a bricklayer, and a printer. He served for a year in Burlington as a volunteer firefighter, and he began seeing Firefighter Challenge Competitions on TV. These competitions interested him and when he was hired by TFS in 2001, he wanted to join the Toronto Combat Challenge Team. He soon found that the proud team that had won two consecutive National championships, had taken a break, and was not competing that year. Charles started meeting with past team members and with their help, had the team running again in 2002. Charles soon found that the team members gave a huge commitment in terms of training, time and energy. He began searching for partners and sponsors who would assist with some of the costs involved, so that the team members would not have an unbearable financial commitment as well. As the team grew in their competitive abilities, they also took on a greater role in organizing competitions. In 2004 Charles and his team organized a FireFit Competition that was part of the Yonge Street Festival. Financially they were assisted with 1/3 of the costs being covered by Local 3888, 1/3 by TFS, and their Team’s sponsor, Paul Davis Sys-
tems, paying the rest. They found that running such a large competition required an army of volunteers, and the logistics required almost a year of preparation. Competitors from all over Canada seemed to really enjoy visiting and competing in Toronto, and many long lasting friendships began in those early years. By 2005, with thirteen members, they had the largest team to ever compete for TFS. They had a complete female team, male team, and an over 40 team. They ran another competition in 2006 at the TD Centre, and then a third in 2008 in the Beaches, near Ashbridges Bay.
Charles and Peter Sells were approached by a firefighter from Dubai named Mohammad Al Ahmadi, who pitched the concept of staging a competition in Dubai. They discussed this with many people and approached Dale and Hilary McRoberts, who are the organizers of FireFit, to ask if this was something they wanted to be involved with. FireFit came on board and three years worth of work and planning culminated in the International Competition that was held in Dubai. Each of the thirteen Canadian team members was tasked with assisting a new team. These new teams came from all seven Emirates from Dubai, as well as Saudi Arabia, and other Middle Eastern and European countries. The Canadians took this task seriously and spent time training and practicing with their assigned team to help them improve their abilities, to be ready for the competition. Some of the Canadians brought their wife or girlfriend with them and they all had an amazing time. Charles says “I was honoured to compete in front of an audience that included the Crown Prince of Abu Dubai. We were also given the privilege of visiting the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. We W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | F I R E WATCH 31
Awards
Off Duty M
any members of Local 3888 are involved in off duty deeds that might be taken for granted by their fellow peers or the general public. These efforts reflect most favourably on all Toronto Fire Fighters. With that in mind, on behalf of all the members, the Association presents annual awards to recognize those efforts, and to thank those members for doing their part to enhance the image of Toronto Fire Fighters. Nominations are accepted in three different categories;
Award THE BEN BONSER Award
THE AL PEARSALL
Awarded to the Local 3888 member(s) who contributed, time and ability toward the improvement of his/her/their Community and Fellow Man, while “off duty”.
Awarded to the Local 3888 member(s), who during the past year, while “off duty”, has distinguished himself/herself/themselves — by making a rescue, or being involved in saving the life of a fellow citizen in a hazardous or threatening situation.
Award BOX 12 ASSOCIATION Award THE ROY SILVER
Awarded to the Local 3888 member(s), who during the past year, while “off duty”, has distinguished himself/herself/themselves — by performing first aid or CPR for a fellow citizen.
This award will be presented annually to an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in a voluntary capacity for the direct betterment of Local 3888 members. This may be exemplified by a single significant contribution, or by continued extraordinary work by an individual that reflects positively both on the winning candidate and Local 3888. The spirit of this award is to recognize outstanding service and volunteerism as demonstrated by the Box 12 Association.
We ask your assistance in helping us to identify those members who have performed in a manner that would qualify them for an award in one of the categories stated above. Submissions can be given to any Executive Officer or can be sent to the Union Office at:
39 Commissioners Street, Toronto, Ontario M5A 1A6 or Faxed at 416-466-6632 to the attention of Off Duty Awards. Please contact Janos Csepreghi, Awards Coordinator if you require further information.
SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE - FEBRUARY 5, 2011 (For deeds occurring on or before December 31, 2010)
32
Member Profile ... Continued from page 31
Charles McGregor were in Dubai from January 13th until the 22nd. Our time began with playing beach volleyball on the Jumeira Beach, and ended with watching the desert sunset while dining under the clear desert night skies. Some other highlights of the trip included riding camels on a desert safari in the Gold Souks, and a trip to
the Atlantis Resort on Palm Island for a lavish dinner and shopping at the Malls which include stores, an ice rink, and giant aquariums. I was so happy to have the opportunity to share this once in a lifetime trip with my wife Audrey.” Charles has been competing in the Combat Challenge since 2003, and in 45 competitions, he has won 8 Bronze medals, 3 silver medals, and 1 gold medal. For the last four years Charles has volunteered as a Child and Youth Worker at Trinity Christian School in Burlington. His love for kids, coupled with his passion for fitness led him to devoting his time as the coach for both
the Cross Country and the Track and Field teams. The school has won three consecutive District Championships, and most recently placed second in the All Ontario Christian School Cross Country championships. Charles says he would not be where he is today or accomplished what he set his mind to if it was not for his faith in the Lord Jesus. He quotes “it is through Him that I gain my strength”. High school Principal Rick Schenk says “Charles McGregor is an extraordinary individual. Our students have enjoyed his gentle way and they are always excited when he runs effortlessly with them or leads them up and down the hill that encloses our school playground.” Authors comment: I have noticed a common element coming from all of these special people I have interviewed for the Member Profile articles. They talk about others. They speak about the people who have helped them along the way. I have to pry information out of them about their own accomplishments, but each time we get the story, we discover another amazing person who works along side of us as a firefighter.
W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | F I R E WATCH 33
Station 433 By MATT DUNN
S
erved by a number of volunteer fire departments for the better part of the 20th century, the former Township of Etobicoke underwent a number of changes throughout the 1950s. As development swept across vast amounts of farmland, changes to the fire service were not far behind.
The Original 18 Fire Chief:
Fred Mitchell
Secretary: Bessie Harris
Fire Inspector: Jason Skidmore
Captains:
Roy Weech
Bryan Mitchell
Forbes Marshall
Firefighters: Norman Aylwin Walt Gwilliam Ken O'Halloran
34
James Britton Clarence Cork Wally Hurn Harold McFadden Alan Rabjohn
Jack Smith William Coxhead Ken Maxwell Elton Stoll
Along with record high birth and immigration rates reshaping Etobicoke, came a tremendous pressure to maintain the levels of service that residents were accustomed to. Although a number of volunteer fire halls operated under combined full-time Fire Chief Fred Mitchell, the need for full-time professional firefighters was becoming increasingly apparent. In November 1951, a proposal to build a $40,000 addition to the existing volunteer fire hall in the Humber Bay area was not passed by council, and less than one year later they were receiving tenders for the construction of a new fire hall at 615 Royal York Road. On November 17, 1952, the Township of Etobicoke passed the by-law authorizing the expense of $56,000 for the building and equipping of the new fire hall, with $42,300 allotted to the construction to be completed by Ervin Varamae. The new Fire Hall #1 was opened for service on June 15, 1953, housing 18 original full-time employees. As former volunteer firefighters, the original 18 were initially prohibited from continuing to volunteer during their time off. On August 6, 1953 however, the rule was rescinded and many of them made use of this special consideration. As their volunteer positions were gradually filled and their former companies disbanded, the practice declined and became non-existent when the Park Lawn Rd Hall closed in May of 1959. Built as a two-bay hall, Fire Hall #1 was equipped with state of the art equipment including a 1953, 700 series LaFrance 840 g.p.m. triple combination pumper and a 1948 LaFrance quad city-service ladder truck. Carrying only ground ladders and no aerial ladder, the quad was replaced in late 1954 with a new 100 foot LaFrance aerial. Due to the rapid expansion of the department including five additional stations in the next six years, the quad
W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | F I R E WATCH 35
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Station 433 ... Continued from page 35 continued to be used frequently until the 1970s. With the LaFrance Foamite Co. factory located on Coronet Rd. in Etobicoke, only LaFrance apparatus were purchased in Etobicoke well into the 1960s. The building still stands today directly behind Station #432. On October 15, 1954, firefighters at the new Royal York Fire Hall were struck by tragedy with the arrival of Hurricane Hazel. Though physically unharmed themselves, firefighters were devastated by the loss of five volunteer firefighters from nearby Kingsway-Lambton Volunteer Fire Department among the dozens who perished during the hurricane. As they attempted to assist stranded civilians, their truck was swept into the Humber River. Five years later, when the Kingsway-Lambton volunteers disbanded, many would become a part of the Etobicoke Fire Department and staff the new Fire Hall #6. As additional stations were built throughout Etobicoke, Fire Hall #1 underwent a number of changes. Upon opening in 1953, the station had an additional car bay at the back of the hall for the chief’s car. After the chief was relocated to Fire Hall #5, this bay was bricked up leaving only the two apparatus bays remaining. Royal York was also the original home to Etobicoke communications, the department mechanic, and fire prevention which was staffed by one inspector, Jason Skidmore. By 1960 the switchboard located in the floor watch room was transferred to the new station at 280 Burnhamthorpe Rd. In the same year, the mechanic working out of the small rear bay of Fire Hall #1 was also relocated to the side bay on Burnhamthorpe. In 1980 mechanical was moved again along with Car 1 to the new Fire Hall #12 on the East Mall. While the 1960s saw a number of duties transferred out of Fire Hall #1, there were a number of positive changes to department technology as well. Radio communication had been available on Etobicoke apparatus since the inception of the department, nearly a decade prior to those in the surrounding area. This trend continued in the 1960s when true portable radios were issued to officers, again long before many other fire departments. The ability to utilize radio communication was an instrumental organizational asset, especially when responding to large incidents such as the Palace Pier Fire where over 40 Etobicoke firefighters were at the scene. By 1968, Etobicoke had its first rescue apparatus, S.C.A.T. (Self-contained Attack Team) Truck 15 and two years later S.C.A.T. Truck 16 arrived at Fire Hall #1. Equipped with rescue
Apparatus Assigned to Fir e Station 433 Pumper 433 - 2005 Spartan/Seagrave tripl ecombination pumper. Shop # 24124. Aerial 433 - 1999 Spartan/Smeal 32m m idmount low-profile. Shop # 26024.
and extrication tools, four hour self-contained breathing apparatus and smoke ejectors, the truck was often the busiest in the area, responding to every call south of Burnhamthorpe Rd. Later renamed Rescue 1, the truck was transferred to Fire Hall #9 in May of 1989, making Fire Hall #1 a single company hall for a number of years with its solitary pumper. Only after amalgamation did a truck return in its place with the arrival of Aerial 433. As one of the last three low-profile aerials purchased by the City of Toronto, it remains one of the few non-quint aerials still in service. Acting as the primary hazardous materials response for the area, both Pumper and Aerial 433 are still housed in what many former Etobicoke firefighters remember as Fire Hall #1. W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | F I R E WATCH 37
In Memoriam ACTIVE MEMBERS
May 9 2010
NAME............................................................RANK
D.O.D.
Norman Alywin.............................. District Chief
May 19 2010
David Charles Gray LODD......... Acting Captain
March 9 2010
Samuel Boyd....................................... Firefighter
May 15 2010
Andrew Radzevicius.......................... Firefighter
April 13 2010
Brent Thompson.......................................Captain
May 30 2010
Robert Chrisp...................................... Firefighter
May 14 2010
Donald Garden.................................... Firefighter
May 26 2010
Ken Sheppard...........................................Captain
July 20 2010
Jack Cadenhead.......................................Captain
June 11 2010
Aaron Hannah-Matin........................ Firefighter
Aug 26 2010
Charles “Ron” Horniblow................. Firefighter
June 21 2010
Reginald McPhadden...................Platoon Chief
June 23 2010
Herbert Sershall................................. Firefighter
June 25 2010
RETIRED MEMBERS
38
David Wilson.............................................Captain
NAME............................................................RANK
D.O.D.
Norman Law................................... District Chief
July 2 2010
John Stanway...........................................Captain
Oct 28 2009
John Stockman.............................. District Chief
July 26 2010
Douglas Row....................................... Firefighter
Nov 5 2009
John “Fred” Balfour................................Captain
Aug 1 2010
John Renaud....................................... Firefighter
Nov 12 2009
Joseph Buda.............................................Captain
Aug 3 2010
Frank Fawcett................................ District Chief
Dec 3 2009
Ron Carson.......................................... Firefighter
Aug 12 2010
Donald Kerfoot.................................... Firefighter
Dec 27 2009
John Levantis Sr.......................................Captain
Aug 15 2010
Jim Plender.......................................... Firefighter
Dec 28 2009
Donald Paterson.......................................Captain
Sept 2 2010
William Patton.................................... Firefighter
Jan1 2010
Stanley Chalis...........................................Captain
Sept 4 2010
Gary Mugford.................................Platoon Chief
Jan 3 2010
Wayne Smith....................................... Firefighter
Oct 1 2010
Bill Patton............................................ Firefighter
Jan 6 2010
George Valliere................................... Firefighter
Oct 2 2010
Douglas Holt................................... District Chief
Jan 8 2010
Charles Clarke..................................... Firefighter
Oct 11 2010
Bill Scott LODD.................................. Firefighter
Jan 8 2010
William Jones...........................................Captain
Oct 13 2010
Tom Kinnear..............................................Captain
Jan 13 2010
Brian Robar................................................Captain
Oct 13 2010
Tom McAuley.............................Chief of Traning
Jan 26 2010
William Kilburn................................... Firefighter
Oct 17 2010
John Lalonde..........Director of Fire Prevention
Feb 2 2010
Robert Wilson..................................... Firefighter
Oct 19 2010
Vern Willis........................................... Firefighter
Feb 9 2010
Cecil McCrossan......................................Captain
Oct 29 2010
Melvin Slevan...........................................Captain
Feb 11 2010
Ken Jones.......................................Platoon Chief
Nov 3 2010
John Davis........................................... Firefighter
March 10 2010
Andy Sembay............................................Captain
Nov 9 2010
Francis John Sears..................................Captain
March 11 2010
Douglas Wood..................................... Firefighter
Nov 13 2010
Clifford Hooey...........................................Captain
March 31 2010
Harold Hall...................................... District Chief
Nov 21 2010
William Stevenson d. Monday, October 25, 1937 William Stevenson joined the Toronto Fire Department in 1921 when he was only 26 years old. Less than one year later would be the first time he mourned the loss of a fellow firefighter, James Johnston, who was thrown from Pumper 13 en route to a fire. Fifteen years later, as a seasoned firefighter, Stevenson met the same fate under nearly identical circumstances. As sleet fell from the skies to the leaf covered streets of Toronto, Stevenson and his crew were called upon as a three year old child playing with matches had ignited the family home on Falstead Avenue. Regardless of increased caution while traveling to the fire, turning the apparatus was extremely difficult even at moderate speeds. As the truck turned at Queen and Beech Ave. with Stevenson on the rear of the truck, he was thrown to the ground, striking his head against the curb. The truck stopped briefly to take Firefighter Stevenson to the local drug store where Dr. Norman Found administered first aid until an ambulance arrived to transport him to St. Michael’s Hospital. Stevenson’s crew continued to the scene of the fire along with District Chief David Maxwell and the fire was quickly extinguished. Despite all the efforts of the hospital staff, the massive head and internal injuries inflicted on Stevenson appeared to be insurmountable. Early on the morning of October 25, this was confirmed, as he passed away while still in the hospital. The 42 year old was a member of the firefighter’s band, former solider, a devoted husband and a proud father.
Fire Fighter Stanley Gower d. October 4, 1943 After moving from England to Toronto as a child, Stanley Gower spent a lifetime serving the community he lived in. As a young man, Gower served in World War I and dedicated his life to fire fighting upon his return to Canada. In 1924, he became a member of the Toronto Fire Department, where he remained for over 18 years, the majority of which he spent at the Greenwood and Main Fire Halls. Six weeks before his last alarm, Fire Fighter
Gower was transferred to the Portland St. Hall. As a blaze broke out on the 5th floor of 129 Spadina Avenue, Gower was among the downtown fire fighters that quickly smothered the flames. Similarly to Lieutenant John Timney, who had died less than two years earlier, Fire Fighter Gower did not make any mention of pain until returning to Station 2. As he removed his boots, Gower complained about severe chest pains before collapsing on the floor of the fire hall. Like the two previous fire fighter deaths of the decade, Chief Coroner Dr. Smirle Lawson, attributed the death to a heart attack, “Fireman Gower died while carrying out his duties as a fireman. The stress of fighting the blaze, the exertion and climbing up many stairs and the dense smoke brought on an acute heart attack.” The 43 year old from 232 Woodfield Rd. in Toronto was survived by his widow, Lucy Hodges Gower, five children, and his brother Cecil, also a Toronto Fire Fighter.
Thomas Marks d. Tuesday, November 2nd, 1943 While modern hazmat trucks are supplied with equipment including fully encapsulating suits, Toronto Firefighters in the 1940s responded to hazardous materials incidents with nothing more than simple gas masks. When firefighters responded to the Canada Packers plant on St. Clair Avenue West on Nov. 2, 1943, this minimal level of protection ultimately led to the death of one firefighter and injury to several others. Employees shunting railway cars at the plant inadvertently broke the nipple on a tank car of liquid ammonia which immediately began entering the atmosphere. Despite attempts to stop the rapid flow from the tank, plant firefighters were overwhelmed by the vapours in the air. The evacuation of the surrounding area proved to be successful in preventing civilian injuries. However, the leaking tank continued to concern firefighters when they received reports of three workers trapped beneath the car. Wearing their gas masks, several firefighters including a special salvage team from Adelaide St. station attempted to approach the tank in search of the missing workers. After many were driven back and burned by the corrosive gas, only Firefighter Thomas Marks was able to reach the car, where he suddenly crumpled to the plant floor.
Firefighters quickly rescued Marks and took him to plant hospital where firefighters and two doctors spent the next four hours unsuccessfully attempting to revive him. Although Firefighter Leslie Hamilton later confirmed that Marks’ gas mask was indeed in working order, an autopsy from Dr. W. A. Burr attributed the death to suffocation, further emphasizing the inadequacy of the respiratory protection available at that time. The forty-seven year old was both a veteran of the First World War and had over twenty years on the Toronto Fire Department. Three days after responding to the Canada Packers plant a service was held for Firefighter Marks at Trull Funeral Home before his interment at St. John’s Cemetery. He was survived by his wife Minnie and daughter Lorraine.
Edward Mitchell d. Monday, April 3rd, 1944 Careless smoking has long been and continues to be one of the leading causes of both house fires and fire-related deaths. As in so many other instances, only one cigarette butt was needed to start the fire at 132 Braemar Avenue on Monday, April 3rd, 1944. Responding to the scene from the Balmoral Fire Hall, Captain Edward Mitchell and his crew arrived to smoke and fire showing on the second floor of the duplex. As they fought the fire, Mitchell began to guide firefighters to the upper floor living room where he suddenly collapsed. Both Captain Hazlett and Acting Captain King rushed to his assistance, quickly removing Mitchell from the smoke filled structure. After calling Dr. W. H. Murby, firefighters were saddened by the news that Captain Mitchell had been pronounced dead. Chief coroner Dr. Smirle Lawson later confirmed that Mitchell’s death was caused by asphyxiation, due to the dense smoke and fumes inhaled while performing his duties. The Woodbridge, Ontario native had spent his early years growing up in York County before joining the Toronto Fire Department at age twentysix. As an active firefighter for 42 years, the 69 year-old married father of four became the oldest full-time firefighter in the province to die in the line of duty.
Researched and Written by Matt Dunn
W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | F I R E WATCH 39
Fit to SURVIVE
The fire fighter’s guide to health and nutrition Fit to Survive is your source for a healthier life, brought to you by the IAFF’s Fire Service Joint Labour Management Wellness/ Fitness Initiative. You’ll find expert advice and practical information on staying fit and healthy, as well as recipes and nutrition tips to make your next firehouse meal wholesome and delicious. Articles reprinted in FireWatch have been taken from the IAFF’s Fit To Survive web site, which we encourage all members to visit regularly. It can be found at www.foodfit.com/iaff/.
Alcohol: be holiday smart!
C
utting back on drinking is a common New Year’s resolution. Holiday parties are full of socializing, yummy treats, and often a bit more alcohol than many of us are used to. With all the social events and toasting to the New Year, some of us can lose track of how much alcohol we’ve consumed. Head into this holiday season with heightened alcohol awareness, and beat the January resolution rush. While at parties, pace your intake of drinks. Wait an hour between drinks, and make sure you have something to eat so that you are not drinking on an empty stomach. Having food in your stomach will help slow the effects of alcohol intoxication. Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. And watch out for that bowl of holiday punch, which may pack more punch than you’d expect. Women tend to be smaller than men and have a slightly slower metabolism. These factors can cause women to reach a higher blood alcohol concentration than men for the same number of drinks. Limit your drinks accordingly! The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto advises that a standard drink consists of one 341 mL (12-ounce) bottle of beer (5% alcohol), one 142 mL (5-ounce) glass of wine (12% alcohol), or one 43 mL (1_-ounce) serving of hard liquor (40% alcohol). Always use your best judgment and moderate those “glasses of good cheer.” Your body will thank you for it... and you might be able to check off one item from your list of resolutions.
40
Stay stressfree this holiday season
S
tress piles up around the holidays. What should be a time of peace, joy, and giving can become a time of hurrying, rushing, and worrying. It’s important to find a way to balance holiday stress so you can enjoy the true pleasures of the season. Know your “enemy.” Identify what causes you stress and find ways around it. For example, some people find stores too crowded in December. If you need to shop, try shopping online from the comfort of your home, or order by phone or mail. Take a half-day off work to shop when stores are less busy. Give homemade gifts or ones that don’t need to be bought or wrapped (such as a promise to take someone to the theatre, or a night of babysitting.) Get enough sleep. Give yourself the gift of a good night’s rest. Get your shopping, wrapping, and planning done in time for a full seven to eight hours of sleep each night, and more during periods of extra stress. Eat your veggies. During stressful times, your immune system could use an extra boost of nutrition. Keep fresh or canned veggies on hand to supplement your meals or fill in the gaps as snacks. For further information, see “Savour the flavours of the season - without overdoing it!” Avoid using caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco as a prop to help you keep going. If you find you can’t keep up with your schedule, it may mean you need to reevaluate and reduce some of your commitments.
Don’t overbook. It is all right to say “no” now and again! You have the option of politely declining invitations or rescheduling a few events if need be. Save your strength and holiday spirit for the activities that really matter to you. Give yourself a break. Many of us get so caught up in giving and sharing with others that we forget to take care of ourselves. Slot in some relaxation time - you deserve it! This is one appointment you really shouldn’t decline.
Active living for the holidays
L
et it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow? Whether you’re a fan of the white stuff or not, it’ll be hard for many of us to avoid the snow this winter. Rather than hibernating until spring, embrace the fun, festive, seasonal spirit and take part in some winter fitness. You could gather your family and friends and make winter fitness a group thing. Or you could head out into the snow with only yourself and a playful, adventurous attitude. Either way, find a place for fitness in your holiday schedule. Physical activity can help relieve stress and burn off some of those holiday indulgences. It doesn’t have to take a lot of time, or even be particularly strenuous. Evidence shows that even low-intensity exercise has health benefits. Keep in mind that while physical activity offers a range of health rewards, everyone should proceed at their own pace. If you have been habitually physically inactive, start slowly and
gradually add on daily to the amount of exercise you do. If you have health concerns, speak to your health professional about the level or type of activity that is right for you. For extra information on physical fitness, read “Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living” at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca. Try the following activities. Winter has much to offer - get out there and enjoy the season! Strap on those skates. Whether you’re skating on a rink, a lake, or canal, make the most of the outdoor skating season. It’s part of the Canadian winter landscape! If you do skate on lakes, canals, or other natural bodies of water, remember that ice can be unpredictable and that you should always check with local authorities in advance about the safety of the ice you’d like to skate on. Hit the slopes. Snowboarding, downhill skiing, tobogganing... slopes of varying grades provide hours of fun. Ski hills offer ski and snowboard lessons for everyone from beginner level onwards, so the whole family can get involved. And an afternoon of tobogganing can get the heart pumping and the laughter roaring. What better way to top off the holidays? Ski cross-country. Whether you live in an urban or rural setting, Canada has a wealth of nearby parks and trails just waiting to be explored. Before you venture out, familiarize yourself with appropriate safety precautions. Contact your local cross-country ski organization for more details. Walk in a winter wonderland. Or, better yet, put on the snowshoes. “Snowshoeing in a winter wonderland” doesn’t have the same ring, but it may be just the way to slow down the holiday pace and appreciate the beauty that the season has to offer - and get some good exercise too!
Chocolate Holiday Apricots
INGREDIENTS
RECIPE
12 hazelnuts
Preheat oven to 350˚F. Spread hazelnuts on a jelly roll pan and toast in oven for approximately 10 minutes or until lightly golden. When the hazelnuts have cooled slightly, rub lightly between paper toweling to remove their skins; discard skins. Place apricots on prepared baking sheet. Gently loosen open edge, insert a hazelnut or pistachio in center of each apricot. Press edges together to seal. Keep hazelnut and pistachio stuffed apricots separate. Place 3 squares semi-sweet chocolate in a small microwave safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Stir in remaining semi-sweet chocolate until well blended until smooth. Using a fork, spear a hazelnut stuffed apricot; dip into melted semi-sweet chocolate, turning to coat completely; shake off excess chocolate by tapping fork on the edge of the bowl. Return coated apricot to baking sheet. Repeat with remaining hazelnut-stuffed apricots. Set aside remaining semi-sweet chocolate. Repeat steps 4 and 5, substituting the white chocolate and the pistachio stuffed apricots. Refrigerate coated apricots 3 hours or until the chocolate is firm. Microwave remaining semi-sweet chocolate on medium for 30 seconds or until drizzling consistency. Drizzle over white chocolate coated apricots. Refrigerate on baking sheets until harden. Repeat with reserved white chocolate; drizzle over semi-sweet coated apricots. Refrigerate on baking sheets until hardened. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week.
24 dried whole apricots 12 pistachio nuts, shelled 4 squares (1 ounce) chocolate, chopped 4 squares (1 ounce) chocolate, chopped
semi-sweet white baking
SERVING SUGGESTION SERVING SIZE:
Medical Disclaimer
1 apricot
The information provided is for Canadian residents only. The contents are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical advice, treatment and diagnosis. The information is meant to educate you on health related issues. Always discuss the information with your Physician or other qualified health care professional ("Physician") before acting on it. Never disregard or delay acting on any advice given to you by your Physician because of something you have read on this site. Always seek the advice of a Physician regarding any questions you have about your medical symptom(s), condition(s) and treatment(s).
NUMBER OF SERVINGS: 24 apricots
NUTRITION FACTS Calories Total Fat Sodium Total Carbohydrates Fiber Protein
68 4g 1 mg 8g 1g 1g
W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | F I R E WATCH 41
3888 Recent happenings
Damien Walsh, Ernie Thorne, Doug Erwin, Ed Kennedy, John Maclachlan and Janos Csepreghi pose with Hon. Kathleen Wynne at the OPFFA Legislative Conference Reception at Queen’s Park on Tuesday November 23rd..
Local 3888 member, Samantha Hoffman, accepts an award at the 6th Annual Muslims of Toronto Appreciation Dinner, held at the Ajax Convention Centre on October 3rd. Local 3888 members Michael Neely 315B, Al Harris 225D and Paul Breeze 245B present Kevin Bell, Camp Director of the Haliburton Scout Reserve, with a stokes basket (retired from the TFS). The new Local 3888 Executive Board is sworn in by OPFFA District #1 V.P., Ernie Thorne, at the November General Membership meeting on November 25th. 42
Josh Kramer and his team participated in the F.A.C.E. Hockey tournament in Burlington. All money went to research and treatment of FF cancer.
Local 3888 members were invited to host a water station at the Toronto Women’s 5k and 10k race. The women’s race series raised over $45,000.00 for POGO this season.
Toronto Fire Fighter, Jonathon Robinson, speaking at the “Steam Whistle Brewery Trivia Night Benefit for Dexter Spencer”.
Local 3888 members join the TFS Pipes & Drums Band outside of the East York Civic Centre following the Remembrance Day Parade. W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | F I R E WATCH 43
2011 Operations Shift Calendar Calendar 2011 M
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JANUARY W T F
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
M
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4 11 18 25
7 14 21 28
S 1 8 15 22 29
S 2 9 16 23 30
5 12 19 26
APRIL T F 1 6 7 8 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 29
S 2 9 16 23 30
S 3 10 17 24
M
T
W
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
JULY T F 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29
S 2 9 16 23 30
S 3 10 17 24 31
M
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OCTOBER W T F
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
W
6 13 20 27
RED: A WORKING
7 14 21 28
S 1 8 15 22 29
S 2 9 16 23 30
T 1 8 15 22
FEBRUARY W T F 2 3 4 9 10 11 16 17 18 23 24 25
S 5 12 19 26
S 6 13 20 27
M
T
W
MAY T F
S
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
M 1 8 15 22 29
M 7 14 21 28
M 7 14 21 28
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
S 1 8 15 22 29
T 2 9 16 23 30
AUGUST W T F 3 4 5 10 11 12 17 18 19 24 25 26 31
S 6 13 20 27
S 7 14 21 28
T 1 8 15 22 29
NOVEMBER W T F 2 3 4 9 10 11 16 17 18 23 24 25 30
GREY: B WORKING
5 12 19 26
S 5 12 19 26
S 6 13 20 27
BLUE: C WORKING
M
MARCH W T F 2 3 4 9 10 11 16 17 18 23 24 25 30 31
S 5 12 19 26
S 6 13 20 27
JUNE T 2 9 16 23 30
S 4 11 18 25
S 5 12 19 26
SEPTEMBER W T F S 1 2 3 6 7 8 9 10 13 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 27 28 29 30
S 4 11 18 25
7 14 21 28
T 1 8 15 22 29
M
T
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
M 5 12 19 26
W 1 8 15 22 29
F 3 10 17 24
T
M
T
5 12 19 26 2
6 13 20 27 3
DECEMBER W T F 1 2 7 8 9 14 15 16 21 22 23 28 29 30 4 5 6
S 3 10 17 24 31 7
S 4 11 18 25 1 8
YELLOW: D WORKING
Lieu Day Picks: 1.__________ 2.__________ 3. __________ 4.__________ 5.__________ 6.__________
holidays
Jan 1 New Year’s Day Apr 25 Easter Monday Nov 11 Remembrance Day Feb 14 Valentine’s Day May 23 Victoria Day Dec 24 Christmas Eve Vaction Picks: 1.__________ 2.__________ 3.___________ 4.__________ 5.__________ 6.__________ Feb 21 Family Day July 1 Canada Day Dec 25 Christmas Mar 17 St. Patrick’s Day Aug 1 Civic Holiday Dec 26 Boxing Day - nine (9) years of service – four (4) weeks vacation; Mar Break Sep 5 Labour Day Dec 31 New Year’s Eve - seventeen (17)14th years–18th of service School – five (5) weeks vacation; Apr (22) 22 years Good Friday Oct 10 Thanksgiving Dayin the twenty-fifth - twenty-two of service – six (6) weeks vacation; and one extra week - taken (25)Statutory year only; and one *Contractual Holidays extra week taken inEaster the thirty-fifth (35) year only (employees have received an extra week*atContractual 25 years under a predecessor Statuary Holidays Apr– 24 Sunday Oct 31 who Halloween collective agreement or 30 years under the Local 3888 collective agreement are not entitled to receive another under this provision until 35 years of service).
44
lieu days:
1 ________
2 ________
3 ________
4 ________
5 ________
6 ________
TORONTO FIRE SERVICES PEER SUPPORT NEWSLETTER
Message from the Editor‌ H
as there ever been a time in your life when you were in a rut, experienced a bad call and felt like you were the only one who felt uneasy or despondent, and had no one to turn to and talk with, or no support system to help you through the rough time(s)? One of the main goals of your Peer Support and Critical Incident Stress (CIS) Team is to help you through those rough times, be it through the guidance or assistance of a peer or professional, so as not to walk the road alone but to provide hope and to get you back to your norm. Your TFS Peer Support and Response Team was founded on
WINTER EDITION 2010
that very premise, having no one to turn to who would understand, relate and have empathy, having succumb to issues with alcohol. Even today, your team members have been through personal ordeals and/or would like to help you and continue to help themselves by giving of their experience(s) and dedicating their time to those in need. Below is an article, rather a personal synopsis from a member, who with two years, is fairly new to the team and has not only been able to assist others on their journey but has developed personal growth as well. Many of you have called upon the TFS Peer Support Team for one reason or another, some of you never and hopefully if there ever does come a time in your life when you are struggling to cope, that you will reach out to someone, be it a family member, chaplain, spouse, friend or peer – to help get you back on your feet again. Be well, Lynn Pezzelato
2011 CONTACT LIST CIS/EAP TEAM
416-338-9327 dmorley@toronto.ca
David Morley - Manager
South (Station 331/B) 416-338-9331
John Drimmie - Manager
East (Station 223/C) 416-338-9223
johndrimmie@torontofirefighters.org
905-903-2574 (cell)
Lynn Pezzelato
PD&T (North) 416-338-9109
lpezzela@toronto.ca
647-409-3135 (cell)
East (Station 233/D) 416-338-9233
cstather@toronto.ca
647-409-2633 (cell)
Kevin Scragg
South (Station 331/D) 416-338-9331
kscragg@mac.com
647-405-2562 (cell)
Gordon Thomson
PD&T (North) 416-338-8796
gthomso@toronto.ca
416-262-6933 (cell)
Heather Forbes
West (Station 433/D) 416-338-9433
hfforbes@hotmail.com
416-436-7295 (cell)
Samantha Hoffmann
North (Station 121) 416-338-9188
shoffman@toronto.ca
Hugh Donnelly
Chaplain Co-ordinator, EAST Command
905-898-7893 (H) 416-550-1854 (c) 416-540-2859 (work cell) 416-450-8372 (cell)
Todd Riley
Chaplain, WEST Command
tsriley@primus.ca
David King
Chaplain, NORTH Command
rural.personnel@bayofquinteconference.c a sulkingcot@cogeco.ca
Barry Parker
Chaplain, SOUTH Command
bparker@stpaulsbloor.org
Cary Stather - Mentor
CIS/EAP PHONE
416-338-9327
Communications
416-338-9001
416-723-8374 (cell)
chrishoffmann1965@hotmail.com
hughdonnelly@rogers.com
416-318-9167 (cell) 416-236-8801 (w) 416-723-8375 (cell)
416-271-7540 (cell) 416-961-8116 x224 (w)
Last Updated: Dec 10 - 2010
45
1
Toronto Fire Services Peer Support And Critical Incident Stress Team By John Drimmie, Toronto Fire Fighter and EAP/CIS Team Manager
I
n this issue I thought I would give you some insight into how your Peer Support team works and what you can expect if you ever need to call us. The Peer Support and Critical Incident Stress team responds to a number of calls each month. The team consists of 10 volunteers from across the Toronto Fire Services as well as the four Chaplains, one for each command. Each member carries the lead phone on a monthly basis and is scheduled as Team Leader, while another member carries our second phone and 4 pagers are disbursed. We are operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and it is our intention through this coverage not to miss a call or a page. As a result of technical issues, this unfortunately has happened; however, through contact with Communications, tracking CAD calls and tuning into the news, we strive on a continuous basis to improve our response. What can you expect from us when you call ? We receive anywhere from 5-25 calls a month. There are two different calls we can receive, one is a call from a member who is looking for confidential help or assistance for any number of problems. We have dealt with marital issues, legal issues both civil and criminal, anger management, depression and substance abuse. We are not therapists or counsellors, we are your peers who are available to help you when you’re not sure what to do or where to turn, we have a large referral list that we have built up over the
46
2
years, many times it is a simple case of giving out a phone number, other times, it’s meeting for a coffee to discuss issues. The other side of our team deals with critical incident stress. Every day Toronto Fire responds to incidents that may require the critical incident stress team to be notified and respond. SOG G- CRIS outlines when the team will be notified and respond. Once we are notified we contact the Captain of the vehicle and assess the condition of the entire crew. Depending on the severity of the call we could deploy our team out to the hall or scene immediately or we would schedule a visit the next shift. The team tries to visit every hall that has had a significant call or incident. These are not a defusing, they are visits to say hello, provide some education and leave some brief and helpful information on critical incident stress. Many times the chaplain in that command will come along for the visit to meet the crew or follow-up on our visits. Please remember that all team members are volunteers who try to keep current on issues and education to do our best to support you and your family. In closing, please do not hesitate to call us, even to provide your feedback, we keep everything confidential. If anyone is interested in joining our team please contact one of the team members.
TORONTO FIRE SERVICES EAP/CIS NEWSLETTER - WINTER EDITION 2010
2011 UPCOMING EVENTS LOCATION
January 26, Wednesday Day meetingy (1000 Hrs)
3888 General Union Meeting
RCL Br. 527 948 Sheppard Ave. W
January 27, Thursday Night meeting (1900 Hrs)
3888 General Union Meeting
RCL Br. 527 948 Sheppard Ave. W
February 7 - 10, 2011
OPFFA H&S Conference
Toronto, Ontario
February 24, Thursday Night Only (1900 hrs)
3888 General Union Meeting
RCL Br. 527 948 Sheppard Ave. W.
February 22 to 25, 2011
SOFFHL Tournament
Etobicoke, Ontario
March 18, Friday
FF Ball
Toronto, Ontario
March 29, Tuesday Night meeting (1900
3888 General Union Meeting
RCL Br. 527 948 Sheppard Ave. W.
March 30, Wednesday Day meeting (1000 Hrs)
3888 General Union Meeting
RCL Br. 527 948 Sheppard Ave. W.
TORONTO FIREPAC POLITICAL ACTION WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE US STRONGER
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CANADIAN CORPS HEADQUARTERS............................... 14 CITY SAVINGS FINANCIAL SERVICES CREDIT UNION...IFC
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C
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(416) 466-1167 ext 356
W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | F I R E WATCH 47
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EVENT
*DATES AND TIMES
MARCH
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