How To Get Fully Involved - Toronto Fire Fighters War Veterans’ Association Colour Guard

(Interview with Captain (Retired) & Colour Guard Commander Brian Bertram)

BY KEN DE JONG, TORONTO FIRE CAPTAIN, STATION 345-A

INTRODUCTION

This is a series of Q&A articles on Toronto Fire related organizations that can get you more involved in the fi refi ghting community. Some of the best people on the job give back to the fi re service in fun and exciting ways. If you fi nd this organization interesting, consider reaching out to them for more information. In keeping with this edition’s theme of “Old School”, we are highlighting the Toronto Fire Fighters War Veterans’ Association Colour Guard. KEN: What does your organization do, and what is its history? BRIAN: The Colour Guard attends the TFFWV Association annual agenda of functions and pays tribute to its fallen members at funerals and remembrance ceremonies, in either a static display of colours, or in parade/marching fashion. When requested by Toronto Fire Services, City Protocol, or the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, the Guard attends functions (such as recruit graduations) and it also marches in various local and international parades. The Toronto Fire Fighters War Veterans’ Association began in 1935, when eight WWI veterans met at The Prisoner of War Club at Shuter & Mutual. The organization originally promoted the welfare of Toronto Fire Fighter ex-servicemen and provided a social outlet for them and their families. As the suburbs grew after WWII, the organization expanded to welcome fi re fi ghter veterans from neighbouring fi re departments, and ultimately recruited non-veteran fi re fi ghters as Associate Members. Subsequently, the TFFWVA formed our Colour Guard in the early 1950s and began formally marching to display the TFFWV Association Colour (our fl ag) with two ceremonial rifl emen to “guard” it. Depending on the event, the Guard also carries an impressive display of international, national, provincial, military, and other colours.

KEN: What is the basis of your activities (the marching), etc? That is, is it based on military protocols? BRIAN: Depending on the occasion, location, and number of participating members, Guard members march in prescribed formation and carry each colour adhering to conventional protocols.

KEN: How do you recruit members? BRIAN: Word of mouth or interest arising from observing our performance at a function is the typical way we attract new members. Anyone interested can contact Brian Bertram or visit torontofi refi ghters. org > Members Groups > Toronto Firefi ghters War Veterans’ Assoc for further information. We encourage active and retired members who enjoy the physical aspect of marching, understand the volunteer aspect of the organization, and respect the discipline associated with wearing our uniform and carrying our colours.

KEN: What is the commitment for a member? BRIAN: Other than several annual parades and events, such as two Remembrance Day parades and services, our schedule varies depending on current events. Therefore, requests for our participation come with varying degrees of notice. We acknowledge the nature of volunteerism requires a balance of commitment and fl exibility, and it is particularly true for our group. The duration of a function ranges from less than an hour to the better part of a day. All details of each event are explained in the email “call-out” sent from the Commander. While we cannot always enjoy the full participation of everyone, most dedicated members turn out and show their support year after year. KEN: How hard is it to learn and get good at the skills for your organization? BRIAN: Learning to march, maneuvering in parade formation - while carrying a fl ag is fairly simple to our members. Keeping the pace in a parade is easy with musical accompaniment, especially if we’re marching with the Toronto Fire Services Pipes & Drums. KEN: Where and when do you meet for practices and events? BRIAN: There are a few standard fl ag-bearing and marching sequences that can easily be memorized after an initial demonstration and practice. Most functions require on-thespot adaptation according to the location or venue, so the Commander conducts a mini-rehearsal prior to each event and calls out the marching orders (directions). KEN: Are there any costs that are the responsibility of the members? BRIAN: A full dress uniform is provided for each member. Transportation to and from events is generally arranged by individuals with car-pooling. The only cost is a $25 annual membership fee. KEN: What is your most epic event that you’ve done or

you’ve been at? BRIAN: Each opportunity to parade and display our colours in a public setting is enjoyable. We have done many interesting events over the years. The annual Pearl Harbour Remembrance Service in Buffalo, NY is held at the impressive Naval Museum, and our presence and participation is genuinely appreciated. Marching onto centre fi eld at Rogers Centre for game opening for the Blue Jays was a “hit”. KEN: Have you met anyone famous or done any other special events? BRIAN: Dignitaries, politicians and celebrities typically attend the parades and public functions we are invited to attend. We appreciate the positive comments and compliments we receive from time to time.

KEN: What would you say to someone out there thinking of joining the Colour Guard? BRIAN: Our purpose in all we do is to refl ect the pride and respect for the Fire Service and pay homage to our fallen brothers and sisters. We are actively recruiting new members whose lifestyle has the fl exibility and whose passion for our cause stirs a genuine interest in marching, carrying our glorious colours, and joining our fi ne group. We welcome your interest and participation.

CONTACT INFORMATION Captain Brian Bertram, retired Cell: (416) 473-4506 Email: brianbertram@sympatico.ca