How to Get FULLY INVOLVED! Toronto Fire Services Department Funerals
over many years of experience from doing this job. A department funeral is our way of letting them see into a part of our world and understand the significance of their loved ones’ service and sacrifice. Ken: Are the protocols related to the military or other groups? Dan: Well, primarily all of our drill and funeral protocol is based off the Canadian Forces drill manual. Naturally, there are certain things that don’t translate perfectly, so we had to come up with a few alterations to make it fit. The more fire service specific protocols come from standard IAFF funeral protocol. In recent years, we have also worked with other departments throughout the province to begin standardizing our protocols, so we can support each other when needed.
BY KEN DE JONG, TORONTO FIRE CAPTAIN, STATION 445-A
Interview with Firefighter Dan Bellamy, Station 423-C, Commander of the Honour Guard
INTRODUCTION
This is a series of Q&A articles on Toronto Fire related organizations that can get you more involved in the firefighting community. Some of the best people on the job give back to the fire service and their community in meaningful ways. If you find this organization interesting, consider reaching out to them for more information.
Ken: For those that have not attended a department funeral, what happens (that’s different from a civilian funeral) and what is its history? Dan: The primary focus in most civilian funerals is to commemorate and memorialize a person’s life, qualities, and relationships. Fire department funerals are done for very much the same reasons but done in the context of the life lived as a member of the fire service. It isn’t uncommon for the families of our fallen members to have a separate family service, in addition or in conjunction with the service we provide. In many ways, our family and friends outside of the fire service may never have a full understanding of the culture and bond that forms 16
Ken: What is the difference between a LODD (Line of Duty Death) funeral and a non-LODD funeral for a Firefighter? Dan: There are a few critical details that are different. To preface this, these differences are not done in any way to diminish or take away from active member funerals. When viewing these differences, it’s important to remember that a LODD funeral partially recognizes that the passing of the member was directly caused due to their service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and therefore has additional respects and protocol that are necessary. From the perspective of a member attending a department funeral, the main difference a member will notice is the shrouding of the cap badge. Black bands are worn only at LODD funerals to indicate the entire fire service is in mourning and recognizes the ultimate price was paid by one of its own in the course of their duties. As far as what a member may observe at a funeral, some of the differences will include the use of the Canadian flag to drape the casket, symbolizing the nation’s recognition of the fallen’s sacrifice, the use of a large Canadian flag hung from an aerial, and the inclusion of the Bell Ceremony. The Local 3888 Ceremonial and Bereavement Committee did a really great job showing which differences are required, depending on the classification of funeral. This can be found in the SOG: P-FUNE in the personnel section.
