How to get Fully Involved! Toronto Fire Services Department Funerals

by Toronto Professional Fire Fighters' Association

Fire Hall Cookbook

How to Get FULLY INVOLVED!

Toronto Fire Services Department Funerals

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 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.

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.

Ken: How did you get involved in this “job”? Dan: I grew up doing drill as a kid in the cadet program. When I aged out of that program around 18, I wanted to stay involved and give back to the program, so I returned as staff after college. At the same time, I began my life in the fire service. Shortly after joining the fire service, the department I was with unfortunately needed to put on a department funeral for one of its members. There was a gap in knowledge on how to conduct the funeral, so I was kind of thrown into a leadership role and had to figure things out. The funeral service went very well and as it is a bit of a niche thing to specialize in, five years down the road, I had been involved in putting on six or seven more. I wanted to try to do justice for some of these smaller department funerals that I was helping with, so I started attending larger LODD funerals in the province when I could (the first LODD funeral I ever attended was a Toronto funeral). Once I joined TFS, I wanted to get more involved with the job and there was a call-out for members interested in joining the newly founded Toronto Fire Honour Guard. I had already made some introductions from other TFS funerals with some of the key members involved (Mike Ogle & Andrew Berg) and was asked if I would help with teaching drill. This eventually led to taking up the role of Commander when the time came. Generally, I think we all understand how important it is that our department funerals are well executed, for both our fallen member’s family, as well as our own members. The Honour Guard allowed me to be in a position where I can apply my experience to help make that happen.

Ken: When you are leading such an event, what are your pet peeves (if any)? Dan: One of the big things is a lack of preparedness. I know none of us like to think about the possibility of a brother or a sister passing away, but it is a reality that does happen, and we have an obligation to one another to ensure a life well lived and service given is honoured. There are specialty units (War Veterans Colour Guard, Pipes and Drums Band and Honour Guard) that specialize in the finer points of drill and ceremonial protocol, but all members are issued a uniform. Every so often, ensure your uniform is in good repair and fits properly. As far as drill is concerned, it’s not something we have the expectation of doing everyday but the position of attention, at ease, and saluting are a good minimum for all members to know. If you are not 100% on those, feel free to reach out to department members to help you brush up on them. When the family passes through the saluting line at a funeral, it is their loved one’s last official act as a member of the department. We owe it to them to ensure it is done to the best of our abilities.

Ken: There has been low attendance at some of the funerals. Other than Covid-19 concerns, why do you think this is? Dan: My personal belief is that there is a cultural aspect to it in the department. I’m sure most of us can remember being told, within a day or two of getting hired, “you won the lottery.” I always felt that was an odd way to say it. Yes, it is very hard to get hired and yes, this job is one of the best rewards one can ever get in life, but I know if I ever win big on the lottery, I’m probably going to stop playing. If we take the time to explain that, although rewarding, this career comes with obligations; obligations such as looking after one another and our families in our times of hardship and loss, I think we gain a better understanding of why department funerals are so important. I also think that some members may not know what to do at a funeral, which causes them not to attend. Our goal has been to make these events as approachable as possible, by teaching

our new members coming on, basic ceremonial events, being available to current members to assist them in refreshing their knowledge, and hopefully, in the future, establishing online resources for members to look at for themselves, so they don’t ever feel out of place at these events. Ken: What are your feelings about the members attending funerals in larger numbers? Dan: I think it would be fantastic. I would love it if, when the family of our fallen member ever questions why their loved one is gone, especially if it was their service that led to that loss, they can look out on a sea of brother and sister firefighters that expresses how important that service was and how much that means to all of us. I would love for them to see hundreds of us at the funeral and know that they are forever a part of this community and they are never alone. Ken: When TFS firefighters travel to other cities for LODD funerals, how do you get involved and what are the usual details of the event and trip? Dan: Once restrictions are lifted on travel and occupancy, the normal route is for 3888 Ceremonial and Bereavement Committee staff to put out a notice communicating travel and accommodation arrangements. This may not always happen, as there are sometimes restrictions requested by family or the host department, and sometimes the funeral falls outside of our geographical area for providing accommodations. The majority of funerals we attend will be posted through union notices and/or FCC’s. Ken: Any final thoughts? Dan: Just that if anyone is looking to become more involved in funeral or other ceremonial events, feel free to reach out and join one of the three ceremonial units. Also, if there are ever any questions on drill or ceremonial protocol feel free to contact the Honour Guard.