Fire Watch (Spring 2007)

Update from your Executive Board VOLUME 3

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ISSUE 1 | SPRING 2007

Spotlight on the Mechanical Division Where do you fit?

Local 3888 Demographics

Annual Physical What you need to know

Publications Agreement No: 41203011

Publications Agreement No: 41203011

FIREHALL SHOWCASE: Fire Station 114

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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TORONTO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION

VOLUME 3

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ISSUE 1

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SPRING 2007

IN THIS ISSUE 34

32

5.

President’s Message

9.

Secretary Treasurer’s Message

13. Vice President’s Message 17. Chaplain’s Corner 18. Letters to the Editor

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20. Local 3888 Demographics & TFS Statistics 25. Mandatory Retirement 26. Fire Fighter Survival and Rescue 29. From the Lawyer 32. Firehall Showcase – Station 114 34. Annual Physical

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49

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 FIRE WATCH is published quarterly by Xentel DM Incorporated on behalf of the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association CHIEF EDITOR Scott Marks MANAGING EDITORS Frank Ramagnano & James Coones Tel.: 416.466.1167 Fax: 416.466.6632 E-mail: firewatch@torontofirefighters.org ASSISTANT EDITORS Rayanne Dubkov, Marla Friebe, Rodney Johnston, Seonaid Lennox, Neil McKinnon ASSISTANT COPY EDITORS Alyssa Petrillo & Marcel Ramagnano DESIGN AND ART DIRECTION Xentel DM Incorporated CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL Agreement No: 41203011 PRINTED IN CANADA Copyright © 2007 Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association ADVERTISING: Naderia Bookram Tel.: 416.646.3128 Fax: 416.646.3135 Email: naderiab@xentel.com

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36. Fire Fighter Museums 39. Fit to Survive – Growing Threat: MRSA (Staph) Infections on the Rise 41. Line of Duty Death Profiles 43. Update from Your Executive Board 47. Collective Agreement Review 49. The 411 on Call Taking 50. Spotlight on the Mechanical Division 52. Making a Will 54. Workplace Privacy 56. 3888 Recent Happenings 59. Local 3888 Staff Profile – Bill Radcliffe 61. Upcoming Events 62. Ad Index/Classifieds

On The Cover Photo by Keith Hamilton

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, 33 products and services does not indicate endorsement of same by the TPFFA, and the TPFFA assumes no responsibility for their accuracy.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE HEAR NO EVIL

W

hat is the role of your Executive Board? Is to represent you in negotiations, labour and disciplinary issues? Is it to educate and make you aware of your rights and responsibilities as an employee under our contract?

The answer is simply, both.

While few would argue that the first role outlined above is a duty, it seems some take issue with the second role of educating and making members aware of their rights and responsibilities.

The last issue of Fire Watch seemed to set off that debate due to the interview with the Fire Chief. The recent switch to the traditional helmets seemed to bother others.

I think very few would take issue with the association outlining what your rights are under the collective agreement. We do this frequently; telling members what their entitlements are under benefits and keeping them abreast of changes to ensure they receive their negotiated benefits. However, a contract is between two parties and therefore, as much as each employee has the right to expect what they are entitled to under that contract, the same holds true for the employer. The employer has an expectation and right to demand that the employee will live up to their requirements and responsibilities under the collective agreement as well.

While it is not the role of the association to police or make sure that employees are providing this to the employer, it certainly is the association’s duty to make sure the members understand the terms of the collective agreement and how those terms are being interpreted and applied by arbitrators in labour proceedings.

The simple reason for making sure our members understand and adhere to the collective agreement is to protect

them. No one wants to be facing disciplinary proceedings due to some action they did or did not do, because they were not aware it was against the collective agreement. The best protection against this is to have members that are educated in the contract who do not put themselves in a position of liability in the first place.

We enter into agreements with the city and we would not ignore it if the city did not live up to their end of an agreement. By the same token we can hardly expect not to live up to our end of an agreement. The recent debate over keeping your old fire helmet was one such instance.

We entered into talks with the department because our members wanted

[

Scott Marks

cannot give equipment to our members. Taking a donation in lieu of the helmet would have constituted a purchase of the helmet and the city has strict protocols for that. Donating the helmets was something the Chief was allowed to do. Many of our members felt that they were somehow being wronged by not being allowed to keep their old helmets.

In my view, a small group of members did not want to live up to our end of the agreement and that is simply not acceptable if we are to retain our credibility. The Fire Chief informed us that some had reported their helmets stolen and that these would be reported to

THE SIMPLE REASON FOR MAKING SURE OUR MEMBERS UNDERSTAND AND ADHERE TO THE COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT IS TO PROTECT THEM. NO ONE WANTS TO BE FACING DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS DUE TO SOME ACTION THEY DID OR DID NOT DO, BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT AWARE IT WAS AGAINST THE COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT.

the traditional helmets and saw it as a morale booster. We agreed to utilize our clothing points to offset the initial start up costs. The points used were discounted by the value to the city of having all new helmets. In the end, it was a cost neutral proposition to the department, although they would have to tender the new helmets and administer the change over.

Members then requested to keep their old helmets. The Fire Chief stated that they could not keep them and that the department was going to donate them to a third world country.

Under city policy, the Fire Chief

]

the police. Members need to know what the repercussions for their actions could be if they do not live up to an agreement. Many disagreed with me making this view known to the membership. I believe I have a duty to inform you as to your responsibilities under an agreement and the repercussions of not living up to your end. That responsibility is every bit as important as making sure the employer lives up to their end of the agreement.

The interview with the Fire Chief also raised hackles with some members. Many did not like the Fire Chief’s answer on the current status of

SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH

5

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President’s Message ... Continued from page 5

the 24-hour shift. For the last six months we have been telling members that these exact concerns were the concerns of the Fire Chief. Our stewards, as well as the mail we received, suggested members did not believe it and constantly we heard that the 24 was a “done deal”. Suddenly, it comes directly from the Fire Chief’s mouth and members act like he does not have the right to his opinion. Well he does and you have the right to yours. At the end of the day I believe we are all better off in knowing what people are thinking about an issue. It helps us coordinate our efforts to deal with those arguments and hopefully succeed in gaining support for our position.

Some members seem to prefer the “hear no evil” approach. While that

approach may make you happy and blissful in your ignorance, it hardly helps you deal with the problems we all face. Would you be happy if your child’s school teacher informed you everything was fine and dandy and then failed them at the end of the year? Hardly.

We as an Executive Board will continue to provide the education and information that members need to hear: The good, the bad and the ugly.

Rather than get defensive on an issue when someone takes an opposing point of view, we all need to listen and evaluate that point of view. We all want to win people over to our point of view.

You do that by evaluating their arguments, supplying information to counter those arguments and show why your point of view makes more sense.

Digging in your heels and saying things like, “he has no right to say that in a union magazine” are not going to change the reality of the situation.

Fire Watch magazine was not created to massage and stroke you. Its goal was to bring information to you.

Sometimes that information will be controversial and sometimes you won’t agree. Take the time and write us a letter, bring your opinions out, but in the end we will push to keep you informed, even when it is telling you the things you don’t want to hear.

Scott Marks President, Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888

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SECRETARY TREASURER’S MESSAGE

I

t would seem that our last issue of Fire Watch has stirred up debate and has had some members question what the role of the magazine is exactly.

While I did not agree with some of the comments that were made, I did respect them and I believe learned from the overall experience. It also gave me an opportunity to reflect and see if Fire Watch is meeting the goals that I, the Fire Watch Committee and the Executive Board originally set for it. The feedback was also useful in determining if the magazine was serving a purpose for the membership.

While it is difficult for me to determine that on my own, with input from the

[

shocking, edgy or controversial. Our goal is to enhance communication to the membership. We would like to see this done in an interesting and appealing style. We would like to see education as a part of the communicating process. With that in mind, there will be times that some members may not agree with the message being delivered, even if it is in fact the reality.

In preparing for each issue, we ask our various association committees for their input into articles. The grievance

WHEN WE LAUNCHED FIRE WATCH BACK IN THE FALL OF 2005 IT WAS STATED IN MY INAUGURAL ARTICLE: “I HOPE THAT WITH THIS CONTINUING PUBLICATION WE WILL BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE TO THE MEMBERSHIP THE REASONS BEHIND THE ACTIONS/NOTICES.”

Executive Board and the Stewards, I believe the question can be answered.

When we launched Fire Watch back in the fall of 2005 it was stated in my inaugural article, “I hope that with this continuing publication we will be able to communicate to the membership the reasons behind the actions/ notices. Many social and fun things also happen within our Local and we have not had a good method to deliver that sort of information.” It was also stated in our introduction to the magazine article that, “It is the committee’s goal to offer a wide variety of interesting articles and reports that cover a vast array of topics in each and every issue. It is a major milestone for this Local and one that we hope will enhance the level of communications across the entire membership.”

I believe that Fire Watch has held true to the reasons behind its development. We are not interested in being

]

committee has the best handle on trends and patterns of problems our members are facing or may face. They noted a new trend recently, that being the lack of understanding by our members surrounding sick notes. Thus they approached OUR solicitor and expert in that area for an article. The goal of the article was to educate and be proactive in preventing members from getting themselves in trouble.

Perhaps we should have included a disclaimer at the beginning of the article to express that. It is something that we will consider for similar articles in the future. I find it strange however, that members would dispute or want to argue the advice of our solicitor who routinely argues these cases and follows the decisions surrounding them.

It was this particular article, as well as the Chief’s comments in the interview article, that lead some members to nickname this issue of Fire Watch,

Frank Ramagnano

“Sick Watch.” I take some offence to that comment. The articles were done independent of each other and the editorial team did not know what the grievance committee was working on until it was completed. We established some time ago that it would be appealing to interview various people for interest articles. The Fire Chief was at the top of the list. We circulated e-mails and spoke to many members about what questions they would like to

We have had our 2005/ 2006 finances audited and it, along with the budget for 2006/2007, were approved at our general union meeting in January.

The auditor also reviewed the balance sheet for the Fire Fighters Ball and our Magic Show.

The auditor found our finances to be in order and the balance sheets reflect a true record of Local 3888 operations.

SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH

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Secretary Treasurer’s Message ... Continued from page 9

have asked. The number one response was to solicit the Chief’s comments and opinions on the 24-hour shift. I know that our President and the Executive Board have communicated with notices, union meetings and our Website on the topic. We have also used the Stewards to communicate the status of the shift. The Stewards have commented to us that when the subject is raised, quite often they hear, “Yes we know that but what is the city thinking?”

Thus the question was raised to offer the other perspective. It was not asked

to give the Chief a soap box or to threaten the membership. The Chief was told that the question is of importance to the membership and a detailed response would be appreciated. He did that and with the value we saw in it for education on the subject we printed it.

We have also heard from members that they believe that we would not print a critical or negative letter to the editor. I would like to explain and clear that up as we have not previously received such letters. We want to hear the membership’s comments and what they

like or do not like about the magazine.

After all, it IS the membership’s magazine and if you have comments or ideas you would like to share with your fellow members then please forward them. I can assure you that all will be looked at and given due consideration.

Frank Ramagnano Secretary - Treasurer, Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888

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VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE FIRE APPARATUS/PORTABLE RADIOS – UPDATE

I

n the Spring 2006 issue of Fire Watch, I reported that fleet apparatus and portable radios were a priority for me and now, one year later, it is time to update you with regards to the considerable progress that has been made.

During this past year, our Association, along with Toronto Fire Services Administration, have been working diligently and co-operatively and have begun to move this file along in the right direction. Local 3888 wanted the fleet budget to be set at $7.2 million, for the year 2007. The department requested the sum of $6.6 million, which includes the purchase of front-line apparatus and light vehicles. The City is attempting to reduce this amount to $6.1 million. The TFS was encouraged by the City to find additional savings elsewhere in their budget, including staffing. A reduction in staffing is certainly not acceptable to the Association. We began lobbying for new apparatus in 2004 and have impressed upon our Councillors that our figure of $7.2 million per year to continually update our fleet is one that we have researched and have faith in.

My participation in apparatus acquisition has taught me that there is a considerable time period between when money is allocated by Council and when we actually see additional apparatus in the fire stations. After a budget is passed, the specifications are drawn up, a tendering process takes place and finally the new vehicles must be built and delivered. This could take at least one year to complete. Thus, apparatus arriving in one calendar are likely part of the budget process of an earlier year. In any event, by the end of 2007, we should physically see the addition of twenty-five new pumpers,

five aerials, one platform, seven district chief vans and one new command vehicle. I would like to commend the TFS representatives, along with our Government Relations and Firepac Committees for taking this issue seriously and for positively and consistently supporting these additional vehicles.

Our progress in attaining new apparatus is in no small part due to a Fire Underwriters Survey that collected data from ten of the largest fire departments in Canada. They rate departments on a scale of one to ten, with one being the highest level of public fire protection and ten representing the absence of any

[

Ed Kennedy

in my earlier column, it is important to restate again that if Toronto was to regress to a rating of four, commercial and industrial insurance rates in the city could increase by up to 12-15%.

Currently, our fleet consists of one hundred and thirty-seven apparatus housed in eighty-one stations across the city. Using the Fire Underwriters recommendations, twenty-two apparatus (16% of the fleet) should only be used as spares and another twenty-two are of an age where they should be taken out

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effective public fire protection. The City of Toronto is currently rated at a three but is in peril of dropping to a four. The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal is also concerned that any reduction in staffing or vehicle strength could affect Toronto’s responsibilities under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act. The acquisition of the new trucks anticipated in 2007 should go a long way to ensuring that we do not slip and may improve our Fire Underwriters rating. Also, the Fire Underwriters recommend that frontline apparatus be no more than twelve years old and may be used after the twelve year period for another three years as spares. As noted

]

of service altogether. Of the twentyeight spare apparatus that the TFS has, only three are within the Fire Underwriters guidelines. I believe that if the City adopted our figure of $7.2 million we would achieve our goal of addressing the health and safety concerns of both the citizens of Toronto and the membership of Local 3888.

With regards to portable radios, we continue to be on target to attain our objective to have four radios on each front line apparatus by the end of 2007.

In 2006, the TFS purchased eighty-five new portable radios and by the end of this year, eighty to ninety additional radios will be put into service. This

SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 13

Age of the Current Fleet APPARATUS YEAR CAB & CHASSIS MANUFAC.

111 P 112 R 113 A 113 P 114 A/L 114 P 114 PL 115 R 121 P 122 R 123 P 125 A 125 P 131 A 131 P 132 P 133 A 133 R 134 R 135 A 135 P 141 P 142 A 142 P 143 P 143 S 145 P 146 P 211 P 212 P 213 A 213 P 214 R 215 A 215 P 222 A 222 P 223 P 224 P 224 R 225 R 226 A 226 P 227 P 231 A 231 A/L

14

2005 1997 1992 1991 1994 1994 1993 1996 2004 2002 2002 2002 1988 2002 2004 2005 1997 1996 2000 1999 2005 1997 2001 1992 1991 2004 2005 2005 1993 1997 2001 2004 2000 1990 1998 1993 1995 1994 2005 1996 2002 1999 2005 2002 2001 1999

Spartan/Seagrave Am. La France Spartan/Smeal Pierce/Lance/Superior Dependable Spartan/Nova Quintech Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Almonte Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Smeal Mack/Superior Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Seagrave Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Almonte Spartan/Almonte Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Seagrave Am La France/Almonte Spartan/Smeal Pierce/Lance/Superior Pierce/Lance/Superior Spartan/Seagrave Spartan/Seagrave Spartan/Seagrave Spartan/Thibault Freightliner/Dependable Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Almonte E-One E-One Spartan/Smeal Spartan Spartan Spartan/Seagrave Spartan/Almonte Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Seagrave Spartan/Smeal Spartan GMC

APPARATUS YEAR CAB & CHASSIS MANUFAC.

231 R 232 P 232 S 233 P 234 P 235 R 241 R 242 P 243 R 244 A 244 P 245 P 311 A 311 P 312 A 312 P 313 P 313 S 314 P 315 A 315 P 321 R 322 A 322 P 323 P 324 A 324 P 325 A 325 P 325 R 326 R 331 P 331 S 331 T 332 HR 332 P 333 A/L 333 P 333 T 334 P 335 P 335 PB 341 A 341 R 342 P 343 P

2000 1992 2004 1992 1993 1996 2002 1993 2000 1990 1993 1994 1985 2004 2004 1998 1993 1992 1998 2001 1993 2002 2001 1995 1995 2004 2002 2006 1997 2000 2000 1998 1997 2006 2005 2002 2004 1998 2006 1991 2006 1997 1995 1997 2004 2005

Spartan/Almonte Spartan Spartan/Seagrave Spartan/Superior Spartan Spartan/Almonte Spartan/Smeal Spartan Spartan/Almonte E-One Spartan Spartan Mack/Thibault Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Smeal Am La France/Fort Garry Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Almonte Am La France/Fort Garry Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Nova Quintech Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Smeal Freightliner/Fort Garry Spartan/Almonte Spartan/Almonte Am La France/Fort Garry Spartan/Almonte E-One Spartan/Dependable Spartan/Smeal Freightliner/Dependable Am La France/Fort Garry E-One Spartan Ford/Dependable E-One/E-One Teleboom E-One/Superior Volvo/Superior Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Seagrave

APPARATUS YEAR CAB & CHASSIS MANUFAC.

344 P 345 A 345 R 411 A 411 R 412 R 413 P 413 R 415 P 415 PL 421 A 421 A/L 421 R 422 P 423 A 423 R 424 P 425 R 426 A 426 P 426 R 431 P 432 P 432 PL 433 A 433 P 434 R 435 R 441 A 441 R 442 P 443 P 444 R 445 P 445 S COM 10 COM 30 Decon 145

1991 2002 2002 1994 1994 2002 1993 2002 2002 1997 2002 1999 2001 1992 2006 2000 1993 2002 2004 2005 1997 1993 1992 1988 1999 2005 1998 2000 2002 2001 2004 1993 1998 2002 2004 1994 1992 1998

HAZ 145 HAZ 332 HAZ S 234 HAZ S 442 TRS-235 Tanker 212

1989 2005 1991 1992 1987 2005

Spartan/3D Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Smeal E-One/Superior E-One/Superior Spartan/Smeal Duplex/Anderson Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Smeal E-One/Superior Spartan/Smeal GMC/Almonte Spartan/Almonte Spartan Gladiator Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Almonte Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Seagrave Freightliner/Fort Garry Duplex/Anderson Spartan Gladiator/3D E-One Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Seagrave Am La France/General Spartan/Almonte Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Almonte Spartan/Smeal Duplex/Anderson Am La France/General Spartan/Smeal Spartan/Seagrave Fleetwood 32/HFL International/Dependable Chev Step Van/PK Welding Mack/Dependable Spartan/Seagrave Ford - Box Truck Ford F. Super Duty International/Dependable Freightliner/Dependable

Vice President’s Message ... Continued from page 13

TFS New Vehicle Status as of February 27, 2007

year’s complement is still subject to budget approval, which I am confident will be forthcoming.

As you can see, things are certainly improving in the area of fleet apparatus and portable radios. The TFS administration has been helpful and many members of Council are sympathetic and supportive of our concerns. This is # of Budget Vehicles Year

10

2005

2005 5

2006 & 2007

1

2006

New Truck(s)

Pumpers

Rear Mount 105’ Aerials

Command Vehicle

due, in large measure, to our very successful political action campaign which has ensured that the city’s politicians who are elected will give us a fair hearing when we approach them with our ideas and solutions. I would therefore, encourage the membership to continue their active support for political action. It is important and it Builder Chassis/ Body

Spartan/Seagrave

Spartan/Smeal

PK Van Bodies Lt.

3/4 ton pick-up 1

2005

for Fire Hose

TBD

delivery

7

15

1

2006

2006 & 2007

2006

District Chief vans

Donway Ford

Pumpers

Spartan/Smeal

Platform Aerial

Spartan/Smeal

works to our advantage, as well as the citizens of the City of Toronto.

Ed Kennedy Vice-President, Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888

Status Awarded to Seagrave Fire. Performed a preconstruction meeting in April. All 10 Chassis have been inspected and are in various stages of being delivered to the body builder.

Finished truck delivery expected to begin mid 2007.

These trucks have all been ordered as dedicated Pumpers, no foam systems.

Awarded to Smeal Fire. The trucks were purchased as a three year contract for a total of five trucks. The five cab & chassis have been inspected and delivered to Smeal for completion.

The first pre-paint body inspections are scheduled for March 21st. Finished truck delivery expected to begin mid 2007.

The contract has been awarded, and a pre-construction meeting held to confirm details. Delivery expected a maximum 300 days following the issue of a purchase order.

Currently waiting for the chassis delivery from the builder, Morgan Olson.

The bid is still waiting with Corporate Fleet to be awarded.

This single truck purchase was added to a multiple order with Fleet.

The FIT Committee was consulted prior to writing the specification, in the interest of redesigning the “Command” portion to accommodate the ability to carry passengers. The seven vans have been delivered. The contract for the interior conversion & emergency lighting bid has been awarded and the work is in progress. Finished unit delivery is expected to begin end of March.

The contract has been awarded to Smeal Fire Apparatus. A pre-construction meeting was held Novemeber 15th. The first five chassis have been inspected, with the finished truck deliveries begining in the fall. All of these trucks will be equipped with on-board “B” Foam systems.

The bid closed October 17th with only one response. The bid from Smeal Fire has been analysed and was recommended.

The finished truck is expected no longer than 330 calendar days following issuance of a purchase order. The preconstruction meeting will be held March 22nd, however the major components are already on order.

SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 15

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16

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

By Dr. Barry Parker – South Command Chaplain

A

recent conversation with a member of the TFS highlighted the confusion about the role of a Chaplain. In trying to understand what I do, he asked me what I look for or listen for when trying to offer support and care for the members of the TFS.

I responded that I listen for character issues. Yes, we dial into spiritual things, faith is a part of who we are but it is often identified through the character of a person. Through the years I have seen people, marriages, families and jobs break down or thrive, all as a result of character issues. For example, a good crew—whether on a Pumper, in Communications or at Headquarters— is all dependent on character.

Character; who we are when no one is looking. It is the sum of my behaviours, public and private, arranged across the spectrum of my life. This is not the same as reputation—what other people think of us—nor is character the same as success or achievement.

Character is not what we have done but who we are. The evidence of character is seen in our behaviours. It is really a mosaic, a composite of who we are. We speak about character with descriptors such as courage, discipline, vision, endurance, compassion, and self-sacrifice. We also describe character in many different ways: bad, good, weak, sturdy, dark, sterling. In other words, a person of integrity is “what you see on the outside is what you see on the inside” and vice versa. Words such as authenticity and transparency are often used around the character for

the person who lives what they believe.

It is action that is aligned with how we think. Most of us want to hang around folks with healthy character.

Our understanding of character is derived from a Greek word describing a marking or engraving instrument.

This is the idea of an artist wearing a groove on a metal plate by repeatedly etching in the same place with a sharp tool. A series of little marks eventually add up to a major channel in the metal. My character is forged as a set of distinctive marks, one piled upon another, that, when taken together, show who I really am. Individually, elements of my character and the decisions I make perhaps aren’t earth shattering but add them up and who I am is what you get.

Character and behaviour are linked together but they are not the same thing. Behaviour is what I do, one action at a time. Character is the sum of all my behavioural decisions—both public and private, arranged as patterns across the entire spectrum of my life.

Any decision, thought or behaviour duplicated and replicated, forms a part of my character. Repeated decisions, thinking, and behaviours wear a series of grooves which when put together, form a portrait of my character.

Dr. Barry Parker

SOUTH COMMAND Dr. Barry Parker 227 Bloor Street East Toronto, Ontario M4W 1C8

416.961.8116 (church) bparker@stpaulsbloor.org I have control over my character because character is built over time, coming in bits and pieces, not as a complete package. Building character is a day-byday, lifetime commitment. We cannot grow character from an infomercial or a weekend seminar. That is because character is tested over time. Our culture is enamoured with leadership when it should be concerned with character.

So what does all this mean? As Chaplains, we are concerned with who you are, not what you do, or how successful you think you are or should be.

We believe that healthy character is a God-given gift. As the saying goes, ‘God don’t make no junk’ and that includes character. Your Chaplains are there to serve, dealing in the currency of character. Nothing more and certainly nothing less.

���������������� �����������������

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SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 17 �������������������������������������

 e  Le TO THE EDITOR

ARTICLES APPRECIATED

Please accept my most sincere appreciation for your most excellent and informative issue. I speak particularly to the ‘Never Shall We Forget’ article as historical events interest me to no end and the ‘Collective Agreement Review’.

Of all the reading and re-reading I’ve done of all the various documents, on and off line, booklets, pamphlets and mailings, yours regarding our benefits was the most clear, concise, comprehensive and, most of all, understandable.

As a NUG (newbie for the last three years), I’ve not quite gotten the vernacular and details committed to memory yet. That document of yours will be placed in my ‘Important Files’ along with my marriage certificate, insurance policies and the like.

Thank you so much. If only our payroll statements were as clear, accurate and up-to-date. Wishful (hopeful) thinking.

Maybe.

Brother Patrick Forbes Whitby, ON

PROPAGANDA MACHINE I enjoy reading our 3888 Fire Watch Magazine, and have found the articles very informative and uplifting. While I understand that this magazine is a tool to promote communications with the members of 3888, I do not believe it is the best venue for certain topics. I am speaking of your interview with the Fire Chief and the article ‘From the Lawyers’. Both the Fire Chief and the Union have publications for job related information and rules and regulations.

I read this magazine in my house on my spare time. It is not a job related document and I don’t want it to become one. I’m thrilled that we Firefighters have so many great people doing such great and caring things. Your magazine should continue to promote our proud history by printing informative and interesting articles about the Fire Service. While I believe that you have a responsibility to inform the members of issues that are of importance to us. I don’t

18

believe you have a mandate to use the magazine as a fear creator or a propaganda machine. Telling us what managements rights are, as they pertain to the demanding of sick notes doesn’t belong in our publication and comes across as pandering to management. Allowing the Fire Chief to express his views on the 24 hour shift was very disturbing. The Fire Chief has plenty of ways to get a message out to our members, such as his Advisories and Memos or his Bi-monthly message. I have no problem with the Chief being interviewed by F/W, as I was actually very curious to read the article. When I was finished I was very upset. The Chief could have been asked any question F/W wanted. It’s curious that you chose that one. Again you give the appearance of doing management’s bidding.

I don’t believe that the union is a puppet of management, but you can’t tell me that

there wasn’t a less provocative question that could have been asked. Unfortunately by asking that question you gave the Chief an opportunity to give an answer that came across as threatening and intimidating. I don’t want management expressing their views in our magazine, they can get their own. To paraphrase the chief “Maybe that is not what the Chief wants to hear, but it is the truth”.

I’m sure that F/W can keep its topics relevant and uplifting while at the same time being informative about our great job.

Tom Mundy

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK I would like to say congratulations to Local 3888 and Marla Friebe for the great article

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.

[

We do not accept attachments. Please paste your letter into the body of your email and use the subject line “Letter to the Editor.”

on the history of ‘The Toronto Fire Fighters War Vets Associations and Colour Guard’.

Once again on behalf off all the members and the colour guard Thank You again.

Keep up the great work. It is a really great magazine.

Warren Riddell, President TFFWVA

PIPES AND DRUMS As a Fire Captain, who retired last month, I was devastated by the tragic deaths of Captains Nichols and Lessard.

I knew both men and respected them for their dedication and sincere love for their chosen profession.

I’m sending you this message, but I’m sure I speak on behalf of all Winnipeg firefighters, active and retired, when I say Thank You, to your wonderful band for being part of the memorial service and attending to pay your respects to our Fallen Heroes.

I must tell you that my Dad played the bass drum for many years, in the Shrine

Drum and Bugle Corps. When I heard your bass drum starting the beat at the beginning of each piece, I had chills up my back and it brought back many great memories.

The members of the Toronto Fire Services Pipes and Drums are amazing ambassadors of your city. Be very proud!!

Once again, Thank You, Brent Jervis, Captain, Reg. # 865 (retired)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT I received a cheque in the mail from 3888 made payable to me. I assume that it was issued because of my wife’s illness.

I want to thank you and the members for this, and all the support and kind words my family and I have gotten during this difficult time in our life. Its nice to know that the boys at work have got my back.

Todd Coe, P222 (C)

]

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

[

]

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.

SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 19

&

Demographics

STATISTICS

Toronto Fire Services Staff Complement By Rank (As of February 2007)

Division

Fire Prevention and Public Education Communications Staff Services Information and Communication Systems Mechanical Maintenance Professional Development and Training Emergency Planning and Research Health and Safety Operations Senior Management Offices TOTAL

Firefighters

Captains

District Chiefs

Management/ Excluded Staff/ Local 79

Total

98 60 7

26 9 7

5 4 2

3 2 6

132 75 22

8 31

3 7

2 2

3 3

16 43

33

5

4

43

2,172

4 3 529

1 1 65

24 14*

5 3 2,790 14

2,376

621

87

59

3,143

Note: Based on approved positions as reflected in the approved organizational chart. *Includes Administrative Assistant at Dr. Forman’s Office 20

Apparatus

2005 Run

2006 Run

% Change

2006 Rank

Apparatus

2005 Run

2006 Run

% Change

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44

P332 P314 R325 P331 P313 P142 P312 P325 R426 R231 P315 P132 P333 P442 P114 P223 R134 R112 R133 P232 P222 P443 R421 P344 R341 R345 P146 R122 R441 P226 R413 R115 P322 P415 P141 R225 P244 P445 P433 P234 P135 P113 P143 P311

4685 4672 4337 3113 3678 3392 3486 3393 3185 3289 3247 3126 3080 3030 2790 2992 2782 2879 2943 2660 2546 2551 2747 2707 2647 2613 2518 2206 2471 2177 2539 2496 2439 2397 2542 2443 2433 2441 2140 2308 2200 2312 2438 2216

4995 4225 3943 3469 3427 3301 3274 3229 3168 3093 3070 3060 3058 3019 2996 2853 2778 2747 2713 2677 2644 2629 2619 2608 2583 2529 2483 2447 2415 2408 2399 2390 2390 2386 2329 2312 2312 2308 2303 2282 2277 2265 2230 2216

6.62% -9.57% -9.08% 11.44% -6.82% -2.68% -6.08% -4.83% -0.53% -5.96% -5.45% -2.11% -0.71% -0.36% 7.38% -4.65% -0.14% -4.58% -7.82% 0.64% 3.85% 3.06% -4.66% -3.66% -2.42% -3.21% -1.39% 10.92% -2.27% 10.61% -5.51% -4.25% -2.01% -0.46% -8.38% -5.36% -4.97% -5.45% 7.62% -1.13% 3.50% -2.03% -8.53% 0.00%

45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87

P323 P324 R235 R243 P426 R411 R423 P145 P413 P245 R224 P121 P123 P334 R435 P111 P343 P131 P233 P213 R321 P342 P431 P432 P212 P242 R326 P227 P125 R444 R241 P422 R434 R425 P424 R214 R412 P224 P215 P211 P335 V335 P346

2145 2010 2340 2072 2507 2168 2235 2096 2196 2136 2194 1932 1875 1794 1854 1974 1922 1831 1905 2010 1644 1800 1800 1724 1495 1679 1578 1412 1387 1727 1617 1431 1405 1516 1350 1223 1242 1501 1119 1032 133 72 25

2197 2181 2173 2160 2158 2134 2122 2100 2074 2046 2006 1962 1930 1899 1895 1881 1875 1868 1851 1803 1798 1711 1640 1611 1610 1609 1541 1533 1523 1518 1509 1377 1368 1354 1344 1265 1206 1182 1090 1001 141 51 31

2.42% 8.51% -7.14% 4.25% -13.92% -1.57% -5.06% 0.19% -5.56% -4.21% -8.57% 1.55% 2.93% 5.85% 2.21% -4.71% -2.45% 2.02% -2.83% -10.30% 9.37% -4.94% -8.89% -6.55% 7.69% -4.17% -2.34% 8.57% 9.81% -12.10% -6.68% -3.77% -2.63% -10.69% -0.44% 3.43% -2.90% -21.25% -2.59% -3.00% 6.02% -29.17% 24.00%

Note: Based on Information provided by TFS

2006 Rank

Pumpers/Rescue Pumpers

SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 21

Aerials/Platforms/Towers

22

% Change

2006 Rank

2398 2393 2224 2094 2062 1806 1749 1696 1687 1686 1636 1501 1469 1415 1365 1345 1321 1268 1267 1218 1153 1125 1118 1103 1051 1008 995 941 865 714 530

-8.47% 3.24% -9.67% -14.25% 5.91% -4.75% -9.05% 4.18% -1.92% 13.77% -0.30% -5.30% -21.74% 6.07% 0.07% -0.96% 2.09% -3.57% 4.02% -9.98% -7.46% -11.21% -2.70% 1.94% 3.24% -0.69% -0.70% -0.11% -3.14% -2.59% -18.96%

1

% Change

2006 Run

2620 2318 2462 2442 1947 1896 1923 1628 1720 1482 1641 1585 1877 1334 1364 1358 1294 1315 1218 1353 1246 1267 1149 1082 1018 1015 1002 942 893 733 654

2006 Run

2005 Run

A142 A325 A312 PL114 A231 A315 T331 A131 A133 A244 A222 A113 T333 A426 A213 A322 A125 A441 A421 PL415 A226 PL432 A433 A311 A345 A324 A341 A135 A423 A411 A215

2005 Run

Apparatus

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Apparatus

2006 Rank

Heavy Squads

S313

3297

3141

-4.73%

2

S331

2925

2795

-4.44%

3

S143

2487

2371

-4.66%

4

S232

2338

2052

-12.23%

5

S445

1876

1651

-11.99%

3898

3945

1.21%

2

HZ332

783

995

27.08%

3

HZ145

704

750

6.53%

4

LA421

279

265

-5.02%

5

FB334

232

250

7.76%

6

LA333

273

238 -12.82%

7

CMD30 145

162

11.72%

8

LA231

150

154

2.67%

9

LA114

136

143

5.15%

10 CMD10 128

137

7.03%

11 DE145

16

23.08%

13

% Change

HR332

2006 Run

Apparatus

1

2005 Run

2006 Rank Note: Based on Information provided by TFS

Specialty and Support

12 TRS235 N/A

5

N/A

13 HS234

6

3

-50.00%

14 HS442

3

1

-66.67%

L-3888 Average Age L-3888 Average Years of Service Average Age when starting

44.91 16.77 28.01

Average age when retiring since 1998 Average years of sevice when retiring

55.83 30.62

Operations Captain Average Age Captain Average Years of Service DC Average Age DC Average Years of Service

52.03 27.26 56.97 32.55

2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966

51 53 40 66 161 86 95 108 0 136 74 135 71 71 71 130 199 191 136 120 75 112 95 92 59 89 104 73 82 64 40 50 61 23 21 7 9 6 1 2 1

Left TFS 49 60 50 91 65 98 124 70 65

Notes: OfďŹ cer Demographics based on operations division.

Based on date as of January 1, 2007

1 2 0 2 5 2 2 7 11 10 10 2 5 4

# Of Mem.

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

Start Date

1 0 1 2 4 1 0 2 5 3 9 7 7 8 9 2 1 1

# Of District Chief per each service year

46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63

District Chief Years of Service

1 3 13 11 5 29 23 21 13 47 87 50 53 49 27 30 39 7 7 2 3 2 1 1

# Of District Chiefs each age

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39

Age of District Chiefs

1 3 8 6 9 12 19 28 49 31 39 52 50 51 41 36 26 24 12 7 7 3 4 3 2

# Of Captains per each service year

38 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64

Captain Years of Service

# Of Captains each age

# Of Members each age 1 0 4 2 5 8 7 16 41 30 41 55 72 74 69 73 98 95 103 109 125 148 145 154 148 158 149 148 167 132 111 98 96 91 62 64 48 35 26 34 8 7 7 2

Age of Captains

Age of 3888 members 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64

SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 23

2006 Year End Call Total

2006 Total Apparatus Runs Command

2005

2006

32506

32354

-0.47%

North

72175

70513

-2.36%

East

32503

31796

-2.18%

East

62875

61130

-2.85%

South

39278

42444

8.06%

South

102301

99625

-2.69%

West

32802

32227

-1.75%

West

66255

63392

-4.52%

Total

137089

138821

1.01%

Total

303606

294660

-3.04%

Operations Fire Prevention and Public Safety Communications and Operational Support Professional Development and Mechanical Support Headquarters

Salaries and BeneďŹ ts Materials and Supplies Equipment Services and Rents Contribution to Reserves Interdepartmental Charges Other

24

$270.2 $12.2 $29.5 $23.6 $3.3 338.8

306,957.50 10634.1 1290.8 6482.1 7778.4 5829 -140.40 338,831.50

District Chief Cars & Platoon Chiefs

1

C33

5342

5060 -5.28%

2

C31

4760

4197 -11.83%

3

C13

3134

3099 -1.12%

4

C14

2917

2683 -8.02%

5

C32

2665

2538 -4.77%

6

C34

2477

2468 -0.36%

7

C23

2501

2410 -3.64%

8

C41

2455

2220 -9.57%

9

C11

2376

2171 -8.63%

10 C12

2253

2094 -7.06%

11 C42

2280

2059 -9.69%

12 C22

2099

1952 -7.00%

13 C44

1795

1667 -7.13%

14 C24

1689

1546 -8.47%

15 C43

1542

1373 -10.96%

16 C21

1083

1066 -1.57%

17 C30

117

126

-7.69%

18 C40

107

104

-2.80%

19 C20

89

83

-6.74%

20 C10

71

83

16.90%

% Change

North

% Change

2006 Run

% Change

2005 Run

2006

Apparatus

2005

2006 Rank

Command

MANDATORY RETIREMENT

– Déjà vu All Over Again?

BY FRED LEBLANC – OPFFA PRESIDENT

M

any issues within the fire service have come full circle over the years and it appears that mandatory retirement will be another matter that will see history somewhat repeated.

The background respecting the law governing Mandatory Retirement in Ontario can be summed up in the following manner. On December 12, 2005 the Provincial government passed legislation that amended the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code) regarding age discrimination. Prior to this amendment, the Code prevented an employer from age discrimination between the ages of 18-65 except in those cases where a “bona fide occupational requirement” (BFOR) can be justified as determined under the Code.

The amendment to the Code eliminates the upper age limit of 65. The effect of the government’s amendment was that employers could no longer force mandatory retirement based on age 65, however, the BFOR exception was continued. The government provided a one year transition period to allow employers and employees to prepare for a new world without mandatory retirement.

On December 12, 2006 this amendment came into effect. Persons who turned 65 prior to that date could still be forced to retire and could not launch a claim of discrimination. Those who turned 65 on and after December 12, 2006 fell under the amended provisions of the Code and could not be forced to retire unless a BFOR was proven.

Ironically, while this legislation was positioned to eliminate discrimination based on age, it continues to allow for varying levels of benefits (i.e. life

insurance, health benefits) for workers surpassing age 65.

The history involving the OPFFA, our locals and mandatory retirement challenges dates back to the early 1980’s. In 1982 the Supreme Court of Canada held that the employer and association cannot ‘contract out’ of the Human Rights Code. This ruling reversed an Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) decision to uphold mandatory retirement for fire fighters as it was based solely on “impressionistic” evidence (witness testimony from members within the fire service). In 1986 the OHRC handed down another decision after reviewing multiple claims from across the province. The claimants included fire fighters, Lieutenants, Captains, Platoon Chief, and Deputy Chief. After the exhaustive and very expensive inquiry which reviewed both impressionistic and medical evidence the decision by the highly regarded Professor John McCamus determined that a BFOR was clearly established and mandatory retirement was upheld. Based on this decision, the majority of locals across Ontario negotiated mandatory retirement at age 60 in their contract.

Today, I believe some members have misinterpreted the government’s objective in eliminating mandatory retirement and have asserted their intention to stay. Many may not be aware of the landmark decision from 1986 or the existence of a BFOR. Has our job changed so significantly in the past 20 years to justify the elimination of mandatory retirement? It is my assertion that our job has become even more challenging.

The physical toll of fighting fires, expo-

sure to thousands of toxins, combined with our expanded role within emergency response has heightened our concerns towards ensuring mandatory retirement is a standard provision within each collective agreement.

For decades, the OPFFA advocated for mandatory retirement to be applied to our members, and we continue to do so today. Given the nature of our profession, the expectation to perform under demanding circumstances, and the obvious physical and mental stresses associated with our occupation makes mandatory retirement an obvious pursuit. A reliable pension to support early retirement has long been the goal of the OPFFA. Recent changes to OMERS as a result of Bill 206 are the realization of that goal.

Our legal counsel informed us that it is unlikely that a BFOR would be established for a person who would never be required to perform suppression activities. Therefore our policy was amended during our last convention to reflect the following: That as a result of health and safety risks to fire fighters and to the community any employee of the fire service who may be called upon at any time to engage in fire fighter suppression or training activities shall be required to retire at age sixty (60).

While the decision to retire is very personal the decision to establish a mandatory retirement is everything but personal. It has been based upon a solid foundation of medical evidence and an obvious concern for all members and the public. The OPFFA stands behind its policy. Unfortunately, the desire of the few is forcing us to repeat the 1986 McCamus decision at great expense to us all.

SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 25

&

FIRE FIGHTER

SURVIVAL & RESCUE &

SCBA AIR MANAGEMENT

The Fable and The Facts?

BY TORONTO FIRE FIGHTERS GEOFF BOISSEAU and JOHN MCGILL

IN A JOINT EFFORT BETWEEN THE TORONTO FIRE SERVICES AND LOCAL 3888, A 24-HOUR FIRE FIGHTER SURVIVAL, RESCUE AND RIT PROGRAM HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO TRAIN TFS FIRE FIGHTERS TO HANDLE POSSIBLE FIRE GROUND EMERGENCIES. IN THIS ISSUE, WE WILL DISCUSS SOME OF THE KEY POINTS IN MANAGING THE AIR IN YOUR SCBA. THIS IS ANOTHER KEY ELEMENT IN HELPING TO REDUCE FIRE GROUND INJURIES AND LINE OF DUTY DEATHS.

The Fable: ‘I know it is time to leave when my low air alarm activates.’

The Facts:

The air we carry on our backs has limitations. Those limitations are the same we learned as a recruit. Some of those limitations are the physical condition, emotional state, stress, familiarity and experience of the wearer.

As reported in a 2003 NFPA Report, ‘Fire Fighter Injuries in Structures’,

26

asphyxia/smoke inhalation accounted for 63% of fire fighter non-cardiac fatalities. Also asphyxia/smoke inhalation was the leading cause of severe injury.

From 1993-2002, 86 fire fighters died from asphyxia inside structures.

In response to these trends, the USFA/ FEMA National Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation developed sixteen Fire Fighter Life Safety Initiatives in March 2004 as an tattempt to reduce fire fighter Line of Duty Deaths by 25% within 5 Years and 50% within 10 Years. The Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation adopted all sixteen initiatives. (http://www.cfff.ca)

The third initiative developed states“Several areas were identified for special emphasis, including mayday and rapid intervention procedures, air management and preventing disorientation in zero visibility conditions.”

WHAT IS AIR MANAGEMENT? Many fire fighters believe that the concept of air management only applies to them once they put their facepiece on and go ‘on air’. Nothing could be further from the truth. Your individual air management starts as soon as you put your gear on the truck and do your SCBA inspection at the start of the shift. Knowing how to inspect your mask is a fundamental concept in managing your air. If you do not, or are unable to recognize when your SCBA isn’t operating properly, then your life has been put at unnecessary risk.

Once on air, fire fighters often subscribe to the concept that ‘when I get low on air, it is time to leave.’ Lets look at that philosophy for a minute. Is that really managing your air? Does a SCUBA diver wait for a low air warning to return to the surface? Is it not true that both environments are equally hazardous, whether 60 feet down underwater or 60 feet deep into toxic smoke and superheated gases? Is a thirty minute cylinder really thirty minutes? If it

took you ten minutes to get in on air and now you have been working for another ten minutes with an elevated heart rate and air consumption, do you still have ten minutes remaining in your cylinder to exit? We all know the answer but often we ignore it.

We performed an informal study to see how long a cylinder might actually last under a moderate workload. We had eleven Toronto Fire Services personnel, in full PPE and carrying a PAL PAK, walk up five stories, crawl, pull a weighted object forty feet down a hallway, pull the same object back down the hallway another forty feet, crawl again and exit down five stories on air.

Our test outcomes were as follows: Average psi per minute: 382 Average estimated total time of evolution: 3 min 54 sec Average estimated total pressure 1427 psi Average estimated cylinder duration at this workload: 11.3 min AIR MANAGEMENT AT THE INDIVIDUAL LEVEL Every rescuer has a responsibility to every person at the emergency scene to not make matters worse.

Each of us has a unique physiological build. Therefore we each have our own

individual factors that directly affect our air use. It is up to YOU as an individual to understand these factors and control them. We need to know how our air consumption is related to workload or task. Waiting for our low air bell to ring before exiting is a dangerous practice and exposes us to unnecessary risk.

AIR MANAGEMENT AT THE STRATEGIC/TACTICAL LEVEL From the strategic/tactical level, it is up to officers and incident commanders to identify and understand that air management needs are different for each incident. Tasks and work cycles need to be adjusted depending upon the incident. There is a huge difference in reasonable tasks and work cycles of a crew fighting a fire in a single storey residential dwelling versus a commercial highrise or underground garage. Both fire fighters and incident commanders need to be more conscious of exit and egress times required and how their specific tasks affect these.

So what should the goals of an Air Management program be?

2

Heighten individual awareness through increased training and knowledge in air management (SCBA inspection, emergency procedures etc.).

As retired Phoenix Fire Chief Al Brunacini stated: “Our life expectancy inside a structure fire is limited to the air we carry on our backs.�

1

Determine what is needed to maximize safety in regards to managing the SCBA air supply at all strategic levels (individual, task, tactical) and build these into the IMS system.

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SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 27

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FROM THE LAWYERS TO SPEAK OR NOT TO SPEAK: THAT IS THE QUESTION

BY SEAN McMANUS – McMANUS & HUBLER, LAWYERS

T

he question often arises as to the right of employees to exercise their free speech or to make public statements criticizing their employer. The answer may come as a surprise to many. While we have certainly moved beyond the repressive “master and servant” employment relationship, the protections for Association members to exercise free speech rights are largely confined to executive members and, for the sake of a consistent message, the president. Take the following scenario for example; The administration has decided to unilaterally institute a new policy which has potential health and safety consequences for the bargaining unit. The members are mad and individuals want to give interviews to the media. The reality is that a large contingent of the bargaining unit does not have the right to openly criticise the employer. Doing so can lead to potential disciplinary consequences. It makes little difference if a member states that his/her comments are being made as a private citizen and not as a city employee. If the comments are related to the employment relationship, then a non-executive board member can still be subject to potential discipline for public comments.

Prior to the advent of modern labour legislation, the common law (judge made) rule was that employees owed almost complete fidelity (short of breaking the law) to their employer.

The threat of immediate termination made it impossible to even consider criticizing the employer.

With the passing of progressive legislation, the rules for criticizing the employer were dramatically altered as it

relates to Association officials. While non-executive board members still owe an obligation of faithfulness and respect towards the administration, Association executive board members and officials stand equal with the employer. As a result, arbitrators, labour boards and the courts have afforded wide latitude to Association officials in their defence of the membership’s interests. As was stated by an Ontario arbitrator: If union [officials] are to have the freedom to discharge their responsibilities in an adversarial collective bargaining system, they must not be muzzled into quiet complacency by the threat of discipline at the hands of their employer.

(Re Burns Meats Ltd. and Canadian Food & Allied Workers, Loc. P139 (1980), 26 L.A.C. (2d) 379)

local and its membership and not to the personal concerns or agenda of the individual union official.

Policies and issues of concern to the Association have been given a broad and liberal interpretation by labour boards and the courts, provided that it can be connected in some fashion to the collective bargaining relationship.

In the scenario provided above, health and safety concerns would certainly fit that criteria, but again those public comments and criticisms need to be made by the Association official in

This does not mean that there are no rules in place for the president or an executive board member engaging in public criticism of the employer. When criticizing the employer or exercising free speech, Association officials will ordinarily be protected by law if three conditions are met: • they were acting in good faith; • their remarks were not malicious, reckless or patently untrue; and • their comments can be broadly linked to issues of concern to the

S P R I N G 2 0 0 7 | F I R E WATCH 29

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From The Lawyers ... Continued from page 29

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...ALTHOUGH THE PRESIDENT SHOULD HAVE APPROACHED THE CITY FOR AN EXPLANATION PRIOR TO MAKING A STATEMENT TO THE MEDIA, HE DID NOT KNOWINGLY MISSTATE THE FACTS AND WAS NOT RECKLESS REGARDING WHETHER OR NOT HIS FACTS WERE CORRECT.

his/her capacity as the Association official and not as a Toronto fire fighter.

In City of Nanaimo v. IAFF, Local 905, ((2002), 109 L.A.C. (4th) 408), the IAFF local president received a written warning after providing an interview with the city’s newspaper.

The comments were: [The] president of Local 905 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, says the union was misled by the city which proposed to address the problem of low staffing levels if the union accepted flexible schedules for the new fire fighters.

“I’m pissed off,” Greves said. “They said over and over again, once they hired these flex fire fighters, things would change”.

The city argued that these comments breached the president’s duty of fidelity because he did not inquire into the circumstances regarding the reduction in staffing prior to making the statement.

In addition, the city alleged that the statement was an accusation that the city lied to the union. The union responded that the comments were not accusations, but simply reflected how the president perceived the facts that gave rise to the issue.

The arbitrator granted the grievance.

In his decision, the arbitrator stated that, although the president should have approached the city for an explanation prior to making a statement to the media, he did not knowingly misstate the facts and was not reckless regarding whether or not his facts were correct.

As well, the part of the statement the

city considered to be an accusation that they were lying was really only the president’s mistaken assertion that the city had not kept their commitment.

The Nanaimo situation would have turned out very differently had a fire fighter (who was not on the executive) made those same public comments.

Returning to the health and safety situation, if a member is of the opinion that administration actions pose a threat to the well being of the membership, the first call is not to the media, but to an Association official. The Association official can convey these concerns to the president who can make the determination whether this is an appropriate occasion to speak to the media. In making those public statements, he does so as the president which provides him with the protection to make public statements without the threat of disciplinary action. As the above review indicates, the same can not be said for individual members who try and criticize the administration in a public setting.



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SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 31

STATION 114 Toronto Fire Fighter JON LASIUK

T

oronto Fire Station 114, located at 12 Canterbury Place, protects an area that has often been referred to as the heart of North York. As with many outlying areas of the present City of Toronto, this area was originally protected by volunteer fire fighters. The Pioneer Garage, at 4890 Yonge Street, served as the first “fire hall” in North York. A 1923 Ford Model “T” pumper was stored here, later joined by a ’26 Reo. The mechanics in the garage kept the rigs in working order, and also joined the other volunteers to fight fires when needed. With the exception of several hand reels placed throughout the township, these volunteers were the only fire protection afforded the more than 6,000 residents of North York.

By 1940, development of housing tracks and commercial businesses in this previously rural area made it clear that a full-time, professional fire fighting force was needed. A plot of land was secured by the township at 5125 Yonge Street and architect Murray Brown was commissioned to construct a new fire hall. Built in a “Colonial Revival” style, the two storey hall consisted of two apparatus bays, with a combination clock and hose tower attached to the north. On January 1st, 1942 a full-time force of five fire fighters went on duty for the first time and moved into their new quarters. Fire fighters Charlie Prowse, Charles Dawson and Frank Bennett, along with Chief Ivan Nelson and Deputy Chief William Ballantyne, became the township’s first full-time fire fighters. A small volunteer contingent would be kept in reserve for a few more years until township council could be persuaded to hire more staff.

A phone room on the first floor received and dispatched all emergency calls for both this station and the Humber Summit volunteers in the far west end of the township.

Throughout the war years, North York fire fighters found innovative ways to maintain fire protection in the face of wartime shortages. By 1943, the ’26 Reo was in desperate need of replacement. New apparatus weren’t readily available due to the war effort, so the fire fighters volunteered their off-duty hours to construct their own “new” pumper using a second-hand chassis and a used pump.

To contact apparatus while they were on the air in the far-off corners of the township, North York began to install mobile telephones in its rigs in 1949.

These were some of the first fire apparatus in all of Canada to be fitted with two-way communications.

By the 1950’s, the Yonge Street station was overcrowded. Plans were being drawn up for additional apparatus, including an aerial truck. To meet this need, a one-bay addition was constructed to the north of the original building.

This addition opened in 1952, the same

year that North York opened their second fire station, at Lawrence Avenue and Bathurst Street.

The phenomenal growth that struck North York in the post-war years saw it transformed from a group of rural communities into a vibrant urban area. Fire Hall #1 on Yonge Street remained the anchor of an ever-growing department throughout these decades. Through all this time Fire Chief Ivan M. Nelson was in charge. This would change on July 16th, 1975 when Chief Nelson passed away. He had been made chief of the volunteer department in 1935 at the age of 22—the youngest fire chief in all of Canada at the time. To commemorate the Chief’s many years of service, #1 Hall was renamed the “Ivan M. Nelson Fire Station”.

By the 1980’s, North York’s Yonge Street strip was well on its way to being transformed into the business and entertainment centre that it is today.

Developers desperately wanted the valuable land that #1 Fire Hall sat on. As the building was more than forty years old and in need of renovation, the city decided to start over—with an entirely new fire station on nearby Canterbury Place. The large plot of land allowed for a much bigger building, with much expanded living and working areas. At the same time, the Toronto Department of Ambulance Services took advantage of the opportunity to move nearby ambulance station #22 into a separate two-bay portion on the south side of the building.

August 1989 saw the official opening of this new station, staffed with a pump and aerial platform. It was the second fire hall that the North York Fire Department had opened in two months, following the opening of #16 Hall, which had become operational on June 2nd.

Today, an historical plaque sits near the site of the 1942 hall, which was demolished soon after it was abandoned. Only the original hose tower has been preserved to this day—a tribute to the early days of fire fighting in North York.

SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 33

ANNUAL PHYSICAL

BY IAN HAMILTON LOCAL 3888 HEALTH & SAFETY CHAIR

E

veryone should have an annual physical examination. Too many people remain reluctant to visit the doctor on a regular basis. Research into the medical/health check-up habits of men reveal some startling statistics, especially when compared to women: • 7,000,000 men have not visited a doctor in 10 years (National Men’s Health Foundation USA); • 230,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year (National Prostate Cancer Coalition USA); • 90% of testicular cancer cases are treatable, if caught early enough (Canadian Cancer Society).

An annual check-up is the most effective means as a first line of defence and the easiest preventative step for all diseases. As part of the Health & Wellness Program, there are many components of the physical exam process. We will focus on the blood work that is recommended for fire fighters by the IAFF and the IAFC as part of their Health and Wellness initiative. The following is the recommended procedures that our members should initiate to establish a baseline for blood work to compare throughout their careers to check for the effects of exposures.

The following are components of the blood analysis. At a minimum, laboratory services must provide these components in their automated chemistry panel (aka SMAC 20) and complete blood count (CBC) protocols.

• White blood cell count (with differential) • Red blood cell count (hematocrit) • Platelet count • Liver function tests • Triglycerides • Glucose

34

• Blood urea nitrogen • Creatinine • Sodium • Potassium • Carbon dioxide • Total protein • Albumin • Calcium • Cholesterol White Blood Cell Count • White blood cells are part of the body’s immunologic defenses. An elevated WBC count may suggest infection or inflammatory disorder. Excessive elevation or depression may also suggest malignancy. Low WBC counts may indicate collagen vascular disease, immunosuppression, or infection.

Differential • The differential gives a more specific indication of the disease process that has resulted in an abnormal WBC count. For example, excess eosinophils may indicate a parasitic infection or allergic reaction; an increase in lymphocytes may indicate a chronic inflammatory condition.

Red Blood Cell Count (Hematocrit) • Red blood cells (or hematocrit) carry oxygen to the tissues. An abnormal number or size of these cells may indicate various anemias or other diseases such as malignancies.

Platelet Count • Platelets are essential to the clotting function of the blood.

Abnormally low platelet counts may indicate malignancy, drug reaction, or an immune disorder such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Abnormally high platelet counts may indicate a pre-malignant or malignant condition, acute blood loss, or splenectomy.

Liver Function Tests • The following liver function tests are used primarily to detect and monitor

liver disease. They are referred to as liver function tests, but abnormal results could be caused by other medical conditions or medical treatments.

Unexplained abnormalities would require additional evaluation.

• SGOT/AST: Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase or aspartate transaminase is elevated in hepatitis, acute myocardial infarction, acute heart inflammation (myocarditis), trauma to skeletal muscle, or medication use (e.g., aspirin or isoniazid).

• SGPT/ALT: Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase or alanine transaminase is also elevated in liver disease. Typically alcoholism, hepatitis, trauma to skeletal muscle, and use of medication (e.g., heparin) can cause ALT elevation.

• LDH: Lactic dehydrogenase may be elevated in liver disease, malignancy, cute myocardial infarction, active lung disease, or trauma.

• Alkaline Phosphatase: Alkaline phosphatase is elevated in diseases involving the liver such as obstructive jaundice, and the bone, such as Paget’s disease.

Other diseases that demonstrate elevated alkaline phosphatase levels include sarcoidosis and malignancy.

• Bilirubin: Bilirubin can be elevated in diseases of the liver, gallbladder, or hemopoetic system (e.g. hemolytic anemia). Bilirubin may also be elevated with dehydration (Gilbert’s Disease). When elevated, fractionated bilirubin measures can distinguish between GI and hemolytic sources.

Typically, triglyceride elevations are seen in primary hyperlipidemias and secondary hyperlipidemias due to diabetes, acute alcoholism, gout or chronic renal failure. It is recommended that

blood for triglycerides be drawn after a minimum three hour fast.

Glucose • Glucose levels can be elevated in diabetes, acute pancreatitis, and use of certain drugs, such as diuretics. It is recommended that blood for glucose be drawn after a minimum three hour fast.

Blood Urea Nitrogen • A measure of renal function, blood urea nitrogen is elevated in renal disease, dehydration, severe blood loss, and diarrhea. It is decreased in pregnancy, liver disease, and malnutrition.

Creatinine • Creatinine is used as a measure of renal function. It is elevated in renal disease, dehydration, and very muscular individuals. It may be low in patients with small muscle mass.

Sodium • Sodium is a major electrolyte in the body. Levels are high in dehydration and kidney disease. Levels are low in chronic kidney disease, heart failure, liver cirrhosis, prolonged vomiting, and with profuse sweating.

Potassium • Elevated in kidney failure, dehydration, and muscle necrosis. Potassium levels are low in vomiting, diarrhea, and malabsorption.

Triglycerides • An indicator of the acidbase status of the patient, carbon dioxide is low in acidosis and high in alkalosis.

Total Protein • Total protein levels are elevated in chronic infection, liver disease, and dehydration. Levels are low in malabsorption, debilitating disease, and low albumin states.

Albumin • Albumin is low in liver disease, malabsorption, malnutrition, pregnancy, and kidney disease. Albumin may be elevated in dehydration.

Calcium • Calcium may be elevated in malignancy, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, or with the use of certain medications (e.g., diuretics and antacids). Calcium may be low in renal failure and acute pancreatitis.

Cholesterol Tests • Elevations in cholesterol must be evaluated. Detection of familial hyperlipidemias and early intervention may significantly decrease morbidity and mortality from coronary artery disease. Cholesterol may be elevated in pregnancy, kidney disease, oral contraceptive use, or estrogen replacement therapy. Liver disease,

malabsorption, malnutrition, or anemia may cause abnormally low cholesterol levels. Increased risk of ischemic heart disease has been associated with elevated levels of the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) fraction. Conversely, higher levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) have been associated with a “protective effect.”

Traditionally, the total cholesterol/HDLC ratio has been of some value, along with other risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, previous MI, age, gender, smoking, family history), for assessing the risk of ischemic heart disease and the probability of a coronary event.

• Total Cholesterol: Cholesterol belongs to a larger family of biological chemicals called lipids (fats). Because it is such a critically important substance, a complex “carrier” system has developed to move cholesterol through the entire body. This system consists of a number of proteins that bind to cholesterol and transport it to where it is needed. Cholesterol, a lipid, when bound together with one of these carrier proteins, is called a lipoprotein.

Both total cholesterol and carrier pro-

[

to remove excess cholesterol, it is often referred to as the “good” cholesterol.

• Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio: The TC/ HDL-C ratio gauges relative risk of cardiovascular disease. The importance of the protective effect of HDL cholesterol is emphasized by this ratio. The total cholesterol level may be within a normal range but combined with low HDL cholesterol level, the ratio indicates the individual is at a higher risk than someone with a normal total cholesterol and a normal HDL level.

Heavy Metal & Special Exposure Screening • Baseline testing for heavy metals and special exposures may be assessed on the initial physical but is not required under the Initiative since the utility of such testing has not been medically established. However, evaluations must be done under special circumstances, such as a hazardous materials exposure, following known exposure, for recurrent exposures or where required under federal, state, or provincial regulations (e.g. OSHA standards).

• The urine screen assesses for exposure to arsenic, mercury and lead.

AN ANNUAL CHECK-UP IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEANS AS A FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE AND THE EASIEST PREVENTATIVE STEP FOR ALL DISEASES.

teins can be measured in blood samples.

When looking at total serum cholesterol levels, the risk of developing atherosclerotic coronary vascular disease increases as the total cholesterol level increases.

• Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL-C) level: LDL-C is 45 % cholesterol by weight and is the major carrier of cholesterol to the body’s tissues. Since LDL can deliver too much cholesterol to the wrong places (like the heart arteries) resulting in cholesterol plaque buildup, people often refer to this as a “bad” cholesterol.

• High Density Lipoprotein (HDL-C) level: HDL-C is 30 % cholesterol by weight and is involved in reverse transport of cholesterol away from body tissues and out of the body. HDL cholesterol removes excess cholesterol from the arteries, helping to prevent the buildup of cholesterol plaques. Because this lipoprotein appears

]

• The blood screen assesses for exposure to lead.

• For specific exposures, other heavy metal screens include aluminum, antimony, bismuth, cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel and zinc.

• Special blood testing for organophosphates (RBC cholinesterase) or other toxic exposures (e.g. blood screening for exposure to PCBs).

The other areas to look at are physical evaluation, body composition, vision testing, hearing evaluation, spirometry, EKG and cancer screening. For an explanation on these and the various components to a physical exam please visit the IAFF site and find the report under the on-line library tab. You may also send an email to hamilton@torontofirefighters.org and I will forward the chapter on Annual Physical Exam electronically or in hard copy.

SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 35

PROTECTING YESTERDAY FOR TOMORROW

BY RODNEY JOHNSTON FIRE WATCH COMMITTEE MEMBER

T

here are very few professions that have the sense of pride and tradition that we experience in the Fire Service. Everyday routines that have origins in the past are performed today in much the same

36

manner as they were 50 or more years ago. The sense of pride in doing a job well is a common trait in all fire fighters. So too is the art of remembering history and passing traditions and values forward to

future generations of fire fighters.

This fact was obvious when I toured the various former Fire Departments’ museums and talked to the dedicated people that put huge amounts of time and energy into this endeavour.

The first museum I toured was the former Scarborough Fire Fighters Museum.

The museum is located at 351 Birchmount Rd, in what used to be Scarborough Fire Hall No.1. The building itself, while old, is meticulously maintained, and is in pristine condition. It used to serve two purposes; a fire hall, and a precinct for the Scarborough Police Department (complete with jail cells in the basement!) I met with Al Cousins who is a retired Scarborough Fire Fighter. Al has committed a great deal of energy to this operation. He showed me many interesting artifacts, including numerous photos, paraphernalia, newspaper clippings, old fire trucks, as well as one of the earliest versions of the modern defibrillator. Tours are encouraged to call Al Cousins at (416) 338-9236.

Next up, I toured the museum located at Station 233 on Curlew Ave. It is a fairly large, modern building that is well laid out

and filled with memorabilia from North York, as well as from the current Toronto Fire Services. The various display showcases filled with hundreds of mementos, badges, tools, and regalia adorn the museum.

There are old hose reels, extinguishers and also a vintage apparatus. Mannequins, uniforms and interactive displays make this an ideal destination for a family outing, or a class trip. You should plan on spending a couple of hours in order to take in all of the interesting sights.

Finally, some of the members from the former East York Fire Department have gathered some of the artifacts from their old Department. Dan Driscoll has gathered various newspaper clippings, plaques, and vintage pictures from East York. Some of these date back as far as the 1920’s. He encourages anybody with an article that they think is of interest, to contact him so he can add it to the growing collection.

Part of the future plans for the Toronto Fire Services includes putting a full size museum and public education centre in Station No. 334 on Queens’ Quay. According to Debbie Higgins from HQ, the plans are already drawn up as an addition to Station No. 334 and are awaiting funding approval from the waterfront development committee or funding from sponsorships and fundraising activities, to begin construction. The value of this project cannot be understated as a major tourist attraction, potential learning centre and a place of gathering for fire fighters and their families.

I learned a lot from my visits to all of the museums. They are all excellent facilities where you can reconnect with the past, and reflect on by-gone days. I encourage all members to get out and see these truly incredible showplaces of our proud history.

SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 37

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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

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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/.

Growing Threat: MRSA (Staph) Infections on the Rise

W

orking out in the firehouse gym or joining a health club for your daily fitness regimen is a great way to stay in shape and keep fit for the job. But beware—your workout could put you at risk for unexpected illness. Once isolated to hospitals and other health care settings, methicillin-resistant staphylococus—or MRSA— is increasingly finding its way into health club locker rooms, athletic training facilities and firehouses.

These virulent and resilient—and sometimes deadly—staph infections are being reported in greater numbers among the general population as well.

Even before this more serious strain began spreading, staph has long been a health hazard for individuals who share locker rooms, towels, whirlpools, showers and other common areas. The bacteria is typically found in the nasal passages and on the skin of healthy people, but is potentially deadly when it enters the body through scratches and scrapes. Once inside, it can cause blood and joint infections—even pneumonia.

Most Staph infections occur in individuals with weakened immune systems—usually patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities. People who have been hospitalized or had surgery within the past year are at high risk for MRSA, as are those receiving certain treatments, such as dialysis.

Fire fighters need to be aware of the rise in MRSA among otherwise healthy people with no history of hospitalization in the last year as many such infections have occurred among athletes, who—like fire fighters—work in close quarters and share equipment or personal items (such as towels or razors).

The infection most often appears in the skin and will look like a pimple, boil, abscess or spider bite. It may cause the skin to be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage coming from it.

The best way to prevent a MRSA infection is to practice good hygiene.

• Clean surfaces of exercise and sports equipment before and after use.

• Wear sports gloves when using gym equipment or use a towel or clothing to act as a barrier between exercise equipment and bare skin when visiting gyms or heath clubs.

• Keep hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcoholbased hand sanitizer.

• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.

• Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.

• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.

• Wear gardening gloves when working in the yard.

A study in 2006 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than 59 percent of all skin infections in U.S. emergency rooms were caused by MRSA. Doctors and pharmacists report difficulty finding an antibiotic to fight it.

• Wear clothing with long sleeves and long pants to protect skin during activities likely to cause skin damage.

• Moisturize your skin with lotions to keep skin from cracking.

• Do not visit gyms or health clubs if skin lesions cannot be covered or wound drainage cannot be contained.

• Shower as soon as possible after exercise or athletic activities.

• Wash clothing and linens in hot water and detergent and dry in a hot dryer before others use them.

CHOCOLATE BUTTERMILK CUPCAKES WITH CHOCOLATE GLAZE Feeds 12 Fire Fighters INGREDIENTS

12 paper cupcake liners 11⁄ 4 cups cake flour 1⁄ 3 cup cocoa powder 3⁄ 4 teaspoon baking soda 1⁄ 4 teaspoon salt 3⁄ 4 cup sugar 3⁄ 4 cup buttermilk, low-fat plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk, low-fat 1⁄ 4 cup canola oil 11⁄ 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 ounces semisweet chocolate COOKING INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 12 muffin tins with paper liners.

2. Sift the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Add the sugar, buttermilk, oil and vanilla and stir to combine (do not overmix).

3. Fill each baking cup 2/3 full. Bake until a skewer inserted into the middle of a cupcake comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Allow the cupcakes to cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the pan.

4. When the cupcakes are cool, melt the chocolate over a double boiler. Let the chocolate cool until it thickens slightly. Using a spoon, drizzle the cupcakes with the melted chocolate.

Makes 12 standard size cupcakes or 24 miniature cupcakes.

Serving Size: 1 cupcake Number of Servings: 12 Calories 192 Carbohydrate 30 g Fat 8 g Fibre 1 g Protein 3 g Saturated Fat 2 g Sodium 147 mg

SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 39

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Deputy Chief William Charlton July 10, 1866 Toronto Fire Department

William Charlton became a member of the York Fire Brigade when it was first organized. He had been the deputy chief—or “assistant engineer,” as it was then known—since 1853. He was in this position when the volunteer brigade responded to the report of a structure fire in a block of wooden stores on the east side of Yonge Street

James Kidd

September 18, 1869 Toronto Fire Department Shortly before three a.m. on Friday, September 17, 1869, the wife of Henry Chaloner was awakened by the smell of smoke. The Chaloner family lived above the rear part of their dry goods store on Esther Street, which was on the north side of Queen Street just west of Denison Avenue. The small block of three buildings was made of wood and also contained a saloon and a grocery store, with families living above.

Mrs. Chaloner yelled “fire!” and her husband sprang out of bed into a smoke-filled room. Mr. Chaloner opened the window and jumped out, telling his wife to pass the children, who slept in the same room, to him.

She threw out the baby into a stormfilled evening sky and to safety, but as she was trying to get the other two she fell out of the window. Mr. Chaloner tried in vain to enter the building using a ladder, but the fire was too

near Trinity Square, the present-day location of the Eaton Centre.

The fire was first spotted in the cellar windows of Thomas’ Tin Ware and Shipway’s Coal Oil Depot, around eleven p.m. on Wednesday, July 4, 1866.

Firefighters arrived promptly and under the direction of Deputy Charlton soon had the fire under control; but only after four stores were destroyed and several damaged. While supervising overhaul and extin-guishment, Deputy Chief Charlton was standing beside the verandah of one of the stores

as crews were cutting away part of the damaged roof. Without warning the verandah roof collapsed and landed on top of the deputy. He was buried under heavy timbers but was rescued quickly by the firefighters near him and taken to his residence on Queen Street. At five a.m. on Tuesday, July 10, 1866, thirty-four-year-old William Charlton died from his injuries and now rests in Necropolis Cemetery.

William Charlton was the first chief officer to die in the line of duty in the province of Ontario.

advanced and the ladder broke, inflicting a serious gash to his leg. Mr. Burns of the Grand Trunk Railroad also made several attempts to enter the structure to no avail, and cut his hand smashing a window.

Members of the Toronto Fire Department arrived, in the now pouring rain, and found the fire spreading through the entire block. The large crowd that had gathered informed firefighters of the two children still inside, but the structure was too involved in fire to enter. Chief Engineer James Ashfield arrived and directed crews in the attack and placed firefighters Thomas Hurst and James Kidd, from Station 4, with a hose line at the rear of the building.

While directing a stream on the fire, a large brick chimney fell without warning, landing on the two men.

Firefighter Kidd was completely buried and was removed from the burning pile of debris. He had severe burns to his body as well as a broken jaw and ankle. Firefighter Hurst had a broken

arm and other minor injuries. His helmet, which was split open by a brick, undoubtedly saved his life. The fire virtually destroyed the block and wasn’t completely extinguished until five a.m. Firefighters then attended to the sad task of removing the charred remains of the two children.

Although expected to recover, Kidd took a turn for the worse on Saturday afternoon and died. He was twentyseven, single, and a painter by trade.

His older brother, Daniel, was also a Toronto firefighter. The baby removed by the Chaloner parents later died, bringing the death toll from the fire to four.

James Kidd, the last Toronto volunteer firefighter to die in the line of duty before the department became full-time in 1874, now rests in Necropolis Cemetery in the Peacock family grave.

* Re-printed with permission from the book Their Last Alarm by Robert B. Kirkpatrick.

SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 41

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42

EXECUTIVE TALK Kevin Ashfield I just completed 15 years on the job the other day and while sitting around at the fire hall talking with my crew I had a sudden realization. It came to me that I had spent my first six years on the job being a Scarborough Fire Fighter and have spent the last 9 years talking about being a Scarborough Fire Fighter. I was proud to be a Scarborough Fire Fighter and today I’m just as proud to be one of 3,000 members of the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association. Look at what we have been able to accomplish by working together. We’ve come a long way. What I’m trying to say is that you can’t forget your roots; it makes us who we are, but to be a successful organization we have to look to the future. We have to decide what we want to look like, where we want to go and how we want to get there. With the help of the membership we can move mountains. Stay safe.

ashfield@torontofirefighters.org (416) 466-1167 ext. 308 (office) (416) 605-3889 (cell)

Rick Berenz The value of having a viable and structured Government Relations Committee for this Association continues to be a priority. Our persistent and dedicated work in the past 2006 municipal election proved, once again, to be very successful. The majority of City Councilors assisted by the Association were either re-elected or elected.

The importance of this success is very critical when a new Collective Agreement is being bargained. Provincial lobbying and election efforts were instrumental in the passage of Bill 206, better known as the change in OMERS legislation. This April will see us in Ottawa, continuing our lobby efforts for the Public Safety Officer Compensation Fund. With a new party in power since our last lobby effort, it will be interesting to see where fire fighters’ issues rank. In summary, Government Relations works, but it requires many hours of collective dedication and money. The results are worth the effort and that has been proven. Get involved, be proactive and you, the member, will allow the Association to achieve the necessary results we can all enjoy.

berenz@torontofirefighters.org (416) 466-1167 ext. 302 (office) (416) 986-4130 (cell)

Dave Holwell It is good to be back on the Executive Board and involved in Health & Safety and WSIB once again. The more things change the more they stay the same. This statement holds true today. The recent flurry of activity surrounding log books, SCBA sign off, injury reporting and securing your seatbelts is a prime example of things staying the same. We are all responsible to ensure the safety and well being of ourselves and our co-workers. The equipment must be checked and be ready to respond to any emergency. Take the time, CHECK IT and sign off to document it. Some people need to justify their jobs, lucky for us we need only to do our jobs!! Be Safe, Buckle up.

holwell@torontofirefighters.org (416) 466-1167 ext. 309 (office) (416) 807-7753 (cell)

Scott Eyers As the Chair of the Grievance Committee, my duty is to ensure that the rights and privileges enjoyed by all our members included in our Collective Agreement are enforced. The Grievance Committee often deals with members when they are in very stressful situations and when the potential ramifications of not acting properly are very high. The Association spares no expense when it comes to providing this membership with the best legal advice.

Although the grievance process is by nature reactive, the Committee is taking steps to be more proactive in nature and offer more information to all members. We understand that recent articles in this magazine have been viewed as contentious by some, but those articles offer a reality check to the Committee and all Association members. The advice we receive from our legal council is based on case law and arbitrated awards from across the country. It is important to note that these awards help to form the labour climate of today. What may have been an accepted practice in the past, may not be the case now as things evolve in the present. The Grievance Committee will try to communicate and better educate all members as we move forward. Please take the time to read our articles in the magazine, check our website for updates, and when in question, refer to our Collective Agreement or contact a member of your Executive. Rule number one—obey now —grieve later.

eyers@torontofirefighters.org (416) 466-1167 ext. 305 (office) (416) 948-9598 (cell) SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 43

EXECUTIVE TALK Ian Hamilton The Health & Safety Committee has undergone major changes this term as Scott Eyers and Kevin McCarthy have undertaken duties elsewhere on the Board, and Hugh Doherty has taken over the chair of the South Committee from Paul Halls. I would like to thank Paul, Kevin and Scott for their input on the Committee and I know that they will continue to work toward the health and safety of our members. By the time this issue of Fire Watch reaches you, we will have been introduced to the new helmets and their shield systems, which will enhance our IMS. This spring should see the introduction of a second set of fire fighting gloves for suppression personnel and we will continue to push for a second flash hood so that everyone has a complete spare set of PPE. Other new members on the committee are Kevin Ashfield from East Command and Dave Holwell from West Command. Both of these members have health and safety backgrounds, which has resulted in little interruption on the committee. Through the Executive, the Health & Safety Committee continues to work on your behalf.

hamilton@torontofirefighters.org (416) 466-1167 ext. 306 (office) (416) 708-3887 (cell)

Keith Hamilton I am now embarking on a new path in my union service. With the recent election, and some former executive officers not returning to office, I have been given the opportunity to work with WSIB and Modified Duties.

I am still continuing with Finance and Pensions and have also been placed on the Constitution and Policy Committee. WSIB has always been an interest, but with my other duties, it never was raised beyond the basic level. I am now completing all of the prerequisite courses and am currently working with a number of members on their claims. While I’m pleased to be able to help member reverse unfavourable decisions, it would be far better to not have to appeal in the first place. The Committee will be looking at ways to educate the members on compensation claims to hopefully prevent the number of appeals we currently face. I am looking forward to a busy and productive term.

khamilton@torontofirefighters.org (416) 466-1167 ext. 312 (office) (416) 948-3887 (cell)

Rayanne Dubkov I would like to take this opportunity to thank north command members for voting for me (or taking the bribe of cookies). I am proud to have been given this opportunity to represent you as Chair of the Ceremonial and Bereavement Committee, as well as being a member of the Human Relations, Stewards and Member Communications committees. The ceremonial and bereavement committee is working hard to organize events, memorials, parades and plaque dedications. We need your help to make them a HUGE SUCCESS !!!

If you haven’t participated in the past, join us in 2007. With over 3000 members surely we can get just 300 (10%) attending each event organized and show how proud we are to be members of Local 3888. Over the past 2 years, as a Steward for the Communications Division, I am proud to have seen the membership participation increase at events. Some people say they were too scared to say no to me or they didn’t understand what I was saying in my English accent. We will continue this success with your help. See you soon at one on these events.

dubkov@torontofirefighters.org (416) 466-1167 ext. 304 (office) (416) 806-6286 (cell)

John Tuffner Let me start by thanking the members from West command for electing me to our Executive. I am honoured and committed to working diligently on behalf of our Association. As Chair of the Stewards committee, I am looking forward to working with and helping our Stewards continue to deliver the timely information and dedicated service that we have come to expect from them. They play a vital role in our Association, not only by bringing us the latest information and helping to resolve our issues, but also for all of the extra time and effort they contribute to the various initiatives and functions our union participates in. As a member of our Charity and Public Relations committees, I hope that I can help our membership continue to demonstrate their commitment to community service, while making sure that they get the credit they so justly deserve.

As a member of the Entertainment committee, I will work to continue to provide our members with quality social, sports and recreational events that reflect our unique relationship as professional fire fighters.

tuffner@torontofirefighters.org (416) 466-1167 ext. 316 (office) (416) 951-3887 (cell) 44

EXECUTIVE TALK Hugh Doherty Just as amalgamation affected all our lives and workplaces, so too will a critical piece of provincial legislation. This piece of legislation is the Human Rights Code and is known as Bill 107. The Human Relations Committee has attended various workshops on the proposed legislation and will be adding information, as it becomes available, to our web site. We urge all members to be informed of the impact of Bill 107 and read the updates. The Human Rights Code is complex and impacts each employee, but we are hopeful to have the City increase the education and training for members and have the training provided to fire fighters in a manner which all are able to understand. The concerns that the Committee addresses are varied and, in most cases, become very complex. We are planning to participate in conflict resolution courses to assist us in providing greater services to the membership. Our goal is to continue to provide advice to all members regarding their rights under the City’s policies and the provincial legislation at an early stage, with the intention of resolving issues before they escalate. If you have any questions regarding the City’s policy or Bill 107, please give a member of the Committee a call.

doherty@torontofirefighters.org (416) 466-1167 ext. 303 (office) (416) 433-0446 (cell)

Neil McKinnon After a two-year break, I decided last summer to throw my name back into the ring and with the support of the membership, I was re-elected to the Executive Board. Since then, many members have asked, “Why?” Why would I want to put myself through all that again? Well, after being involved for 11 years, I didn’t realize how much I was going to miss it. The job takes a great deal of time and is a ton of work but there is much to say about being involved and about being “in the know”. With that said, I look forward to working with the other Executive Board members and serving the membership of Local # 3888. As Chair of the Entertainment, Recreation, Sports & Social Committee and a member of the Grievance, Ceremonial & Bereavement and Membership Communication Committees, I believe my work is cut out for me for the next couple of years.

Work has started with the planning of the Association’s Retirement Dinner, next up will be the Local # 3888 annual picnic and then the Kids Christmas party.

mckinnon@torontofirefighters.org (416) 466-1167 ext. 310 (office) (416) 659-2624 (cell)

Jim Morache There is always a feeling out period for any new Executive Board Officer and like all those that came before me, I feel the pressure! So many things to learn and so much to do, but I feel I am up to the task. My thanks to the North Command membership for entrusting me with the responsibility of working on their behalf, and that of the entire Association. I will do my best to bring a fresh energy and positive attitude to the executive meetings and also try and find new and innovative ideas in dealing with the needs of the membership. As Chair of the Charity Committee, I am dedicated to finding a way of rewarding the members for their “TIME” and understand the value of your effort. We do not take this for granted and hope to find a solution in the near future. Without the volunteers, we would not be able to do the professional charitable work that we currently do! My early impressions are that this current board is extremely talented and extremely hard working and I am proud to be a part of this group and hope to do my part in its successes for 2007.

morache@torontofirefighters.org (416) 466-1167 ext. 311 (office) (647) 220-8787 (cell)

Kevin McCarthy With talk of a new contract around the corner and the best five years of our OMERS contributions almost where they should be, the Benefits Committee would like to ensure that our members’ needs are met. In March, there will be another retirement session where anyone who is interested has an opportunity to ask questions and get information regarding retirement. For the first time we will have an individual talk about Independent Pensions Plans (IPP). Considering the amount of time that this issue has been debated, I am sure that there will be many attending.Improvements to our current benefits are being discussed at bargaining and we are all optimistic that advancements can be made to improve what we currently have.

The Benefits Disputes Resolution Committee is meeting once a month to try and resolve individual issues and identify trends that can be useful in future bargaining. Please do not hesitate to contact someone from the committee if there are any questions or concerns.

mccarthy@torontofirefighters.org (416) 466-1167 ext. 320 (office) (416) 708-6817 (cell) SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 45

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46

COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT REVIEW FOR THIS ISSUE WE WILL LOOK AT ARTICLE 22, WITNESS SERVICE, AND OUR LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING RE: REMUNERATION FOR ATTENDANCE AT A COURT OR INQUEST. Article 22 Witness Service

22.01 That each employee of the City coming within the 3888 Unit who is subpoenaed to serve as a witness in a court in a civil or criminal proceeding: (a) shall be granted leave of absence for such purpose provided that upon completion of witness service such employee shall present to the Chief of Fire Services of the City a satisfactory certificate showing the period of such service.

If you are subpoenaed to attend court, for example coroner’s court, traffic court or superior court, you should let your supervisor know. If you require time off to attend then the time will be granted. The TFS may also provide you with a lawyer, depending on the circumstances. (b) shall be paid his/her full salary or wage for the period he/she was granted leave of absence on account of such witness service provided that he/she shall deposit with the Treasurer of the City the full amount of compensation received for such service and an official receipt thereof; provided further that the “full amount of compensation” referred to in this paragraph, shall not include any compensation received for such witness service performed on any day that he/she would not otherwise be scheduled to work nor shall it include any compensation received by such employee for meal allowance or travelling expense; and If you attend while on duty, you receive your regular rate of pay, provided you hand in the compensation you may have received from the court for attending. This WILL NOT include

such compensation for meals or travel (no mileage from the TFS but the court may reimburse you).

rate when required to attend during off duty hours for time spent at court.

A minimum of 4 hours will be paid.

(c) provided that if the employee would have been acting in a higher rank at the time of said witness service, he/she shall be paid at the acting rate of pay.

Letter of Understanding

No loss of any acting time missed while you attended court. (d) Provided further that in the event he/ she is released from witness service and there are three (3) hours or more remaining in his/her shift, he/she shall contact his/her Platoon Chief who will determine whether the employee must report for duty during that shift.

If there is less than 3 hours remaining in your regular shift you do not need to go back to work. If there is greater than 3 hours, you must contact your Platoon Chief (Suppression Division) or District Chief (Support Division) to determine where you will be reporting or if you are required to return.

22.02 That each employee of the City coming within the 3888 Unit who is required to attend court as a witness on a matter relating to his/her duties as a member of the Fire Services of the City: (a) shall be granted time off to attend such court when on duty. If the employee is acting in a higher rank at the time of said witness service, he/she shall be paid at the acting rate of pay; (b) shall be compensated in accordance with Article 10, “Overtime”, when required to attend during off duty hours.

You will receive 1½ times your hourly

Re: Remuneration for Attendance at a Court or Inquest on Fire Services Business.

When an employee is off duty and required in connection with Toronto Fire Services business to attend an inquest, court or other tribunal, the employee will receive compensation according to the Standby and Call back policy. Employees on standby status are paid one hour for every eight hours or less, on a straight time basis that will be calculated on a 24hour basis for each day an employee is required to be on standby. Employees who attend or who are put on standby status for an inquest, court or other tribunal will make every reasonable attempt to provide documentation to substantiate such claims for remuneration.

There are occasions when the courts may place you on standby. In those circumstances you would be compensated by the TFS for one (1) hour for every eight (8) hours you are on standby. If you are called into court you would be paid a minimum of three (3) hours at time and a half.

For example: You are told to be prepared to be called as a witness anytime after 0800hrs on Tuesday and to be available all week.

You do not receive the call until Thursday to attend at 1000hrs. In this case you would receive seven (7) hours at straight time as well as time and a half for the time you are actually at court, for a minimum of three (3) hours.

SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 47

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411 ON CALL TAKING THE

“

Toronto Fire”. For the majority of people dealing with the Toronto Fire Services, these are the fi rst words they hear. And for the record, they are spoken by our Call Takers in Communications.

Each shift has a standard complement of at least four call takers. These people take information from various groups in order to create an event. In 2006, approximately 18% of the total calls that the Communications Division received were from 911. The rest of the calls are gathered from alarm companies, EMS and a wide variety of other agencies and organizations. For example, we have received calls from Enbridge, TTC, other fi re departments, as well as the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National Police.

Regardless of where the call originates, the call taker ensures that as much accurate information as possible is gathered from the person giving us the call. First and foremost is a correct address. If the call has come in through 911 and on a land line, an “ANI/ALI dump” will accompany it. “Annie Alley” stands for automatic number indicator/ automatic location indicator. It will give the call taker the address, name, and telephone number. After confi rming

BY ADRIAN HOWELL – TORONTO FIRE FIGHTER with the caller that the emergency is located at or near the address indicated, the call taker will ask the appropriate questions to determine the nature of the emergency. “What’s on fi re?”, “Is someone trapped?”, “How many people are involved?” are just some of the questions we ask. The call taker is often dealing with panicky, scared, and hard to understand people. It is vital that despite these difficulties, an accurate address is entered into the Computer Aided Dispatch system (CAD for short).

The Ontario Fire Marshal requires that we indicate where the call originates. The categories are 911 (citizen), non 911 (citizen), EMS (call from EMS), Police (call from Toronto Police), Alarm (from an alarm company), Fire (from another fi re department), Verbal (a verbal report to a fi re station, still alarm), Radio (call from a TFS employee operated radio), and Other (a catch-all).

All of this information is on the printout which is received by the station when they are dispatched on an event.

Once the call taker has all the information he/she needs, they will choose an event type. The event type determines what apparatus will get dispatched to a call, and how many. There are over

50 event types; from the single truck medical to a rescue-structural collapse.

On an average weekday, 880 calls are received by the Communications Division, while during the weekend, that number drops to 547 (all statistics are 2006). South Command has the most events on weekdays, weekends, day shifts and night shifts. The rest of the commands are virtually tied for second place. For some strange reason, if it’s going to be busy, it will be a busy Thursday. Seven out of the nine busiest days were Thursdays. The total number of calls answered in 2006 by Communications was just over 279,000. And the majority of those calls were answered by our call takers.

This is in no way a comprehensive description of what our call takers do on a day-to-day basis, what their roles are, or the responsibility that they must shoulder. Being there when the public is reporting an emergency is their most powerful and important function. In times of stress and pure terror, it is the call taker that provides the fi rst reassurance that the Toronto Fire Services will be there to help them mitigate any problem and deal with whatever threat to life, property and the environment is occurring.

SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 49

A View At TORYORK DRIVE

BY MARLA FRIEBE, FIRE WATCH COMMITTEE MEMBER

I

n 2002, the various mechanical divisions from the six former municipalities amalgamated their fleet repair operations into a single facility at 40 Toryork Drive. The site is a joint facility, shared with Toronto Police Service’s Vehicle Operations, and the Transportation Division sign production shop. Toronto Fire operates within 27,000 square feet of the 46,000 square foot facility. Prior to amalgamation, maintenance of the fleet was shared by Toronto Fire Services, Corporate Fleet Services, and external private garages.

Prompting the change was a report submitted to the Budget Advisory Committee proposing that Toronto Fire Services should assume maintenance of their entire fleet, for safety related reasons and cost savings. Those changes became effective in April 2002.

With this article in mind, I was invited to visit the Toryork Drive site in February by District Chief Keith Norris.

Snowstorms and work schedules delayed that initial visit, so in late February I decided on an impromptu visit instead. A quick walk about the facility with District Chief Bill Pearsall, who immediately offered to give the tour, depicts a large central bay where all 179 trucks and 180 light vehicles of Toronto Fire Service’s fleet are serviced and maintained. On the day of my tour, the bay is full with four large apparatus high up on hydraulic lifts, giving an interesting view of underbellies not normally seen. One can easily see that every square foot of the facility is used to its fullest. “On busy days in the warmer weather the fleet is often maintained outside,” Pearsall commented, 50

“Since frequently there is not enough room in the main garage for all the apparatus.” During the winter, maintenance and repairs take place inside and space is extremely constrained, especially with vehicles and equipment that can be sensitive to dropping temperatures outdoors. A plan is in place to either add on to the building or find an additional site in the east end of the city. The main floor also consists of office space for the mechanical maintenance staff, kitchen facilities, fitness room (shared with police), and a separate section dedicated to the repair of SCBA, defibrillators, and oxygen delivery systems. A mezzanine floats above the garage bay and is primarily utilized for storage of various vehicle components that are in hot demand, like bumpers. As Chief Pearsall continues his tour of the mezzanine, he kindly points out all of the spare parts, naming each one as we go by. I try to keep the parts’ names straight, not being too much of a

mechanical aficionado, but they all start to look the same ... metal.

Downstairs everyone is very busy, and very greasy. The technicians are clearly hard at work but still take the time to smile and say hello to any newcomer. I watch them work for a while, and can’t help think about how thankful I am that people with such mechanical aptitude exist to help keep our fleet on the road, especially since my own mechanical skills encompass putting air in my tires, checking my vehicle’s oil levels and topping up window washer fluid. Passing through the office space, I meet up with North District Captain Ron Hampton; he’s very welcoming, and makes sure I have all the information I need before leaving.

Here are a few things I learned while on tour: There are 42 TFS staff working within the Mechanical Maintenance Division and the Division Chief overseeing the entire operation is Rob Anselmi,

who works out of Headquarters at 4330 Dufferin Street. The section is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all vehicles and equipment in our inventory, including a total heavy fleet of 179 vehicles (all fire fighting, support and training vehicles) and 180 light vehicles.

Responsibility for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the William Lyon Mackenzie fireboat also falls under this section, as well as that of the Sora, the much smaller vessel that acts as a backup to the Mackenzie when it is out of service or during warmer months.

Vehicles are not the only items for repair on the agenda here; Technicians also maintain our complete inventory of small equipment, SCBA’s, small engines and ladders.

The Mechanical Division is run by two District Chiefs, Keith Norris who oversees Vehicle Maintenance (and includes a staff of four Captains and 20 Mechanics and Technicians), and Bill Pearsall who is in charge of Equipment Maintenance (and includes two Captains, six Mechanics and Technicians, the Senior Marine Engineer and five Marine Engineers). Equipment Maintenance has two satellite locations as well, one at our 15 Rotherham Road location and one at the fireboat at the Harbourfront Fire Station in South Command.

Four mobile repair units are also utilized by the Technicians, with the ability to respond to any required

location in the city to deal with mechanical issues, whether at a Fire Station, an emergency scene, or somewhere on the road.

Every year our Mechanics perform an untold number of repairs to keep our vehicles working and safe for operation.

Glaring issues that bring our apparatus into the garage in the first place are often the catalyst for finding other problems on the same truck. Our Mechanics have to be recognized for the important work they do, especially when they are able to identify issues that may become serious problems down the road if not dealt with promptly. Due to necessary troubleshooting, sometimes this results in delays to apparatus being returned to immediate frontline service, however, this prevents fire fighting crews from having to complete a multitude of changeovers in the future. Their primary concern is the safe and efficient operation of frontline apparatus.

It is clear what a vital role the Mechanical Division plays in the ability of our fire fighters and Support Division staff to respond to the immediate emergency and educational needs of our community. Keep these numbers handy in the event that you have questions or require some assistance from some of the staff, so important to keeping both our heavy and light apparatus operating safely on city highways, roads, and even on Lake Ontario!

CONTACTS District Chief KEITH NORRIS 338-9200 District Chief BILL PEARSALL 338-9220 North District Captain RON HAMPTON 338-9201 East District Captain ED PETRONIS 338-9202 South District Captain JOHN COSENI 338-9203 West District Captain RICK CARANFA 338-9204 Equipment Services MAIN LINE 338-9218 Equipment Services ANGELO PUOPOLO 338-9219 SCBA Captain DAVE STEVENS 338-9229 DeďŹ b & Vent STEVE LOVE 338-9240 SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 51

HAVE YOU PREPARED FOR YOUR

SUDDEN DEATH? LET’S FACE IT; WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE. WE DON’T KNOW WHEN, BUT IT WILL HAPPEN, AND IT’S VITAL THAT YOU ARE PREPARED. WHETHER YOU ARE YOUNG OR OLD, THERE ARE A FEW SIMPLE THINGS THAT YOU CAN DO IN ORDER TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY WHEN YOU DO PASS. AN ESTATE IS THE TOTAL OF ALL THE THINGS YOU OWN AND WILL PASS ON TO YOUR DESIGNATES (CALLED ‘BENEFICIARIES’) AFTER YOU PASS ON. YOU SPEND YOUR LIFETIME BUILDING YOUR ESTATE, SO YOU DON’T WANT TO DIMINISH YOUR LEGACY WITH UNNECESSARY INCOME TAX AND PROBATE FEES. PROPER ESTATE PLANNING CAN HELP PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING, AND ALTHOUGH A PROFESSIONAL, SUCH AS A LAWYER, IS NOT NECESSARY, IT IS ADVISABLE TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE WHO CAN ENSURE ALL OF YOUR WISHES ARE CLEARLY SPELLED OUT. IT IS ALSO HELPFUL TO KEEP KEY PERSONAL, MEDICAL AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION ACCESSIBLE. MANY PEOPLE FIND IT USEFUL TO COLLECT RELEVANT INFORMATION IN ONE MASTER FILE.

52

Your master file can be divided into the following categories and should include the following information: Personal and Family Birth certificates, marriage certificates, citizenship papers, divorce/separation papers, adoption papers, S.I.N., passports numbers & expiration dates, driver’s licenses number & expiration dates and any other piece of information relevant to you or your spouse.

Medical Name/address/telephone numbers of health care professionals, healthcare proxies/living wills, medications (dosages, name of prescribing physicians, pharmacy, address/phone number), address and phone numbers of hospitals of choice, Health Card number, social worker or caseworker names and contact information.

Financial Income sources (retirement and/or disability benefits), fi nancial assets (institution names, account numbers, address/telephone, form of ownership, current value) of cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, money market funds, retirement and pension plans, RSPs and life insurance, real estate (property addresses, location of deeds, form of ownership, current value), other assets (locations of items/titles/documents/form of ownership, current value) including automobiles, boats, inheritances, precious gems, collectibles, household items, hidden valuables/ items in storage, loans to family members/friends, li-

abilities (creditor institutions, address/ telephone, approximate debt) of mortgages, personal loans, credit cards, notes, IOUs and others. It is also useful to collect names, addresses and phone numbers of professional advisors such as bankers, attorneys, clergy, stockbrokers and insurance agents. Also include in this category names and relevant dates of past employers, names and numbers of close friends, club memberships and landlord information.

Ensure that someone knows where you keep this information, such as a safe deposit box, home safe, etc. Documents such as original copies of wills, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, and so on would be better kept with an attorney or in another safe but accessible place.

Make sure a beneficiary has been designated for all RRSPs, pension plans and life insurance policies. This will ensure that these assets are not included in your estate and attract probate fees. If the named beneficiary is your spouse, the asset may flow through tax-free. Unless other provisions are made, jointly held assets with right of survivorship (e.g. a house) will pass to the joint owner without probate fees, if it is your spouse, it will not attract tax.

Your wishes for post death such as burial, cremation, organ donation, etc. should be made known in advance and can be stated in your Will. Review your Will annually and after life changes, such as marriage, a death or a birth, to ensure all provisions still apply. In Ontario, a Will is automatically revoked upon marriage unless the Will specifically states that the Will is made in “contemplation of

marriage.” After a divorce, all bequests to the former spouse are revoked unless the Will states otherwise.

One area that is often overlooked in situations of life changes is the designation of beneficiary on pension plans and RRSPs and RRIFs. These designations are not automatically revoked in the case of a marriage or divorce, so you need to make sure they are updated.

Complete the Power of Attorney documents for property or health care.

This would allow a person(s) you trust to act on your behalf and in your interest should you become incapacitated and unable to manage your fi nancial affairs or ongoing health care.

You need to have a life insurance policy large enough to pay off your existing debt and to provide money for your family’s living expenses. If you have children, you need to determine who will raise them if both you and your spouse were to die before the children are old enough to take care of themselves. Once you make this decision, you will need to visit a lawyer to have it properly recorded. You will also need to let others know of the decision so that there are no big surprises if you do die prematurely. A living will is a document that states whether you want to be kept alive by machines for an extended period of time. This is a quality-of-life issue and will make complicated decisions easier for your family members during a difficult time.

As you take the time to prepare, you will know that you have done the best to provide for your family.

Spare them a little bit of heartache by preparing now.

SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 53

WORKPLACE

PRIVACY

BY SUZANNE CRAIG – DIRECTOR, CITY OF TORONTO CORPORATE ACCESS & PRIVACY

Workplace privacy is an important part of the basic autonomy rights of individuals in our society. Members spend a big part of their lives in the workplace. Privacy protection for our members is something we take very seriously at Local 3888. With the advancement of technology, it is something that 3888 is monitoring even more closely. With that in mind we have asked Suzanne Craig, director, City of Toronto Corporate Access & Privacy some specific questions in regards to privacy. We are pleased to bring the 1st part of a two part series on the subject. The first part deals with the City of Toronto privacy office and the second part will deal with technology advancement and what it means for employees.

I

am very pleased that the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association has asked me to discuss access and privacy at the City of Toronto. Although the right to privacy is not specifically referenced in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, it is considered to fall within section 7 of the Charter which guarantees the right to liberty and security of the person. Privacy in the workplace has increasingly become a central issue to many individuals and the City of Toronto’s Corporate Access and Privacy Office is committed to ensuring that City employees benefit from the protections afforded under the letter and spirit of privacy laws.

The Corporate Access and Privacy Office (CAP) manages freedom of information requests and privacy protection for the City of Toronto. CAP is a legislatively mandated office supporting the application of and compliance with MFIPPA – the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and PHIPA – the Personal Health Information Protection Act. The City’s CAP Office has developed an Access and Privacy Manual for staff to 54

use when responding to public requests for access to City of Toronto records. In addition the Manual outlines to City staff, the requirements of MFIPPA related to the protection of individual privacy.

The City’s CAP Office also delivers monthly access and privacy training as part of the City’s corporate training calendar, in addition to, developing and delivering specialized training for program area staff who face specific access and privacy challenges in their dayto-day operations. Through its comprehensive training package, the CAP Office assists City staff in better understanding privacy, not only in terms of compliance with the privacy rules of MFIPPA, but also in terms of how the personal information of the public and City employees, is being collected, used, stored and accessed. The public and City employees expect that their personal information that they provide to the City for a specific purpose will be respected and protected from unlawful disclosure or disclosure for an inconsistent purpose.

CAP has corporate responsibility for providing advice to program areas necessary for them to comply with

privacy legislation. Before a program area implements a new technology or service relating to the collection, use or disclosure of personal information, the completion of a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) or a Privacy Compliance Review, overseen by the CAP Office is not only strongly suggested, but required, for certain levels of capital budget projects. The PIA is a process that will identify a program area or system’s privacy risks and will make recommendations to help mitigate or eliminate risks.

Individuals may complain to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC), when they believe that the City has improperly collected, used, disclosed, retained or disposed of their personal information.

The IPC is responsible for reviewing possible breaches of the privacy provisions of MFIPPA. There are a number of avenues available to employees who want to make a privacy complaint.

If an employee believes that his/her personal information has been collected, used or disclosed unlawfully, he/she may address the privacy concerns with the manager or supervisor in charge of

the area where the privacy issue arose.

If the employee is not satisfied with the program manager’s response, he/she can file a privacy complaint with the CAP Office. CAP staff will investigate the allegations and make recommendations to help address or resolve the complaint. In addition, employees, as members of the public, always have the option of contacting the IPC to file a formal privacy complaint, whether or not they have filed a complaint with the CAP Office.

Privacy in the workplace is not something that has been clearly defined in access and privacy laws. The City must balance the employer’s legitimate need to maintain a safe, productive workplace, in which there is adequate protection of City assets, with the protection of employees’ privacy concerns.

The City of Toronto is a public institution and as such, is governed by MFIPPA. However, as a public institution, the rules of MFIPPA are not the only requirements that the City must consider when collecting, using and disclosing personal information about individuals.

City employees can request access to their own information and have privacy or confidentiality rights under various provincial and federal statutes, which in addition to MFIPPA include: the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Income Tax Act. MFIPPA requires the City to implement guidelines and policies for protecting personal information in its record holdings. MFIPPA also gives the IPC the authority to comment on the privacy implications of proposed City programs.

Under access and privacy legislation, the Privacy Commissioner can order the City to: cease a personal information collection practice that contravenes MFIPPA, and destroy a collection of personal information that contravenes MFIPPA. Collective agreements do not often identify and address protection of indi-

vidual privacy of employees.

Access and Privacy legislation that relates to municipal institutions contains specific exemptions that function to exclude matters that deal with labour relations.

However, outside of the access and privacy framework, arbitrators in Ontario have long recognized restri-

tions on the exercise of management rights. It is within this context of overlapping legislative frameworks that the CAP Office has led the initiative of the City Clerk’s Office Workplace Access and Privacy Woring Group. The formation of this group, made up of representatives of various program areas in the City, is the first step towards developing an employee privacy policy at the City. For now, the group has decided to begin with the development of a set of Workplace Access and Privacy Guidelines to serve as a guide to employee’s access and privacy rights in relation to how the City collects, uses, maintains and discloses employee information required for the effective management of its workforce.

While employment-related records fall outside of the scope of MFIPPA, employees can still request access to their own personal information and have the right to protection of that personal information. Generally, records relating to matters involving labour relations, fraud

investigations and/or other issues that may lead to legal proceedings are not routinely available to employees.

We are all employees of the City of Toronto, and we have a right to be informed about how our personal information will be used. Respect for individuals is best demonstrated through assurances of the protection of fundamental rights.

I look forward with optimism to the continued discussion around the need to balance the employer’s right to advance its business interests with the fundamental privacy rights of employees at the City of Toronto.

You may contact Suzanne at scraig@toronto.ca as well as the web address for the Corporate Access and Privacy Office www.toronto.ca/cap/ index.htm SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 55

3888 RECENT HAPPENINGS

Local 3888 Executive, Stewards and Members participate in the “Bowl for Kids Sake” Bowl-A-Thon on February 3 at Thorncliffe Bowlerama

The new Local 3888 Executive Board is sworn in at the December 2006 General Membership meeting.

56

President Marks accepts a “Thank You” plaque from Toronto Combat Challenge team members on behalf of the 3888 membership at the December General Membership meeting.

Q107’s John Derringer (far left) and Bill Hayes (2nd from left) present the plaque for winning Derringer’s Workplace Tour to Toronto Fire Fighter Dave Whitehead (holding plaque) and Ryan Parker from Q107 (far right).

The morning show was broadcast live from the union office on February 23rd. $1500 was donated to the Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness on behalf of Toronto Fire Fighters.

Over 100 fire fighters were in attendance at Jack Astors in Newmarket on January 31st to wish Jacques Bourdon (front left) and Richard Parker (front middle) a happy retirement.

Local 3888 member John Dove and his family participated in the Extreme Team Prostate Cancer Research Fund Raiser and raised over $1300.00 for the cause.

Local 3888 representatives attend the multiple Line of Duty Death Memorial Service in Winnipeg for Captains Harold Lessard and Thomas Nichols on February 14th.

SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 57

For advertising in the Toronto Fire Watch magazine call Naderia Tel: 416.646.3128 Fax: 416.646.3135 naderiab@xentel.com

58

LOCAL 3888 STAFF PROFILE

BILL RADCLIFFE OFFICE MANAGER

BY MARCEL RAMAGNANO

Local 3888 employs three full-time staff members to help run the day-to-day business at 39 Commissioners Street.

This is our second of a three-part series to profile these members in Fire Watch.

B

ill was born in Toronto where he also attended school. He has two grown up daughters and presently lives in Scarborough. He moved around the province when he was with the railway, living in Belleville, Nakina, Hornepayne, Sarnia and eventually back to Toronto.

He spent over 30 years with CN Rail and Via Rail and took an early pension when the passenger railway was making reductions. Too young to retire, Bill came to the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association in June of 2000.

He enjoys computers, golf, photography and travel.

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW DID YOU START WORKING FOR LOCAL 3888?

My background is actually not in fire fighting at all. My background is basically in railroading. I’ve spent thirty years with the railroads: ten years on the trains and twenty years in management. I’ve spent most of my career in management and worked in various locations across the province. I took an early buy-out from the railway and wound up here in June of 2000.

WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS? Basically, my job entails looking after the office, the building, the suppliers, the services, the staff, as well as

helping to maintain any changes to our website. And then I report to the fifteen people on the Executive Board.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING FOR LOCAL 3888?

The best thing I find about working here is the people. I don’t think I’ve ever worked with a better bunch of people anywhere! The fire fighters are a compassionate group and they always want to give and help when anyone’s in any sort of trouble—that’s the first thing I noticed. With the first sign of any trouble from any group or person, you’re just flooded with requests to help.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF WORKING FOR LOCAL 3888?

I guess the most challenging aspect is the fact that there are fifteen different people on the Executive Board and they all have different priorities. It’s tough to be juggling different requests from up to fifteen different people, sometimes all at the same time.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR IMPACT ON LOCAL 3888?

I would say my impact has been more of a method of trying to coordinate things so that we could be in a position to get

information out to the membership.

When I first came here, Local 3888 was newly formed and was being run as a much smaller organization. All of a sudden, we found we had three thousand people in the organization so there had to be some changes in the structure and in the way things were handled.

It’s a business! I don’t care if your business is railroading or selling things at a grocery store—business is business and sometimes you have to structure things in a business environment. That was one thing that was a little bit lacking here because it was once a small organization and then all of a sudden it becomes a much bigger organization.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT WORKING FOR LOCAL 3888?

I guess I would have to say my most memorable and dramatic moment would be 9/11. We heard about it, we turned the radio on and we were watching it downstairs on the television. I was standing beside Jim Lee, who was the President at the time, and when that first building collapsed he just said, “There are going to be hundreds of fire fighters killed,” which unfortunately turned out to be very true. I think that was a moment I will never forget.

SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 59

60

2007 UPCOMING EVENTS LOCATION

April 1 - 5

OPFFA “Dr. Eric G. Taylor” Spring Seminar

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Tuesday April 17 Night meeting only (1900 Hrs)

3888 General Union Meeting

RCL Br. 527 948 Sheppard Ave. W.

April 23 - 26

IAFF Legislative Conference

Ottawa, Ontario

Tuesday April 10 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

TFS Recruit Career Information Session

Toronto City Hall

Monday April 16, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

TFS Recruit Career Information Session

North York Civic Centre

Tuesday May 23 Night meeting only (1900 Hrs)

3888 General Union Meeting

RCL Br. 527 948 Sheppard Ave. W.

Tuesday May 29

Stewards Meeting

3888 Union office

Tuesday May 29

Ross Forfar Golf Tournament

Sleepy Hollow Golf Club, Stouffville

Friday June 1

3888 Retirement Dinner Dance

Q’Ssis, Toronto

Monday June 4

4th Annual Rick Mann Golf Tournament

The Highlands Golf Club, Bradford

June 11-14

OPFFA Convention

Kingston, Ontario

June 14

Fire Fighters Calendar Competition

Phoenix Night Club, Toronto

June 24-27

IAFF EMS Conference

Houston, Texas

TORONTO FIRE FIGHTERS BREAKFAST CLUBS WHO: Firefighters Past & Present WHEN: 10:00 am, the first four Wednesdays of the month. Remember N.E.W.S. NORTH EAST WEST SOUTH

April 4, May 2, June 6 April 11, May 9, June 13 April 18, May 16, June 20 April 25, May 23, June 27

NORTH Buttery Restaurant 17565 Yonge St. N Newmarket, ON

EAST Carousel Restaurant & Tavern 116 Lansdowne St. E. Peterborough, ON

WEST Fifth Wheel Truck Stop 40 Chisholme Drive Milton, ON (Hwy 401 & Hwy 25)

SOUTH Golden Griddle Rest.

2044 Sheppard Ave. E Toronto, ON (at Brian Drive)

WHY: The camaraderie was and still is the best part of the job of firefighter. Touch base with the people you worked with.

You never know who might show up. Spread the word. Call your friends or co workers.

If further information is required call Mike Jansen at 705 292-0114 or Cell 705 927-2224 SPRING 2007 | FIRE WATCH 61

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

EVENT

*DATES AND TIMES

June

May

April

DATE*

ADVERTISERS INDEX ABC Auto Hand Wash ......................... 42 Active Green & Ross ........................... 10 AlarmForce ........................................ 16 All Financials 412 .............................. 10 Alliance Training ............................... 28 C.P.S. Inc ........................................... 28 CVC Communications ........................ 38 Carpet Villa Ltd .................................. 58 Challal Pastries .................................. 58 Chatarpaul Law Office ....................... 58 Daniel Gavrilovic ............................... 12 Delroy’s Auto Repair .......................... 38 Den Bosch & Fincheley....................... 28 Discount Beauty Supplies ................... 28 Dr Nader Raffi .................................... 42 Dutton Brock LLP .............................. 27 Elephant & Castle ............................... 30 EWHA Bakery .................................... 42

Exit Realty Prestige ............................ 48 Fabricated Alloys................................ 58 Fairview Mall ..................................... 62 Fire Hall Online ..................................11 FF Credit Union .............. Inside Ft Cover Forward Precision Tools ..................... 62 Fox & Fiddle ....................................... 28 Funeral Sanitation ............................. 28 Good Time Auto Service .................... 48 GTA Truck & Trailer Repair ................ 58 Ho-Lee Chow ..................................... 17 Investors Group ................................. 46 ITT Industries of Canada .................... 48 Jablonex Canada Inc ........................... 10 Jack M. Straitman .............................. 48 Jesco Technologies ............................. 58 Jiffy Lube ................ Outside Back Cover Labow Stephen Barrister .................... 42

Laurentian University ........................ 30 Lincoln Place ...................................... 58 Linda’s Bridal Fashion ........................ 10 Liza Homes ........................................ 40 Maverick Public Relations .................. 42 Mortek Interior Ltd ............................ 42 Mr Pita ............................................... 27 Nellies Custom Design ....................... 12 Norr Ltd Architechs & Engineers ....... 38 North City .......................................... 48 Nossa Casa Sport Café Inc.................. 40 Owasco Volkswagen .......................... 46 Pain Perdu .......................................... 40 Pantuso’s Cleaning Services Inc ......... 38 Rajin’s West Indian Take Out ............. 42 Remax Spirit ...................................... 31 River Towne ....................................... 10 Robin Barker’s Associates ....................11

Rosehaven Homes .............................. 40 Royal Pine .......................................... 12 RSA Discount Furniture ..................... 58 Sabitini Gourmet Foods ..................... 58 Sandra Sinsley Gallery ....................... 28 Scarborough Lexus Toyota ................. 30 SNS Painting & Contracting ............... 10 Starfield Laura ................................... 28 Survival Carpets & Renovations ......... 38 The O’Neil Centre ............................. 38 Tri-Cell Communications ..................... 7 Unicer Foods Limited ......................... 16 Wash UP & Brush ............................... 31 Wegz Stadiumbar ............................... 12 Wireless ...................... Inside Back Cover Your Expression Floral Design Ltd ..... 31 Zeidler Partnership ............................ 42 Zoocheck Canada ............................... 40

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=

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 second Tuesday of the month. Send to Toronto Fire Watch, Box 157, 253 College St., Toronto ON M5T1R5 or email: naderiab@xentel.com

CLASSIFIEDS FINANCIAL SECURITY PLANNING: contact J Neil Reid for RRSP’s, RESP’s, Mutual Funds, Segregated Funds, Mortgages, Insurance as well as Tax Services—investing you can trust— CJ Financial, 11 years in Whitby 905666-6829 or Freedom 55 Financial at 1-800-791-1324 ext 393.

62

HOME FOR SALE: Waterdown— Unique, detached, 2 story, 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, brick home on 33’ X 120’ fully fenced/ landscaped lot. Deck, patio, Gas F/P, C/A (06’),C/V. MANY upgrades & extras. Close to all amenities. Asking $297,900.00. Call Dan-(905)920-9526 or Jan-(905) 920-6347.

ROOMMATE WANTED to share 3 bedroom plus den townhouse with walkout finished basement in sought after Whitby neighbourhood. All utilities $650.00/month. Please call 416-2358223.

Toronto Fire Service

$0 Phones Samsung 580

Sanyo 2400 10-4

Samsung 640

FREE 3 PIECE ACCESSORY KIT!

Sanyo Katana

(Car Charger/Case/Earpiece)

$0 $54.95

$24.95

$24.95

Samsung 920

Blackberry 7250

Blackberry Special with Voice & Rim Activation!

$74.95 Motorola Razr

LG Fusic

Samsung 900

Plan #1 - $20.00 Month 200 Free Local Minutes Free Weekends (Fri. 8pm - Mon. 7am) $0.20 Min over Free time Long Distance rate: $0.10 per min *Plans 1 & 2 Include: *Free Activation ($35 Value) *Free Detailed Billing ($3 Value) *Free Call Display ($4 Value) *Free Voice Mail ($8 Value) *Call Forwarding, Call Waiting Conference Calling *Phone pricing based on 3 year contract/New Activation only Call us directly for Hardware Upgrade info.

(Existing customers) Other phone models available through Web Store directly! Pricing current at time of Publication.

Airtime PLANS Plan #2 - $27.50 Month 200 Free Daytime Minutes $0.20 Min overage Free Evenings 6pm - 8am Free Weekends Friday 6pm - Monday 8am Long Distance rate: $0.10 per min

Blackberry 7130 Plan #3 *Limited Time Preferred Mobile 25 $25 Month 250 Free Daytime Minutes 1000 Mins Month of Evenings & Weekends -6pm-8am Clock 100 Mins month of Free Canadian Long Distance Free Voice Mail & Call Display Connection fee $35 (one time) $0.30 Min Overage Airtime & Long Distance rate

CHECK OUT OUR ONLINE WEBSTORE @ www.bellmobilityweston.com User Name: toronto fire department Password: fire “Ruggedized Sanyo” 7000 model / 10-4 $24.95

To Order Contact

: SHERRI WILSON

Or her Assistants Rose or Theresa

@ Bell Mobility Weston #416-242-8046 OR Toll Free 800-470-2355 OR swilson@wpci.com

2625 Weston Rd. (Weston & 401) CrossRoads Plaza New Activations Only - $8.95 System Access fee & $0.75- 911 Access fee app. / Subject to change without notice