B.C. further expands cancer coverage for fire fighters

BC Government News Release - Victoria

Tuesday, November 8, 2022 8:30 AM

Firefighters will now have easier access to workers’ compensation benefits and support services in recognition of their higher risk of developing work-related cancers.

“Firefighters are there for us when we are at our most vulnerable, and we need to be there for them when they need us,” said Premier John Horgan. “Their job places them in risk of exposure to toxic materials. If they get sick or hurt on the job, they deserve to have every support we can provide.”

The Province is amending the Firefighters' Occupational Disease Regulation under the Workers Compensation Act (WCA) by adding two cancers – pancreatic and thyroid – to the existing list of cancers and heart diseases that firefighters are at increased risk of developing.

“Despite the safety equipment, firefighters are still exposed to dangerous substances from burning materials,” said Harry Bains, Minister of Labour. “Over time, exposure can lead to serious, sometimes deadly, illnesses where prompt treatment is critical. I am proud to support these brave workers who selflessly put their health and lives on the line to keep British Columbians safe.”

If a firefighter develops one of the listed cancers after a certain period of employment, it is presumed that the cancer arose from their employment. The firefighter will be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits without having to prove the cancer is work-related.

“Recognizing the health challenges that firefighters face is extremely important to our membership as they put their lives on the line every day in communities across this province,” said Gord Ditchburn, president, BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association. “I am very grateful to this government for listening to us, expanding the list of work-related cancers, and better supporting B.C.’s firefighters.”

These improvements support government’s priority to ensure workers who become ill or injured on the job face fewer barriers to accessing workers’ compensation benefits and resources.

Quick Facts:

  • Professional firefighters and approximately 10,000 volunteer firefighters in B.C. have access to workers’ compensation related to cancer and other occupational diseases.

  • For the occupational disease presumptions to apply, a firefighter must have worked the minimum amount of time specified in the regulation for each cancer.

  • B.C. has recognized occupational diseases for firefighters since 2005, when the Firefighters’ Occupational Disease Regulation was established.

  • Additional types of occupational diseases for firefighters have since been added to the act and regulation. Cervical, ovarian and penile cancers were recently added to the regulation in April 2022.

  • B.C. recognizes 18 cancers as occupational diseases for firefighters.

  • Changes to the act in 2018 included firefighting as an eligible occupation in the new presumption for mental-health disorders.

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Media Contacts

  • Michael McKinnon, Deputy Communications Director, Office of the Premier, michael.mckinnon@gov.bc.ca

  • Ministry of Labour, Media Relations, 250 213-8637

  • BC Professional Fire Fighters Association, President Gord Ditchburn 604.436.2053




Press Release: The 25th annual Bright Nights in Stanley Park switches gears as trains are grounded for the holiday season

Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation

BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund

News Release

November 3, 2022

The 25th annual Bright Nights in Stanley Park switches gears as trains are grounded for the holiday season

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund announce the 25th Anniversary of Bright Nights will be celebrated with twinkling light displays and live entertainment. While this year’s event looks different with the absence of the vintage trains, it is still certain to be full of family fun and holiday cheer—and all for a good cause!

Admission to Bright Nights, which runs from December 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023, will be by donation. In addition to a wide array of light displays, Bright Nights will include fan favourites like the vintage fire truck, giant red reindeer and the tunnel of lights in the plaza. There will be firefighters welcoming guests, plenty of candy canes, and the barn will be transformed into Santa’s workshop for the first time since 2019. Food vendors on site will offer a wonderful selection of comfort food like churros, pretzels, popcorn and hot chocolate. “

This is a cherished tradition for many folks in Vancouver, and although it’s disappointing the trains can’t be a part of this year’s event due to technical challenges, we’re committed to helping create the best possible holiday experience with our partners,” says Steve Jackson, Director of Business Services for the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. “Countless firefighters have put in a lot of effort and thought into this year’s set up, and we can’t wait to see how it looks! We know this year’s Bright Nights will still bring joy to families and we encourage folks to come and donate for an important cause.”

Bright Nights is the single largest fundraising event for the Burn Fund. Proceeds fund burn survivor programs year-round, including Burn Camp and the Home Away Program, which provides accommodations to survivors, fire fighters and their families who must travel to Vancouver for medical treatment. The Park Board has donated more than $2.5 million to the Burn Fund since the event partnership began in 1998.

In addition to admission by donation, the Bright Nights 50/50 returns as a fundraiser and extension of the event. Tickets go on sale November 17, 2022. “It is disappointing the train is not operating, but it is important for us to host a free holiday event for everyone to enjoy,” says Jeff Sauvé, Executive Director of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. “Each year, hundreds of firefighters from across the province come together to create a time-honoured light display in Stanley Park. We are hoping the community will continue to come out to Bright Nights and celebrate the season.”

The Stanley Park Train is still being assessed following the recent inspection by Technical Safety BC earlier this fall. As mentioned in the Ghost Train news release, safety is the number one priority for the Park Board and a complete analysis of the mechanical issues is needed to determine next steps.

For more information, please visit vancouver.ca/brightnights.

For more information on the Burn Fund, please visit burnfund.org.

Note to editors: Media are invited to capture footage of Abbotsford fire fighters volunteering to set up at the plaza today from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Photos, videos, and social media can be found in this folder.

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Media Contact:

  • Park Board Communications

  • pb.communications@vancouver.ca

  • Burn Fund Communications

  • communications@burnfund.org

 
 

2022 ELECTION RESULTS ARE IN; A CALL FOR CHANGE WAS EVIDENT

A sweeping change across British Columbia at the Civic Local Elections at the municipal level for Mayor and Council. Over 37 incumbents were defeated in several geographical areas - large, medium and small.

The BCPFFA is very pleased to see Mike Hurley acclaimed as Burnaby’s Mayor, who was first elected in 2018, and uncontested in 2022. Brother Mike Hurley delivered on all his 2018 campaign promises, and will continue moving Burnaby forward. Congratulations Mayor Hurley!

Other notable changes were in our two largest BC Cities, Vancouver and Surrey both had significant changes to their respective councils where public safety was at the forefront of the campaign issues. Vancouver’s Mayor-elect Ken Sims defeated incumbent Kennedy Stewart, and Surrey’s Mayor-elect Brenda Locke narrowly defeated incumbent Doug McCallum.

Voter turnout was down in most municipal elections, Burnaby 29% (-13%), Maple Ridge 22% (-12), Victoria 37% (-8%), however Surrey’s voter turnout was up by +1.6% to 34.5%. (source:Global BC)

President Gord Ditchburn says, “We are very pleased to see several IAFF local endorsements become a reality. Over 83% of BCPFFA Locals support levels and/or public endorsements were successful. To name a few… Burnaby’s Mike Hurley (acclaimed), Delta’s Mayor George Harvie re-elected, Port Coquitlam’s Mayor Brad West (acclaimed), Maple Ridge’s Mayor-Elect Dan Ruimy, North Vancouver’s Mayor-Elect Linda Buchanan, -Pitt Meadow's Nicole MacDonald (acclaimed as new Mayor) coming from council, Cranbrook’s Mayor Wayne Price re-elected.”

IAFF Locals worked extremely hard in building relationships with all candidates, and regardless of the outcomes our members are active in their communities. Public Safety was at the forefront of issues in almost every community and as fire fighters we push hard in making the case for resources, staffing and awareness, so that our public can feel safe in knowing that fire fighters are there and ready to respond. If and when politicians are making decisions affecting the roles of public safety particularly that of fire fighters, we will make every effort to ensure they have right information.

Secretary Treasurer Todd Schierling goes on to say, “The IAFF encourages its members to run for office and make positive change to public safety. This includes advocating for NFPA 1710 such as safe staffing, growth plans, response times, and appropriate apparatus and equipment. We are proud to see several brothers and sisters put their names forward to make a positive difference in their community. We are also fortunate that the IAFF provides Political Academy Training for members wishing to advance public safety at all levels of government. Our locals will work very hard with all elected officials over these next four years and look forward to strengthening relationships across our province enhancing public safety.”

It’s worth noting that several IAFF members (active and retired) made a run for Local Office at all levels, Mayor, Council and School Trustee.

  • Acclaimed Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley, Retired Burnaby Local 323 member (past president), a BCPFFA President Emeritus and retired IAFF Vice President 6th District

  • Councillor-elect Tim Baillie is a retired Local 1271 Surrey Member and BCPFFA VP Emeritus was successful in his first run for council in Township of Langley.

  • Mayor-elect Wayne Price (retired IAFF member and former FC in Cranbrook defeated incumbent.

  • School Trustee-Elect Joel Neufeld, L1271 Surrey member was successful in his bid for School Trustee in Township of Langley.

  • Re-elected Michie Vidal, a retired L1271 Surrey dispatcher was re-elected to council for Harrison Hot Springs. Steve McLay, L4550 Township of Langley ran for council in Mission but was unsuccessful.

  • Gareth Lockhart, L4550 Township of Langley member ran for School Trustee, unfortunately was unsuccessful.

  • Ray Boucher, retired L1782 Coquitlam Captain, ran for council the Fraser Valley Regional District, however, came up short.

  • Councillor-elect Allison Evans (spouse of a Lower Mainland fire fighter) was successful in her bid for council in Pitt Meadows.

  • Megan McMath, Sooke Councillor re-elected. Her husband is an Esquimalt fire fighter.

 
 

Here’s a quick glance from City News reported the following:

The 2022 B.C. municipal elections have wrapped up, with a number of communities electing new mayors and councils.

Here is a list of Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley results, with links to articles with expanded coverage:

Abbotsford: Abbotsford voters have elected a new mayor, choosing Ross Siemens to lead the community for the next four years after Henry Braun did not seek reelection.

Burnaby: Mike Hurley has been acclaimed as mayor, with no other candidates running.

Chilliwack: Chilliwack voters have re-elected Ken Popove as mayor. However, it’s a name that’s missing from the list of school trustees that is a standout for many in this election.

Coquitlam: Voters in Coquitlam have re-elected Richard Stewart as mayor.

Delta: Delta voters have re-elected George Harvie as mayor.

Langley city and township: Voters in the Township of Langley have elected Eric Woodward as mayor, while Nathan J Pachal has been elected mayor in the City of Langley.

Maple Ridge: Maple Ridge voters have elected Dan Ruimy mayor.

New Westminster: Patrick Johnstone has been elected mayor. Voters are electing a new mayor after Jonathan X. Cote announced he would not be seeking re-election.

North Vancouver: People in the City of North Vancouver have re-elected Linda Buchanan as mayor, with incumbent Mayor Mike Little reelected in the District of North Vancouver.

Pitt Meadows: Nicole MacDonald will remain the mayor of Pitt Meadows, as no other candidates ran against her. Results for city councillors and school trustees are still being tallied.

Port Coquitlam: Brad West has been acclaimed as mayor, running unopposed. The city’s two school trustees were also re-elected by acclamation.

Port Moody: Meghan Lahti will be the next mayor of Port Moody.

Richmond: Richmond voters have reelected Malcolm Brodie as mayor.

Surrey: Surrey voters have elected Brenda Locke as mayor, defeating incumbent Doug McCallum.

Vancouver: The results are in and Vancouverites have elected Ken Sim the next mayor.

West Vancouver: West Vancouverites have elected Mark Sager mayor replacing incumbent Mary-Ann Booth.

White Rock: Voters have elected Megan Knight, who narrowly defeated incumbent Darryl Walker Saturday.

Fire won't wait: plan your escape this Fire Prevention Week

 
 

For Immediate Release                                                             

October 7, 2022
 

Fire won't wait: plan your escape this Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week takes place October 9-15, 2022

Vancouver, BC –With fire-related deaths in BC on the rise, it is more important than ever to plan and practice your home fire escape. During the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week, the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund is urging the public to create and practice a home fire escape plan with all residents of the home.

From January 1 to June 30, 2022 there were 40 fire related deaths in BC as reported to the BC Office of the Fire Commissioner. This number is concerningly high for the first half of the year. In 2021 there were 59 fire related deaths in total. 

“Working smoke alarms and home fire escape planning saves lives. Practice your escape and test your smoke alarms monthly, ensuring to replace the alarm if it is not working or is more than 10 years old,” says Gayanne Pacholzuk, Prevention Coordinator with the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. 

Today’s home fires burn hotter and faster than ever before due to flammable materials in the home. In the case of a home fire, residents could have less than two minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds.  

The Burn Fund has once again partnered with the BC Office of the Fire Commissioner and other fire service partners to host the annual Fire Prevention Week Contest. To promote this year’s theme of “Fire won’t wait: plan your escape,” students from kindergarten to Grade 12 are encouraged to enter by creating a home fire escape plan and filling out the ballot. 

The goal of the contest is to educate the next generation on the topic of fire prevention, helping to save lives and prevent painful burn injuries. The deadline is November 4, 2022 and all information can be found at www.gov.bc.ca/FirePreventionWeek.
 

Fire Prevention Week Tips: 

  1. Know what to do when you hear the alarm sounds and have a plan in place. 

  2. Plan and practice your home escape with all members of your household. 

  3. Know how long it takes you to get out and know two ways out of your home. 


Learn more at burnfund.org and follow the Burn Fund at @BCBurnFund.

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Interview Opportunity: Gayanne Pacholzuk, Prevention Coordinator for the BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund and retired Kelowna Fire Fighter. 

About the Burn Fund: 
Established in 1978 by the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, the Burn Fund is supported by more than 4,000 professional fire fighters from 53 communities in BC and the Yukon. These fire fighters donate their time and skills to support burn survivors. They also work to increase the public's knowledge about fire and burn prevention. The Burn Fund Executive and Board of Directors are represented by professional fire fighters, medical staff, and volunteers from across BC. 

Learn more at burnfund.org and follow the Burn Fund on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook at @BCBurnFund


MEDIA CONTACT
Nicole Clark, Director of Communications
BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund
P: 778.789.0820
E: communications@burnfund.org

Vote Saturday, October 15, 2022

 
 

Vote on Saturday, October 15, 2022

It’s your Community. Make a Difference! Vote for a Candidate that supports your Local issues!

This fall, British Columbians will be voting in community elections and electing municipal councils.

These elections matter, the votes cast will help shape the direction of our public safety and communities for the coming four years. 

These elections are the most direct way for individual community members to influence their local government.

Make a plan to vote Saturday, October 15—Pledge to vote today!

Yes - I pledge to vote!
 

This campaign is hosted by BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association. We will protect your privacy, and keep you informed about this campaign and others.

Authorized by the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association under LECFA,

info@bcpffa.org, www.bcpffa.org

 

Kindly remind your family, friends and neighours to vote, or simply share on social media.

 
 

Residents of Surrey support increase in staffing of fire fighters!

The Surrey Fire Fighters’ Association asked, and the residents of Surrey responded… they support increase in staffing.

September 27, 2022 I. Eliana Carrillo

More than nine-in-ten eligible voters in Surrey want to increase number of fire trucks that operate in the municipality. 

Vancouver, BC [September 27, 2022] – Sizeable majorities of eligible voters in the City of Surrey call for decisive action to properly prepare for emergencies, a new Research Co. poll conducted on behalf of the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Association has found.

In the telephone survey of a representative sample of eligible voters in Surrey, almost nine-in-ten respondents (89%) support establishing another fire hall in the city, specifically tailored with the appropriate equipment and firefighters for managing emergencies and fires in high rise buildings.

“The Surrey Fire Service needs immediate attention with a growth plan for additional resources,” says Saverio Lattanzio, President of the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Association. “Fire fighters on the front line are stretched thin, suffering from burnout and in dire need of staffing. Properly resourced fire protection must be maintained to ensure public and fire fighter safety.”

More than four-in-five eligible voters in Surrey (87%) support increasing Surrey Fire Fighters’ staffing levels to reach the average ratio currently seen in cities such as Vancouver, Burnaby, Toronto, Calgary and Ottawa.

“As the municipal campaign continues, eligible voters in Surrey have a clear idea of what they would like to see in order to protect lives and property,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Voters across the entire city believe it is time to hire more fire fighters and make additional investments in equipment.”

Almost seven-in-ten eligible voters in Surrey (69%) would prefer for the ratio of firefighters to citizens to increase as the city grows.

Just under four-in-five eligible voters in Surrey (79%) think it is “very important” that the next Mayor supports Surrey Fire Fighters by making the workplace safer and ensuring proper response to emergencies in Surrey.

Methodology:

Results are based on a telephone survey conducted from September 12 to September 16, 2022, among 402 eligible voters in the City of Surrey. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for region in the City of Surrey. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 4.9 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Saverio Lattanzio, President, Surrey Fire Fighters’ Association

778.322.6363 [e] sav@iaff1271.org

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

 
 
 
 

BC Leaders recognized at IAFF Convention

IAFF leaders from BC recognized for their outstanding service, dedication and leadership.

The IAFF 56th Convention was held in Ottawa, Ontario August 7-12. Over 1700 were in attendance. From BC, 72 delegates representing 30 locals, and 140 members from 50 6th District locals (BC, AB, Sask, Yukon, NorthWest Territories). The 6th district stood in solidarity on the issues at hand. BC had a couple of key individuals who were recognized within the 6th district, Mark Brise Local 913 Kamloops and Jeff Clark Local 323 Burnaby.

Congratulations to both Mark and Jeff, and to all those who were recognized throughout the IAFF who provide leadership and service for their members and community.

District 6 - Mark Brise joins GP Ed Kelly, GST Frank Lima, US Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell; CAL FIRE Local 2881 President Tim Edwards; Kamloops, BC Local 913 Secretary Mark Brise; Austin, TX Local 975 Vice President Randy Denzer and Boston, MA Local 718 member Scott Wahlen.

Denzer and IAFF Headquarters staff first looked at existing training to see which pieces might be applicable to structural fire fighters responding to the interface. Then, they thought about how to train these fire fighters to effectively operate in the interface using their departments’ existing equipment.
The result was the development of the IAFF Responding to the Interface (RTI) training program. It has since been beta tested and is now available.
Brise is one of the program’s instructors.

“In Canada, we know that fire fighters responding to these fires are not necessarily going to be IAFF members. All Canadian fire fighters need this training,” said Brise. “I spoke with IAFF 6th District Vice President Mike Carter who decided to make the need for this training a federal lobbying issue.”

Lobbying efforts were successful. The Canadian government earmarked $37.9 million of its budget in April 2022 to wildland firefighting response, $600,000 of which will be specifically used for the IAFF RTI training.

See full story here.

More information about IAFF training and wildland fires can be found here.

District 6 – Jeff Clark, Past President of Burnaby Local 323. Unmatched in energy and tenacity, he led a successful fight for cancer presumption, helped elect a friendly mayor, led the creation of new union hall, and brought the World Police and Fire Games to Burnaby, British Columbia.

Outstanding affiliate leaders from across the IAFF were honored on the final day of the 56th Convention in Ottawa, Ontario, as the union presented its Local Leadership Awards.

The ability of the IAFF to defend and improve conditions for fire fighters and paramedics depends on the quality and dedication of thousands of local affiliate leaders. Every two years during Convention, Local Leadership Awards are presented to 16 outstanding affiliate leaders, one from each of the union’s 16 districts in the United States and Canada.

Each Local Leadership Award recipient was recognized on stage and presented with a carved glass award.

See full details here.

 
 

Remembering Assistant Chief Forrest Owens, Central Saanich Fire Department

To all IAFF Affiliates, 

On behalf of Central Saanich L4428, it is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty death of Assistant Chief Forrest Owens, IAFF 6th District Local 4428, Central Saanich, British Columbia. Brother Owens, 64, passed away on July 21, 2022 succumbing to occupational cancer. Forrest Owens was a Charter Member of Central Saanich Local 4428. 

A memorial service will be held on at 1:00 pm on Sunday, August 14, 2022 at Saanich Fairgrounds 1528 Stelly's Cross Road, Saanichton, British Columbia V8M 1S8

  • Procession & Muster Location: Stelly's Secondary School, 1627 Stelly's Cross Road - MAP

  • Parking will be at the muster location. Overflow parking TBD.

  • Muster Time: 11:00am; Procession Start: 12:00pm

  • Service Time: 1:00pm - 1528 Stelly's Cross Road - Saanich Fairgrounds RCMP Building

  • Formal Reception to follow at the Saanich Fairgrounds Main Building

 

Expressions of sympathy or condolences for the Local or the family can be sent to IAFF Local 4428, 1512 Keating Cross Road, Saanichton, BC V8M 1W9.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to 1512 Keating Cross Road, Saanichton, BC V8M 1W9 Canada. Central Saanich Volunteer Firefighters Association is establishing the Forrest Owens Memorial Scholarship. 

Nearby Accommodations: Elk Lake Inn & Suites 

FORREST OWENS OBITUARY

Contacts:

Burn Camp Kick Off Site Notice 2023

Burn Camp Kick Off Site Notice for 2023

Each year Burn Camp Kick Off is generously hosted by an IAFF Local. Burn Camp 2023 will be a particularly special year as it marks the 30th anniversary of camp!

Submit your request to Coordinator Margot Merinsky burncamp@burnfund.org by August 31st, 2022. by August 31st, 2022.

Visit Burn Camp

 
Learn more
 
 

CTV Vancouver

About Burn Camp - burnfund.org/camp-for-young-burn-survivors/

The Burn Fund hosts young burn survivors for one week of camp each July.  Over one thousand children from across B.C. between the ages of 6 to 18 have attended since 1994. The camp provides young burn survivors with an opportunity to share experiences with their peers.  The Burn Camp Committee works hard for many months planning for an exciting and memorable Burn Camp!  This year’s host for our Burn Camp are the friendly folks at Cheakamus Centre in Paradise Valley.

Campers and their counselors participate in group activities such as swimming, hiking, kayaking, rafting, waterskiing, skit night, and arts & crafts. They also receive valuable one-on-one support from junior counselors – themselves burn survivors – and from their counselors.  Doctors, nurses, medical therapists, adult burn survivors and professional fire fighters donate their time as counselors.

The camp is free for young burn survivors to attend. The cost to the Burn Fund for each camper to attend is approximately $2,900.

Thanks to the support of donors and sponsors, the Burn Fund covers the campers’ travel, accommodation and the cost of coordinating and operating the camp.

 

BCPFFA Support Pipes & Drums Campaign

The Surrey Fire Fighters Pipes & Drums Band (SFFP&D) band is raising funds to rebrand in colours and patterns that give meaning of tartans and to symbolize the IAFF and BCPFFA. On July 17, 2022 BCPFFA representatives presented the SFFP&D band with a $40,000 cheque and a copy of the Special Resolution.

 

Photo by Dave Harcus

 

Earlier this year, the SFFP&D band provided a budget presentation to the BCPFFA executive board to outfit the current members of the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Pipe and Drums Band with a capital campaign. The BCPFFA executive board was supportive and motioned for significant funding towards the campaign. Fifty three BCPFFA Local affiliates voted on a special resolution by referendum vote to support the SFFP&D band where it was successfully adopted. In addition, the BCPFFA supports the band with a 10 cent per capita specifically for the BC Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial travel needs.

Pipe Major Jeff Sim stated, “It’s off the charts… we are overwhelmed at the support of the membership in particular the BCPFFA leadership, the way you have accepted us and promoted our efforts not only now but over the last decade. We will strive to continue our commitment to provide one of the longest standing traditions whenever and where ever possible to our brothers and sisters of the IAFF.”

Piper (& BCPFFA Vice President Emeritus) Tim Baillie goes on to say, “There’s not enough words to thank the BCPFFA for helping us with this campaign. We are here to serve our brothers and sisters, families and communities.”

The SFFPD band is called on often to participate at a variety of events such as Line of Duty Death (LODD) memorials such as BC Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial, parades, and local community events.

President Gord Ditchburn says, “We are appreciative of the SFFP&D band and what they represent by continuing the long-standing tradition of coming together to provide a wonderful service to the families of our fallen at memorials services. They add a special effect as our men and women remember the fallen that I admire very much.”

The band is funded by hosting fundraisers or receiving contributions from organizations including the BCPFFA, Surrey Fire Fighters Local 1271 and many locals who request their services. The funds provide support for uniform, equipment and travel. Locals wishing to contribute funds at their own accord are welcomed to do so on an ongoing basis.

Secretary Treasurer Todd Schierling goes on to say, “Having worked with Pipe Major Jeff Sim on several occasions over the last 15 years on LODD services, community events and BCPFFA Biennial Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial, it has been an honour. We admire the showmanship these fine musicians bring to events attended by our families, members and communities. They are a dedicated group wishing to grow their team by welcoming any member willing to join. We appreciate their succession planning for the future..”

Share video with your members

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Share video with your members --

 

Video by Chris Mckee

 

ABOUT THE SFFP&D BAND: The Surrey Fire Fighters Pipes & Drums Band (SFFPD) is a non-profit highland bagpipe and drum band in British Columbia established in 2013 with its own constitution and by-laws. The band performs at joyous and solemn occasions around the province, the country, and North America – these musicians proudly keep firefighter traditions alive. The SFFPD band is (currently) composed of 24 pipers and 8 drummers of both active and retired firefighters from Coquitlam, Burnaby, Surrey, Delta, Vancouver, Richmond and the Township of Langley, including men and women of various ethnic backgrounds including civilians, police and military personnel. The 32 member band welcomes any band member from other BC Locals to join the team.

 
Learn more