Sept 16/18

Retirements & Promotions

Clearly should have waited for the revised TFS llist!!! So, once again we find ourselves sending out congrats to those that are moving to the next phase of this great journey called life. In the retirement category effective July 31st is Alan Heinz (#590), Steve Duffield (#597) Steve Coles (#684) John Novakis (#707) Paul Demy (#734) and Daryl MacLennan (#785). In the promotions category Rob Bell (#752) Greg Davis (#754)
Joe Morache (764) and Jeff Caswell (#772) are now Captains. Also John Maclachlan (#703) and Darren Van De Walker #(659) are now A/D/Cs. Congrats to all, enjoy this next leg of your life journey!

Sept 12/18

REMINDER - Scarborough Fire Fighters Fall Golf Classic!

Sept 12/18

Paul Atkinson / Colin Grieve Defense Fund

Many have heard of the situation Paul and Colin have found themselves in. Both these individuals were instrumental in the presumptive legislation protecting fire fighters today. SFDers that know Paul find it hard to believe the allegations of the OPFFA and I'm sure its likewise for those that know Colin.

While some have kept up to date on this issue many just know the rumours. The following are excerpts and a link which will take you to a defense fund campaign which has been initiated to help Paul and Colin. I urge you to follow the link, read the details there and if you see fit help our brothers fight these charges - no amount is too small.

The Paul Atkinson-Colin Grieve Legal Defense Fund

"The two firefighters have devoted over 20 years advocating for WSIB benefits for occupational disease. Starting from the era of no entitlements, the two worked separately in their respective cities to gain benefits on a case-by-case basis. In 2000, Colin and Paul came together and took an independent initiative to advance Occupational Cancers for firefighters. Using the network they built, they were able to build relationships with WSIB Senior Management to create a prevention mandate. This mandate involved creating a poster project and safety video called Mask Up. This initiative was utilized nationwide and continues to be the primary prevention initiative".

"-The Ontario Provincial Firefighters Association (OPFFA) accuses Atkinson and Grieve of misappropriating over 3 million dollars, of what the OPFFA states are theirs. 

Keep in mind that these 3 million dollars would have only come from "obligatory donations" (as the OPFFA oxymoronically termed it) from successful claimants. What the OPPFA fails to state is that only successful claimants that did not pay union dues were required to pay an obligatory donation. That is to say, Union paying members did not have to pay an obligatory donation when they successfully won their claim. Atkinson and Grieve represented hundreds of claimants over the years, which led to over a hundred million dollars in total WSIB payouts. But many of these claimants were Active Living Members, and Deceased Active Members and their Estates. These two groups of claimants were Union dues-paying members, and were not required to make donations. Atkinson and Grieve also represented Living Retired Firefighters, and Deceased Retired Firefighters and their Estates. These individuals were not dues-paying members and were not a part of the OPFFA; therefore, they were encouraged to make a voluntary donation at their discretion."

Aug 17/18

105 Homes - Aerial View

Still smoldering, this aerial view of the 1987 fire shows what amazing work was done by fire fighters from Scarborough and Markham. Clearly through their hard work many many homes under construction were saved! A single cigarette butt may have started this fire that leveled 105 houses . (click pic to enlarge)

Aug 17/18

Canadian Fire Fighters Memorial Ottawa

Once again the Canadian Fire Fighters Memorial will see Scarborough Fire Fighters added to the memorial. To see a complete list and for details on the memorial please click on the pic below.

Aug 13/18

Florida Vacation Opportunity

Family has vacationed at this Fort Meyers Beach condo every year for 30 years, only missing out this year for personal health reasons. Amazing opportunity for a bargain vacation at Beach Club One condo - owners are just looking to cover their costs. Please follow this LINK to the poster for all the details.

Aug 3/18

August Luncheon

August 2nd saw many many SFDers take over the patio at The Pub on Water Street in Port Perry. They came from as far away as Port Dover and Florida, it was great to  see Wayne King, John Hill, Gord Barnes, Brian Sangster, Bob McWhinnie and many many others. There wasn't an empty seat to be had so, in true Fire Fighter style ya marked your seat for fear of losing a place to sit! Along with the exceptional weather the drinks and stories flowed, and a good time was had by all. If you missed this one mark your calendars for the first Thursday in September - we hope to see you there.

 

July 19/18

Promotions and Retirements

Congrats go out to Paul Demey (Sen #734) on his promotion to Captain, as well to Randy Obie (542), John Martin (668) and Perry Jeisel (681) on their retirements effective May 31/18.

June 20/18

Chris Burrell Retirement

Its time to celebrate his retirement. A gathering has been planned for Wednesday June 27th. Please see the attached poster for all the details!!

June 11/18

OMERS' Review of Pension Benefits

At the recent Scarborough Fire Fighters Golf Tournament I was approached by a number of retirees with questions regarding the review of OMERs. The following is from MROO and should answer any question you may have on this subject. If you're a member then you most likely have received this information. If you're not a member I would suggest joining as they are a good source of information and work hard for those retired with an OMERs pension. Its $25.00 for a life time membership!

BTW... the golf tournament was enjoyed buy what was possibly a record turnout! It was a wonderful day of golf, camaraderie and food. Its proof you dont need prizes to make it a great day. Dates for the September round will be posted when they are available. Thanks goes out to Ray Green and John Barker for putting it together. 

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE TO MROO MEMBERS

OMERS' REVIEW OF ITS PENSION BENEFITS

The governing body of OMERS is the OMERS Sponsors Corporation, that makes decisions about OMERS's pension benefits, OMERS's contribution rates, and the long-term planning for OMERS' incoming and outgoing funding requirements.  The OMERS Sponsors Corporation Board (SC) has an equal number of employer representatives and employee representatives (including one retiree representative, Paul Bailey).

For several months now, the OMERS SC has been examining long-term trends that will affect our pension plan and mulling over possible changes to the future design of the pension plan.

MROO members must know these key facts about this process.

1. Today's Retirees would not be affected

ANY CHANGE MADE NOW TO THE OMERS PLAN WOULD NOT AFFECT TODAY'S PENSIONERS!

I repeat, if the SC decided to change something, it would apply ONLY to OMERS service worked after some future point.  IT WOULD NOT APPLY TO US AS RETIREES.  OUR PENSIONS, including the inflation-indexing guarantee, WOULD CONTINUE UNCHANGED!

2. No decisions have yet been made

As I am writing this, the OMERS SC HAS MADE NO DECISIONS.

We recognize that other large Ontario pension plans (the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and the Hospitals of Ontario Pension Plan) removed their guarantee of pension inflation indexing in light of the fierce financial disaster of 2008.  However, since then those boards have adjusted those pensions for inflation on a year-to-year basis.

Complete removal of inflation indexing is not being looked at by OMERS, but removing the guarantee, as the Teachers' Pension Plan has done, is being considered. Be that as it may, the OMERS SC indicates that it has not yet decided what or how much the OMERS Plan needs to change. 

3. The MROO Board and other retiree organizations have been kept informed

Despite the fact that, as retirees, no changes would affect us, OMERS SC representatives have met with our Board and kept us informed.

To this point, here is what MROO has advised the SC:

• We accept the SC's analysis that the OMERS plan faces longer-term challenges, and that it is reasonable to be looking now at how to deal with the challenges.   As the saying goes, if the roof needs fixing, the time to do it is when the sun is still shining, not when it’s raining.
• At the same time, do not rush into a decision.  Take the time to weigh all options, get input from stakeholders and members, provide a solid understandable justification for any suggested change, and educate members about the rationale for and impacts of any suggested change.
• Whatever other change may be made, it should be mandatory that all employees of OMERS employers be enrolled in the OMERS plan, including part-time, seasonal and contract employees.

 4. In the 25 or 50-year horizon, OMERS is legitimately concerned

We do not believe that the OMERS SC is fabricating reasons to assess the long-term sustainability of the current benefits offered by the pension plan.   

• OMERS' recent investment returns are great, but investment opportunities in stable countries are becoming more limited, with more competitors chasing those limited opportunities. 
• Severe cyclical downturns in the Western economies are a sure thing.  We just don't know when and we don't know how bad.  2008 will not be the last.
• OMERS' contribution rates are the highest among the large Ontario pension plans.   Neither employees nor employers will have much appetite for increases.
• The number of employees in the OMERS plan seems unlikely to increase significantly over the long-term.   Within 15 years, the OMERS Plan may well have as many retirees getting pensions as employees making contributions.
• Retirees are living longer (and their pensions have to be paid longer), a trend which shows no signs of stopping over the next 25 years.
• The long phase-in of the expanded CPP begins next year.  The contribution rates for the CPP will begin to rise. Then the CPP pension will begin to increase for the employees who will have paid the increased contribution rates. 

In closing let me reiterate, there will be no change to those who are currently in receipt of their OMERS pension; the guaranteed inflation indexing will remain in effect for the life of your pension.

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May 13/18

Scarborough Fire Fighters Golf

May 7/18

Promotions & Retirements

Congrats goes out to Brian Sangster (Sen #546) and Bruce Russell (Sen #627) on their recent retirements. The long wait is over for Jim Bredin (Sen #716) as he gets his promotion to Captain effective May 28th. Best wishes to all on this next leg of your journeys.

Apr 24/18

New Home for the Original IAFF 626 Charter

A few months ago Toronto Fire Fighter Local 3888 were hoping to bring the six (pre-amalgamation) IAFF Local Charters together and display them with the 3888 Charter on the wall of their board room. Of the five the only one that was missing was Local 626. Fortunately, after asking around the original 626 Charter was found hiding in plain sight at the museum (old Hall #1). Today the Charter has a new home and is hanging proudly with the L3888 and the other five at the office of the Toronto Fire Fighters Association. Local 3888 were kind enough to have a full size copy of the original made and framed. The copy will be placed in the museum for all to see. Special thanks to John Cousins and John Vonk for making this possible.

Mar 21/18

Promotions & Retirements

So while two more enter the next phase of their journey another gets his red lid. Congrats go out to Bruce Gilbert (Sen # 756) and Ron Malcom (Sen #608) on their retirements which were effective January 29th. As well we congratulate Rob Crummey (Sen # 698) on his promotion to Captain. Best wishes to all in your future endeavors.

Mar 20/18

Comedy Night for PTSI Awareness

The Toronto Fire Fighters Celtic Society is hosting a Comedy Night at Legion Branch 258 on Lawson Road in Scarborough on April 5th. starting at 7:30 pm. Cost is $20 and proceeds go to Awareness for First Responder PTSI.

See attachment for details.

Mar 20/18

TPFFA - Easter Seals

Brothers and Sisters,

This year, we will be making a donation once again during the Annual Easter Seals Telethon at the CBC building on Front Street. We have secured twenty-two (22) spots for our 3888 brothers and sisters that would like an opportunity to wear their Full Dress Uniform on-the-air during the telethon, while volunteering to answer phones and take donations from the public.

As a Telethon sponsor/presenter The Toronto Professional Firefighters' Association will be participating in the following:

·         1 Cheque Presentation and Interview

·         Middle Telethon Panel (14 seats) and Side Panel (8 seats)

·         2 Corporate Matches

If you are interested in participating, please fill out this online form.  We will be taking twenty-six (26) members, with four (4) being alternates, and try to have you fill in during breaks. This will only take two hours of your time.  At 10:00am, we will meet at the CBC building to receive instructions. We will be on-air between 11:00am and 12:00pm.

Everyone that has participated in past years has enjoyed this event. You may even get the opportunity to meet some celebrities, while answering phones for a very worthwhile charity.

Please consider getting involved, bring a crew mate, or even your whole crew! Applicants will be selected on a first-come first-serve basis, so hurry and get your online registration form filled out, (http://www.emailmeform.com/ builder/emf/tpffa/ 2018EasterSeals) and be seen by your family and friends on-air during the Easter Seals Telethon.

Further details will be forwarded to you once you have been selected.

Thank you in advance for participating.

 Fraternally,

Gerlando Peritore & James Coones

Co-Chairs, Charity Committee

Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association

I.A.F.F. Local 3888

Cell 647-525-5775 - peritore@torontofirefighters.org

Feb 13/17

St. Patrick's Day Parade - Local 3888 Host

Jan 17/18

Community Emergency - "A Day In The Life Of A District Chief"

Jan 12/18

Brett Johnston Retirement

After 36 years Brett is transitioning to retirement. A gathering is schedule for Saturday February 17, 2018. The location is the Stone Cottage Pub, 3750 Kingston Rd. (@ Scarborough Golf Club Rd.) The celebrations get under way at 2:00pm. Tickets are $20.00 | contact Madison at 221C or Bart at 231D platoon (Hall #7).

Jan 7, 2018

Toronto F/F's Celtic Society Fundraiser

Dec 18/17

Christmas Breakout success ...

Allen, Batelann, Blizzard, Craig, Chandler, Kennedy, Papaleo, Wagner, Strong, Strothers, Vonk and many many others could be found at this years annual Christmas breakout. The food twas good, the beverages cold and the reminiscing plentiful. As we filled the Harp & Crown to near capacity, we once again found ourselves enjoying the camaraderie of our 626 colleagues and friends. With Christmas quickly approaching and 2017 coming to an end, we wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2018.

Dec 7/17

TPFFA Loc 3888 Shift Calendar

For those who still like or need to track the shifts of Toronto Fire Fighters, the following link will take you to the full page calendar for the Operations Division.

TPFFA - 2018 full page calendar

Nov 18/17

Retirements

Nov 17/17

Christmas Breakout Luncheon.

Hey SFDers with 2017 approaching its end, and Christmas season getting underway, its time to mark those calendars and plan to attend the Christmas Breakout Luncheon.
Whether retired or still active this is the perfect opportunity for us to connect. So lets gather together and share some camaraderie; old memories and some new stories. The date for this get together is Thursday, December 14th at the Harp and Crown in Pickering (Altona Rd. & Kingston Rd.). The gathering usually gets started around 11:30 a.m.
Don't forget - mark those calendars and spread the word to make this a memorable one - hope to see you there!!

Oct 16/17

Promotions

Effective September 29th Dave Montgomery and Gary Muir were promoted to District Chief with Toronto Fire Services. Congrats to both on this milestone in their careers with Toronto Fire.

Oct 13/17

LODD Update

On the first Sunday in October the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice on the job or from job related illness are added to the Memorial Wall at Queens Park. This year two of our deceased Scarborough Fire Fighters names were added to that Wall. They are Daniel (Dan) Donnelly - Sen #171 and Robert E. Barnes (Ted) - Sen #164.

posted Aug5/17

Scarborough Fire Fighters Golf Classic

Summer seems to really be struggling to take a hold this year. With time ticking away one can only hope the rest of August and September will be really really nice. That would set things up quite nicely for the Scarborough Fire Fighters Fall Golf Classic. Hosted by Ray Green and John Barker the Fall Golf Tournament is set for Friday, September 8th, at SunnyBrae Golf Course in Port Perry. The price is $65.00 per person and includes Golf, Power Cart and Steak Dinner. Note: if you're not a golfer but would like to partake in some comaraderie, dinner can be had for just $25.00. The Location is Sunnybrae Golf Club - 1430 King Street, Port Perry | 905.985.2234 ( Sunnybrae Golf Club ) For more info and to book a foursome contact Ray Green @ 905.985.5031 or John Barker @ 905.853.7293
Mark your calendars and we'll see you there!

posted July 13/17

Retirements 

Two more individual have joined the retirement club. Barry Lowes, Bob Keys and Rob King on their retirements which were effective May 31/17 - Congrats to all, enjoy the next leg of your life journey.

posted June 23/17

July Lunch Reminder

Once again the Scarborough Fire Fighters Golf Tournament (June 16th) was a great success with many retired and active fire fighters enjoying a day of golf, food, beverages and camaraderie. If you missed it put a reminder on your calendars to watch for the September date. A big thank you to Ray Green and John Barker for making it all happen.

In the mean time if your up for some camaraderie the next lunch will be on July 6th (first Thursday of the month) at the The Pub on Water Street in Port Perry - the gathering begins around at 11:30am

The Pub on Water Street

posted Mar 11/17

Promotions / Retirements

Congrats go out to Bryan Staal (#775), Scott Weaver (#776)Kevin McLaughlin (#782) and Daryl Maclennan (#785) on their promotion to Captain with Toronto Fire.

All the best to Paul Campol (#472) who after some 40 years has decided to retire, we hope his time on LTD has allowed for retirement to be as awsome as we know it can be. Best wishes for health and happiness go out to Marco Mecozzi (#683) who has gone on LTD.

Last but not least congrats to Doug Jones and  Mark Ashcroft on their designation as Acting District Chiefs

posted Jan 11/17

TPFFA L3888 Active - Retired Members Policy

To often I have heard it said retirees have no formal way to keep informed of what is happening in the fire service. As soon as you retire the email notices stop and website access is curtailed.

The members of the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 3888 have passed a policy for Active-Retired Members. For an annual membership fee Retired Fire Fighters can attend 3888 Membership meetings (including electronic/teleconference meetings) with a VOICE but NO VOTE. You would have access to the 3888 website and receive email notices. As well you would receive the L3888 Fire Watch Magazine and the IAFF quarterly magazine. If needed - Advocacy for WSIB, Pension and Benefits. For all the benefits please click here to see the Policy.

The annual membership fee for the TPFFA / IAFF Active-Retired will be $125.00 from January 1st-December 31st   (this cost will be reviewed annually by the Finance Committee). Members joining throughout the year will have this cost  pro-rated. Applications are now being accepted, as soon as I receive the application form it will be posted so you can download/print it.

posted Jan 6/17

Promotions/Retirement

Congrats go out to Paul Atkinson (#751) and Mark Foley (#755) on their promotion to Captain with the Toronto Fire Services. Also after some 34 years of service Rob Forsyth (#583) has decided to kick back and relax. Best wishes go out to rob on his retirement effective Dec 30/16.

posted Dec 8/16

Merry Christmas

As Christmas Day 2016 quickly approaches I have decided to use alternatives to try and make this site more mobile friendly. To that extent the site should now work better on most mobile devices. However, when it comes to tablets it should works best with the tablet turned on its side to landscape view. On mobile phones it will be a scaled down version with just the important stuff being made available. I'm keeping my fingers crossed this will be successful and am open to feed back!

In closing, on behalf of myself and the Retirees Club Exec. we wish you a very merry Christmas and all the best in 2017.

Chuck

posted Dec 3/16

Christmas Breakout Reminder

Hello Everyone,

It's that time of year again, our BIG CHRISTMAS BREAKOUT LUNCH is on for Thursday December 8th. starting around 11:30a.m.
(and going to ???? hour) at the usual location the HARP & CROWN PUB in Pickering (Kinston Rd & Altona Rd).

All retired and active Scarborough Fire Fighters and friends are welcome to attend.

The cost is still a mere $10.00 for the lunch. There will be door prizes, Roy will have the Lions Christmas cakes available and
of course our Treasurer Gord MacBride will be collecting SPFF Retirees Club dues for 2017, (still only $10 since 1991).

I'll have the Scarb FF clothing available and taking orders for the Winter Jackets at a cost of $200 in advance.

Every year our ranks are diminishing a little, so let's make this biggest ever. Come out enjoy the old stories and 'BS' that came with the job.

Please let us know if you will be attending so we can let the Harp & Crown know a rough number for the lunch order.
RSVP  me by email at johntvon@gmail.com or phone 905 509-2953, or Roy Fletcher 416 261-0661.

It was great to see all our guys come out to Jeff Robinson's and Brian Watt's retirements (8th Nov & 1 Dec),
really enjoyable and a good turnout for both. We wish Jeff & Brian all the best for the years ahead.

See you Thursday.

Fraternally,
John Vonk

posted Nov 15/16

Brian Watt Retirement Celebration

posted Oct 21/16

Jeff Robinson Retirement Celebration

Jeff has made the move to that next chapter in life. A Retirement Celebration is set for Thursday November 10th. 2pm. at the
Harp & Crown Pub, 300 Kingston Rd. Pickering.
Tickets $10.00 available @ Station 243 (old Hall 10) Platoon B or at the door.
Mark your calendars and come on out and wish Jeff well.

posted Oct 17/16

Old Scott Aerial #7

Old Scott Aerial #7 is for sale. With the Aerial ladder hanging way out over the rear and its exceptional speed made steering this one 'fun' at times. Now its sitting just waiting for a new home.
(Thanks to JJ's son Eddy Johnston for finding this)

posted Oct 16/16

Retirement/Promotions 

posted Oct 1/16

The Fall Classic Summation

posted Sept 25/16

Promotions

The classes of 1990 continue to see promotion - Congrats goes out to Rob Hampson (#757), Rod Mckee (#762), Brad Oates (#765), and  Greg Whitlock (#770) on their promotion to Captain with the TFS.

posted Sept 23/16

September Reminder!

The summer weather is slow to let go, so hopefully it will be nice for the Fall Golf Classic - The Scarborough Fire Fighters Fall Golf Tournament is just 7 days away (Friday September 30th @ 11:00 a.m.) The price is $65.00 per person and includes Golf, Power Cart and Steak Dinner. Note: if you're not a golfer but would like to partake in some comaraderie, dinner can be had for just $25.00. The Location is Sunnybrae Golf Club - 1430 King Street, Port Perry | 905.985.2234 ( Sunnybrae Golf Club )

For more info and to book a foursome contact Ray Green @ 905.985.5031 or John Barker @ 905.853.7293 - Click on poster to view...

October -> the Port Perry lunch will be held for the last time of the season on Thursday October 6th. 11:30 at the Pub on Water Street. (weather permitting).

October is our Ladies lunch and this fall will be held in Pickering at the MANDARIN RESTAURANT on Kingston Rd just east of Brock Rd. for Thursday October 13th. starting again at 11:30.(all are welcome)

posted Sept 23/16

Ontario Fallen Fire fighters Memorial

The 2016 Ontario Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial will be held on the grounds of Queen's Park on Sunday October 2nd, 2016 at 1:00pm.

The Monument was erected in memory of all fire fighters who have died in the Line of Duty while protecting the citizens and property of Ontario. This year, among the many that will be honored, there will be twenty of our own members.

They are:

Captain Thomas Timmins, District Chief John Anketell, Captain Charles Exton, Captain Charles Mearns, Captain Lawrence Berenz, Captain George Powell, District Chief Peter Chambers, District Chief John Roach, Captain Terry Haworth, Firefighter Bruce Statton, Firefighter William Crawford, Captain Terry Thompson, District Chief Donald Cooper, Captain Falk Gruenwald, Firefighter Michael Kane, Captain Walter Churchmack, Captain Karl Lewis, Captain John O'Grady, Firefighter Bob Kennedy and Firefighter John Dowdell.

This ceremony will be a fitting tribute to these fire fighters and a lasting memory for their families.

We are encouraging all of our members to attend this ceremony.
Form-up for all fire fighters is at Queens Park Circle and Grosvenor Street at 12:00pm. Full dress uniforms with white shirt and white gloves to be worn.
There will be a reception afterward at our Union office at 39 Commissioners Street. All attending are invited to attend.

 Fraternally,

Michael D. Ogle
Chair, Ceremonial & Bereavement Committee
Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association
I.A.F.F. Local 3888

posted Aug 19/16 

Dan Stacheruk (Sen #579)

posted Aug 8/16 

Short Changing Pensioners??