The Numbers!
John Vonk has been tracking our membership for as long as we can remember. As the treasurer of L626, he created the ‘Seniority List’ and has worked diligently to keep it updated over the years. The task became a bit more challenging after the amalgamation, as some retirement communications were lost along the way. Recently, with the assistance of Eric Cotter, a searchable 3888 seniority list has become available. As a result, we have determined that approximately 40 SFDers are still working, all of whom have 29 years or more of service. The seniority list on the website will be updated in the near future.
British Columbia Firefighter Screening
British Columbia has enacted the Firefighters’ Health Act, which mandates regular health screenings for firefighters to ensure early disease detection. The Act includes provisions for early cancer detection and regular physicals that include mental health checks. It also requires ongoing lab tests and regular full physical exams. The Health Minister must develop a province-wide health screening plan for firefighters, which must be made public and updated every five years.
The Act also requires a review of occupational disease presumptions under workers’ compensation law. gov.bc.ca
The Firefighters’ Health Act represents a significant reform in British Columbia’s approach to firefighter health protection, shifting from a reactive to a proactive, evidence-driven framework. It aims to improve health outcomes for firefighters and enhance public safety through a more resilient emergency response system.
Golf – June 2026
Tom Kristensen and Al Fletcher conceived the Scarborough Retired Fire Fighters Golf event around 18 years ago. A few years later, Ray Green and John Barker took the reins, and later Ed Swiderski and I. The event has always focused on camaraderie, combined with some golf, food, and refreshments.
This year’s first round took place on June 4th at Sunnybrae Golf in Port Perry. Rob Bell informed us to expect a fantastic turnout, and he was absolutely right. We had a total of 80 golfers register, marking the largest attendance we’ve ever had. Don (The Duke) Macaulay has been a long-time attendee, and it was nice to have his grandsons join him this time around. We were glad to have Grant Spears, Rick Annis, Stewart Buchmayer, and Don McCorimick make their way back after missing last fall. It was also wonderful to have Harvey Gallant and John Noble join us for the first time. Overall, the weather was great, and everyone enjoyed the day. We did miss Joe DeMarcos’ exuberant personality, as he had to cancel at the last minute due to health concerns. We wish Joe a speedy recovery and hope to see him in the fall.
In case you don’t know, we do this twice a year, so mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 16th, for our next golf day. On behalf of Ed and me, thank you to all those who came out to make this a great day.
Chuck
Post 65 Improvements
Toronto Fire Fighters received their arbitration award back in December 2025, and since then, the Local has been busy pushing to get it fully implemented for members. They’re also already gearing up for the 2026 round of negotiations.
One topic that always comes up for retirees is the post‑65 Health Care Spending Account (HCSA). At the June 4th general meeting of the Retired Toronto Fire Fighters Association, it was mentioned that improvements to the HCSA will be on the table in upcoming talks. That’s encouraging — but we also need to be realistic. For any changes to apply to current retirees, the City would have to be feeling unusually generous, and historically, arbitrators haven’t awarded retroactive benefit improvements for retirees.
We all know an improvement would help, but let’s keep our expectations grounded. Don’t hold your breath (we’d like you to stick around), but do keep your fingers crossed for a positive outcome.
L3888 President Emeritus Jim Lee
From President of the North York Fire Fighters Association, to 3888 President, to the IAFF, and on and on — Jim has always been busy and involved. Now he’s set his sights on the next challenge: Mayor of Oshawa.
We just want to take a moment to wish him well and hope for a successful outcome. Good luck, Jim.
“Mayor Jim Lee” really does have a nice ring to it.
Lets Stay connected
Staying connected with your fellow firefighters after retirement isn’t just a tradition — it’s a lifeline. The shared laughs, old stories, and familiar faces help keep your sense of purpose and identity alive long after the last shift. Being around people who get it without needing an explanation does wonders for your mental well‑being, keeping the mind sharp and the spirits steady. Whether it’s the monthly lunch or our twice‑a‑year golf outing, we hope everyone can find a little time to come out and enjoy the camaraderie that reminds us the brotherhood and sisterhood doesn’t end when the bunker gear comes off.
Until the next time.