The passing of TFS Active Member District Chief Henrick “Rick” Batelaan
It is with great sadness we advise of the passing of Rick Batelaan (#634), who had 38 years of service. We received the following notice from TPFFA L3888 and will follow up with funeral arrangements when they are available.
District Chief Henrick “Rick” Batelaan – Jan 31st, 1964 – July 17th, 2023
It is with great sadness that we inform the membership of the passing of our active member DC Rick Batelaan, at the age of 59. He passed at home with his family by his side.
District Chief Batelaan started with the Scarborough Fire Department on May 27th, 1985.
His records show he was designated an Acting Captain and worked at stations 235 and 225 until his promotion to Captain on March 15th, 2010, on P232 A-platoon. Then on May 28th, 2012, transferred to S232 A-platoon, then designated as an Acting District Chief on August 17th, 2015, to P132 A-platoon. On March 13th, 2017, he returned to the East to R225 on A-platoon, then moved to A231 on A-platoon on July 30th, 2018. On September 23rd, 2019, Rick was promoted to District Chief on Car 14 at station 142 D-platoon. On January 5th, 2021, moved with Car 14 to station 141 D-platoon then back to 142 D-platoon when Car 14 moved back on March 29th, 2022, to D-platoon.
The C&B committee met with District Chief Batelaan and his wife Jenn last week, to discuss his wishes. Rick is resting at Kane Jerrett Funeral Home, and we will be meeting with his family tomorrow to finalize his ceremony. We currently are planning an Active member ceremony, and hoping this will be changed shortly to a LODD ceremony as we are awaiting approval from WSIB. The family wishes to wait a few weeks before the ceremony.
TPFFA C&B committee will keep you all up to date once details are finalized.
Members who are struggling with the news are encouraged to reach out to any of the following support services.
TFS Pear Support – (416) 338-9327
Chris Rodrigues – (416) 338-9557
The City of Toronto EAP – (416) 392-6633
North Chaplin Ted Leck – (647) 461-4047
East Chaplin Tahseen Gill – (647) 568-6050
South Chaplin Daniel Chandran – (647) 262-9897
West Chaplin Todd Riley – (416) 318-9167
In Solidarity,
Gerlando Peritore
Chair, Ceremonial & Bereavement Committee
Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association
I.A.F.F. Local 3888
647-525-5775