British Columbia
Retired Firefighters Wellness Society
Welcome
Our organization is a registered Society Incorporated by the Province of BC.
The British Columbia Retired Firefighters Wellness (BCRFW) Society is non profit organization dedicated to support the retired firefighters of British Columbia in living a healthy and comfortable life.
This group of compassionate, dedicated retired firefighters recognizes the importance of providing meaningful mental health education and awareness to help alleviate the daily pressures of retirement and isolation. With the financial support from the BCRFW Society, we fell we are now positioned to provide our members these vital support systems they so, so richly deserve.
AGM UPDATE
The BC Retired Firefighters Wellness Society will be conducting our 2026 Annual General Meeting on Thursday, April 16h, 2025 in the Community Room, Firehall No. 17, 7070 Knight St, Vancouver, Time: 19:30 Hrs.
Currently, the retired members of IAFF Locals 18 & 323 are entitled to join the BCRWS, providing they are members in good standing with their respective locals.
Please note: in order to attend, be elected or eligible to vote you must be a registered member of the BCRFWS. For the purpose of this meeting only, the deadline for membership applications will close at noon, April 13th, 2026.
On-line nomination are now closed. Further details concerning in- person nominations can be found on the Meeting Detail tab listed here.
All registered Society members have been sent the meeting details information. For those wishing to view this information you can do so by following the link below.
Nominated to date are the following:
President
Secretary Treasurer
Director
Director
Gord Ditchburn
Mike Joy
Mark Cave
Marty Tammen
About Us
The BC Retired Firefighters Wellness Society was founded with the aim of providing a platform for retired firefighters to reconnect and have a voice. Many of our members have suffered in silence for far too long, dealing with the effects of a lifetime of exposure to trauma. In retirement, they often face isolation and questions of self-worth. We recognize the sacrifices made during their public service careers and aim to provide support and recognition to those who have given so much.
BC Retired Firefighters Wellness Society News
The Executive Board of the BCRFW Society is pleased to announce we have created a committee whose primary role will be to keep in touch with the retired members of our fraternity. The importance of maintaining that social connection is vital to ones wellness. With that in mind the newly formed K.I.T. Committee, ("Keep in touch") will be headed up by three members who have been instrumental in the creating this program while demonstrating an unmatched level of compassion for those who may feel isolated.
We would like to take this opportunity to recognize the efforts of Rick Kearney, Don Symington and Dave Kent in establishing this important service for our members.
In other news and a result of the afore mentioned appointments, Bros. Kearney and Kent have decided to relinquished their previous positions on the board in order to take on this new role. Meaning the Executive in accordance with our bylaws has appointed Rod Salas to the interim Vice President position for the remainder of the terms for that position. (1 year) . In addition, Tom Chapman (Pres. Burnaby Retired Firefighters Association)) has too been appointed to fill the role previously held by Dave Kent. He as well will be acting as interim director for the remainder of this year.
Finally, and on behalf of the entire board and membership, I want to take this opportunity to thank both the members who have stepped into these important roles and to Dave Kent and Rick Kearney for their efforts and dedication in building this organization. We look forward to much of the same in their new roles.