Our Proud Past

In 1911 the Vancouver Firefighters attempted to organize in order to secure better working conditions and wages. Shortly there after they vacated those efforts in favour for a better wage settlement. Some 5 years later in 1916, Vancouver was the eighteenth fire department local in North America to organize, receiving a charter from the American Federation of Labour, and becoming the first Canadian union of fire fighters. After a protracted negotiation that ended in a strike in 1917, the new union was able to secure one day off in four with the savings achieved by the advent of full motorization and the sale of its steamers and horses.
On February 28th 1918, Vancouver fire fighters were the only Canadians among a number of unionized fire fighters that came together from across the continent to form the International Association of Fire Fighters.
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Local 18 member George A. Richardson, who was present at the inception of the IAFF, served 36 years as IAFF Secretary Treasurer in Washington D.C, and remains the longest serving principle officer of the IAFF. It must not be forgotten that Canadian fire fighters helped to forge this strong organization into what it is today. During its long association with the IAFF, Local 18 has emerged as a leader in the areas of collective bargaining, occupational health & safety improvements, training initiatives, workers’ compensation benefit advocacy, and staffing levels.
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Today, 106 years after the IAFF was formed, the now retired members of Local 18 have taken up the challenge in the spirit of those brothers who have preceded us. The members of Local 18 have a rich history of activism and leadership. They have been at the front of many of the fights to secure the rights and welfare of all firefighters. Local 18 was one of the leading Locals in the Province to spearhead the change in Presumptive Cancer language when there was few if any cancers accepted as work related in the 80's.
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Today, it is vitally important to recognize the impact of mental health issues on firefighters, including PTSI, moral injury, depression, and suicide. These issues are just as real and significant as physical health concerns like cancer. They are a work-related hazard that affects both active and retired firefighters, and should be addressed with the same level of attention and support. Mental health issues do not discriminate and can continue to affect individuals even well after retirement.
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Just as our forefathers , we are a small group of committed individuals determined to fight for change. Today, we find ourselves with a much larger struggle when you consider the affects on Mental Health within the fire service. Unfortunately as a retired firefighter, we are left with virtually no formal support programs once you leave active duty, we are pretty much on our own now. Many of us who came from a work environment that did not acknowledge much less offered help when it came to mental health issues. Once retired many found themselves very much alone when it came to dealing with not only the affects of retirement but how to cope with the issues related to Post Traumatic Stress Injuries.
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Retirement presents many challenges whether your a firefighter or not. Gone is that sense of belonging and being valued by your community. Gone is that sense of team and the camaraderie that we once thrived on. Because of these issues and the ever increasing frequency of suicide, we have formed this Society. In doing so we sincerely hope we can provide the necessary support systems we so deeply need and richly deserve. We hope that you will assist us in our goals.
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Thank you for your time,
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