Vol. 39 March/April 2005

FeedLineA NEWSLETTERDEDICATED TO

MEMBERS OF HALIFAXREGIONAL FIRE &

EMERGENCY

Inside this issue:

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It’s been said that thecommunications division is theheart of the Fire service. If that’strue, the Mechanical Divisionrepresents the legs and feet.Heading this crucial division isSuperintendent Paul McCulley,who also happens to beresponsible for the Regional PoliceFleet. Working with Paul at the newMechanical Headquarters onWaverley Road are LeadhandTerry Kennedy and seven otherhighly qualified mechanics. Theyinclude Danny MacMullin, BrianNelson, Don Johnson, WayneMunroe, Howard Parker, DarrenBoudreau, Dan Higgins and DaveKennedy. All are registered with

the challenging Emergency VehicleTechnician (EVT) Program andseveral have reached master level.

Also working in the MechanicalDivision are Deonne Garry, inAdministration, and Candace Clarkein the Parts section.

Together they maintain anastounding 274 pieces of equipment.Included on that list are:

69 Engines 27 Tankers (water tenders) 3 Pumper Tankers 5 Quints 23 Rescues

by Tom Silver

Mechanics Don Johnson and Brian Nelson flank SuperintendentPaul McCulley

(Meet Some of the “Fixers”)Our Mechanical Division

Continued on page 3

Page 2 FeedLine

Message from the Chief’s OfficeIn this issue of FeedLine, I wish toupdate all of you on a few issuesthat I believe are important to thefuture of our Fire Service.

The HRM Budget was approved thisspring and there were a few keypoints of interest for Fire andEmergency. We will be hiring a CityWatch Coordinator to better utilizethe system which can makethousands of phone calls to delivermessages to residents or staff ofHRM. This is a much neededposition for the system and hasgreat potential if properly supported.

We have a position approved toservice our radio and pagersystems so that a coordinatedapproach to all means of servicingwill take place, not to mention, theneed to maintain the tracking ofthese units. This position will reportto DC Terry Bourgeois, in thebeginning.

A Risk Manager is being hired towork with Deputy Chief BruceBurrell and will begin a riskassessment for HRM. Oncecompleted, we can develop policies,procedures and take action tomitigate risks as well as prioritizethe plan for future action.

The Service Delivery Standard willbe presented to the Mayor and theExecutive Management Team ofDan English and George McLellanprior to going to Council. We thinkthat will be in June. To beginimplementation of the Standard wemade a budget request for 16additional firefighters. We did notreceive approval to hire any ofthese during budget but we aregrouped with several other requests

for funding from what we refer to as the“transition fund”. Business cases arebeing developed for these requests andwe will fund whatever is approved fromthe transition fund of $1 million. Wehope to have this completed ASAP.

You may recall the Quality of WorklifeAssessment conducted in ourworkplace by Mike Dunphy andAssociates which was a review ofemployee satisfaction in severalcategories. This assessment cameclose to the separate HRM EmployeeSurvey and I was made aware thatthere was confusion as to why therewas a second survey so soon after thefirst and, especially, why was there noaction on the Dunphy report and staffwas being surveyed again.

The timing may have added to someconfusion but the report and survey didprovide good information. Weestablished a staff-managementcommittee to implement therecommendations of the DunphyReport and meet on a regular basis tomake sure we are moving forward. Wehave recently agreed to call ourcommittee, the Quality of WorklifeCommittee and through the guidance ofDiane Wooden of HR we have mergedboth, the Dunphy Report and the HRMEmployee Survey recommendations.The work toward implementingsolutions is well underway. I must notethat this committee is only addressingpaid staff concerns but anything thatimproves the workplace has an effect ofmaking everything work better for ourvolunteers as well.

There has been a bit of confusionsurrounding the issue of helmet decals.I want to make certain you have theright information. Management mustapprove any alterations to dress that

Vol. 39 - March/April 2005 Page 3

5 Tactical Support Vehicles 1-100' Platform 1-100' Aerial 1-Snorkel 1-110' Aerial 18 Boats 6 Antique vehicles Miscellaneous vehicles

The Urban/Rural breakdowngenerally is 133 vehicles inthe Core and 141 vehicles inthe Rural sections of HRM.

The 2005-06 budget has justbeen passed and includes 3.4million dollars in new heavyvehicles. That money will bespent on five new rescuepumpers for Stations 38, 59,58, 16 and 18. An additional

custom engine is slated forStation #8.

As for the Tankers (whichaccording to NFPA areproperly referred to as“Water Tenders”), Tanker 55will be replaced with a 1500gallon Tandem vehicle.Tanker 40 will be replacedwith a 2500 gallon unit.Tankers 42 and 26 will eachbe replaced with a 1500gallon water tender.

Supt. McCulley says the goalis to replace frontline vehicleswhen they reach 15 years ofage. He says among thereplacements in theforeseeable future will be the1989 Snorkel. Its

may reflect on the uniformappearance of our members. Atno time, did we ever agree toallow any type of stickers ordecals to be placed on ourhelmets. I need to express myconcern over the placing ofdecals on helmets which canvoid warranties from themanufacturer given the non-approval adhesive on thedecals. We are moving aheadwith the removal of the decalsbut at the same time we arereviewing the uniform dresspolicy. We plan to identifyappropriate decals and theirlocation for placement on thehelmets, etc. Other means ofcommunity and organizationidentification will be reviewedas part of the policy update. I

hope this helps clarify thisissue as it was not illintentioned in anyway.

By now everyone has probablyheard I have given notice tostep down as Chief Director inJune, 2007. I have beenasked many times as to why Igave so much notice. First ofall, I am a contract employeeand have to give notice on myintention to negotiate anothercontact which normally issigned for three-year terms.Given my decision to leave in2007, I need only a one-yearextension to my contract. Ithought it would be unfair tohave my supervisor and otherHRM staff prepare a three-yeardeal when I was certain of my

plans. Secondly, Halifax Fireand Emergency is leading theway in so many initiatives, sothat anyone with an interest inthis position has more time toprepare. I look forward toworking as hard during the nexttwo years as I have in the pastand in keeping with my promise,I am reviewing ourorganizational structure with theintent to improve our service forthose two years. Anannouncement on this will bemade in June.

I hope all of you have awonderful spring and have timeto enjoy the outdoors with familyand friends.

Other items in the CapitalBudget for the coming yearinclude 230,000 dollars forvarious light utility vehicles,possibly including some moneyfor a new fire investigation van.

Core stations upgrades willtotal $224,000. Another$1,067,000 has been set asidefor Year 1 funding of theproposed station at Penhorn.Opticom signalization getsanother 80,000 dollars, FireStation alerting gets 100,000,and water supply 388,000dollars.

Mechanical Division, Continued from page 1

replacement cost alone will be inthe 800,000 -1,000,000 dollars(Canadian) range.

Page 4 FeedLine

JUST CALL US “HOLLYWOOD EAST”

Not too long after Station 13 andsome of our firefighters wereused in a Superstore commercial,lo and behold, that historicbuilding stars again. The KingStreet Station had a new identitybriefly in March as it was madeover to look like the GraftonConnecticut Fire Department.

A made for TV movie“Ambulance Girl”, starting anddirected by Kathy Bates, didsome filming at Station 13,Station 8 and the Fire School aspart of the production.

Divisional Chief BrysonWilson, who worked asliaison and SafetyCoordinator during thefilming said it was a greatexperience. He got to learnabout the technical aspectsof movie making and theactors and film crew got tolearn something about whatwe do.

Bryson says the stationswere never placed out ofservice and the food and

snacks provided by theproducers were excellent andplentiful.

The movie centers on amiddle-aged woman whochallenges herself bybecoming a volunteermedical responder,overcoming many phobiasalong the way.

Vol. 39 - March/April 2005 Page 5

The long anticipated divisionof responsibilities has finallycome to be for the staff of FirePrevention. The former singlebusiness unit has split intothree separate groups, all withdistinctively different roles .Leaving the familiar groundfloor of Alderney Gate are Fireand explosion Investigators,Scott Wheeler, WayneChapdelaine and StephenNearing. They report toDivisional Chief GaryMcCurdy, who formerlymanaged all of FirePrevention. The groupmodified the former

mechanical garage behindStation #3 on West Streetand they will concentratesolely on investigations. Afourth position will be filledsoon.

The Public Education Sectionhas doubled in size to foureducators and trainers. Theyinclude Wayne Higgins,Kevin Thomas, HollyWeatherby and Tom Silver.The group reports toDivisional Chief Mike LeRueand operate from the secondfloor of Station #13.

The enforcement branchreporting to Deputy ChiefSandra Vidito include FirePrevention Officers CraigMacDonald, RobertKamperman, Mike Boutilier,Don Surette, Glenn Martin,Tony Garber, Frank Harderand Carl MacKeigan. BothCarl and Frank are workingtheir final weeks beforeconcluding successful careersand retiring in June. Thissection will continue to functionfrom the ground floor ofAlderney Gate.

New Responsibilities for Fire Prevention Staff

Safety Division Office MovesBryson Wilson, Divisional Chief of Safety,has moved from the cosy 2nd floor of Station#13 to the ultra-modern and spaciousEmergency Measures Office (EMO) on the2nd floor of the Eric Spicer Building, 21 MountHope Avenue, Dartmouth.

Working with Bryson is Administrative SupportAssistant Tammy Larabie, who most recentlywas administrative assistant in Fire Prevention.Byron’s new phone number is 490-6573 andTammy may be reached at 490-3573. The faxnumber is 490-7114.

We Really Want Your Input!!FeedLine Editor-in-Chief Mike LeRue has added Tom Silver to the staff to assist with articles andphotos. Jeanette MacKay is relinquishing her duties as Editor in order to devote more time to herjob as Coordinator of Safe Communities of Halifax Regional Municipality, a position she took overat the beginning of this year. Thank you Jeanette!

We want to make FeedLine as informative as we can, noting that Halifax Regional Fire &Emergency is the first Department in Canada to publish a Newsletter and joins Winnipeg as theonly Fire services in the Nation that do so (to the best of our information). We welcome anysubmissions, photos, and/or story ideas. Thank you!

Page 6 FeedLine

RURAL NEWS

Thanks to Paula, wife of Musquodoboit FireDepartment Chief Myles Faulkner, who took thisphoto of a DNR helicopter trying to extinguish thatstubborn brush fire in Chezzetcook on April 17.Hard work and some luck helped because this fireactually jumped Highway #7 for awhile and stoppedtraffic.

A Busy Time in Chezzetcook

Vol. 39 - March/April 2005 Page 7

Congratulations on Appointment and Reappointment of Officers

Chief Bill Powell has been reappointed in Harrietsfield-Sambro until April 30, 2008.

Chief Michael Richardson of Moser River was reappointed in that position toApril 30, 2008.

Deputy Chief Carl Naugler was reappointed in the same department until April 30, 2007.

Deputy Chief Steve Comeau has been reappointed in Waverley and Goffs untilApril 30, 2008.

Deputy Chief John Cunningham has been appointed in Bay Road Fire Department for an 18-month term until October 31, 2006.

Lake Echo Fire Department has five new captains. They are: Ernest Simmonds, HowardGrant, Jason Drysdale, Robert Patey and Rod Smith. The term of office is until March 31,2007.

Zone 4 appointments of Captains until April 2007 include: David Cornish (Station #41); MarcRothwell (Station #42) and Keith Coleman (Station #44).

Zone 4 appointments as Lieutenants for a term until April of next year include: David Ayresand Bryan Lynch (Station #41); Amy Joudrey (Station #42); Heidi Currie (Station #43); JaneBottomley (Station #44); Abel Lazarus (Station #45).

Moser River Fire Department has two new captains. They are Donald MacDonald andKenny Shrider. The appointments are until March 31, 2007.

M. Wendell MacLeod has been appointed as Fire Prevention Officer for all Zone 4departments for a term until March 31, 2007.

RURAL APPOINTMENTS

Station #8 Volunteer Firefighters HonouredVolunteer Lieutenant Robert Andrews wrote FeedLine to say his colleagues were feted at aBedford Lions awards dinner on April 3 that recognized work done by volunteers in various fields inBedford.

Our volunteer firefighters were recognized for their work and commitment in the community. Allthree levels of government were represented at the awards dinner.

Page 8 FeedLine

Employee Recognition AwardThe winners of the Recognizing Employee Committee draw:

February - Brenda MacNeil, AdministrationMarch - Janet Learmonth, AdministrationApril - Eileen Hall, Administration

HRFE Designated Recruitment for Female Firefighters

Recognizing Employees - Annual Corporate AwardsThis also from our Senior Human Resources Consultant Diane Wooden

HRM is requesting nominations of employees from Fire or anywhere else in our Municipal workforce for the “Recognizing Employees - Annual Corporate Awards”. This is your chance tonominate someone who you think really makes a difference, someone who often goes above andbeyond the call of duty.

The forms and specific information are located on the intranet or at the front desk at Station #1.Nominations must be received by the nominee’s director by June 15.

Thanks to Human Resources Senior Consultant Diane Wooden for providing the followinginformation dates for our designated recruitment for female firefighters. All interested women areinvited to attend these sessions as per the following schedule.

Date LocationThursday, June 2, 7:00 pm Cole Harbour Fire Hall, Station #17Thursday, June 9, 7:00 pm Keshen Goodman Library, Clayton ParkTuesday, June 14, 7:00 pm Lakeside Fire HallThursday, June 16, 7:00 pm Attwood Centre, Sackville, Station #9Thursday, June 23, 7:00 pm North End Library, Gottingen StreetThursday, June 30, 7:00 pm Alderney Gate Library, Dartmouth

The presentations will be provided by firefighters from our Designated Recruitment Committee whowill speak about their experience as female firefighters. For many people this may be the first timethey have ever met a female firefighter and/or had a chance to ask them specific questions abouttheir job. Physical fitness tips and financial assistance may also be offered to ensure that morefemales are successful in meeting the selection requirements.

If you know someone who is interested in a career in firefighting, whether they have theirFirefighters Level One Certificate or not, please pass on the particulars on the InformationSessions. You can also pass the word on that there will be a General Recruitment starting in thefall. Our website is the best spot for up-to-date information.

Vol. 39 - March/April 2005 Page 9

With Sympathy

Sackville Volunteer Lieutenant New Firefighter Advisorfor Muscular Dystrophy Canada

Longtime firefighter Dana Eisan brings a wealth of experienceto his new volunteer role. The career Navy man has workedlong and hard in the former Sackville Fire Department,beginning in 1985 and since then has expanded his experiencewithin the Fire Service and with MD. He has been activelyinvolved with two ladder-a-thons in Sackville, six boot tolls,several show and shines and a lot more. Dana says he is willingto speak to any ff/dept in HRM who is willing to become involvedwith MDC.

Contact information for Lieutenant Eisan is:work 721-0388home 864-5278cell 456-3558email: averil_nordin_9@msn.com

We still have plans for a large family picnic locally in September. Jeanette MacKay, Fire’sPublic Relation and Community Liaison Coordinator, is leading the hunt for volunteers.Depending on the level of response, the picnic is hoped to go ahead. Volunteers are needed tomeet, plan details and assist on the day of the event. You are asked to contact Jeanette at490-6530.

Family Picnic

March 24, 2005 saw the passing of well-known Firefighter Weldon Power. He served over 50years with the Dartmouth and Stewiacke Fire Departments. He rose to the rank of Platoon Chiefin Dartmouth and to Asst. Deputy Chief of Training in Stewiacke and was well respectedthroughout Nova Scotia.

Sympathies are also extended to the families of• George Farnell, a founding member of the Upper Musquodoboit Fire Department whopassed away on March 31.• Former Black Point & District Fire Chief Carl McEachern who passed away on April 8.• Retired Bedford Volunteer Firefighter Gordon Lively who passed away on April 18.• Walter Jennex, a member fo the Oyster Pond and Area Fire Department who passed awayon April 27.

Page 10 FeedLine

Someone might considersubmitting Leona (ChangeBandit) Worden’s work for theCorporate Award! Leona’s kindheart and tenacity at raisingfunds for all kinds of worthycauses is well known – on the3rd floor of Headquarters.

Leona has raised money toassist with tsunami relief effortsand most recently the IWK’sfundraiser. She decided toplace a large change bowl atthe reception area in Fire’s

headquarters at Alderney Gateand that along with auctioningoff several nice firefighting-themed statutes, including alarge statue that was won byDC Don Strachan with awinning bid of $140.00, raisedover four hundred dollars forthe Hospital.

Nice going Leona, and all whocontributed!

Leona (Warm & FuzzyDepartment) Worden -Champion fundraiser

Leona Worden Fundraising for the IWK - again!

FeedLine Welcomes All Submissions

Here is one from Greg LeRue, son ofDivisional Chief Mike LeRue.

Ice Training on Lake Wellington, March 20,included Greg LeRue, Adam MacNeil,Joe Triff, Craig Trudel, Ryan Baker, NickFoshay, Jimmy Nickerson and CraigO’Donnell, all from Stations #17 and 18.

Vol. 39 - March/April 2005 Page 11

From the Email BagThe following photos were received a while back from Linda Goguen-Manning, wife of FF Anthony Manning,currently stationed at #7.

Hi, here are some pics of a couple of firefighters who shaved their heads for the Cancersociety on April 17, 2004. They are FFs Anthony J. Manning (aka Newf), Mike Slatter (akathe Running Man), Cyril Fraser (aka Outkast) and Mike Burton . Anthony’s youngest,Justin (aka Bubba) also decided to shave his head. All four were stationed at #3 at the timeof the event.

[Sorry for the delay in getting these photos in FeedLine, and thank you for your patience!]

Cyril Fraser and Mike Burton

Justin (Bubba) Manning, son ofFF Anthony Manning

Justin and Tony Manning with anIWK patient

Cyril Fraser and Tony Manning

Mike Burton (left) and Mike Slatter

Page 12 FeedLine Vol. 39—March/April 2005A NEWSLETTERDEDICATED TO

MEMBERS OF HALIFAXREGIONAL FIRE &

EMERGENCY

Location:Station #13

86 King StreetDartmouth, NS

Mailing Address:PO Box 1749

Halifax, NS B3J 3A5

Phone: 902-490-6553Fax: 902-490-6593

e-mail address:feedline@halifax.ca

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:Michael LeRue

EDITOR:Tom Silver

Graphic Design & Layout:Jacquie Crosby

Halifax RegionalFire & Emergency

REMEMBER this isyour Newsletter!Articles, commentsand photographs aremost welcome!

We’re on the Web!www.halifax.ca/fire

THE BACK PAGE

This edition, the FeedLine’s back page is spotlighting Dartmouth’s past.

This is the Hose wagon company that responded from a building thatstood where Station #13 stands today. The photo is circa 1916.

Thanks to the family of late Dartmouth Firefighter George Crook ... and toretired Dartmouth F.D. Inspector Robert Walsh.