Oshawa firefighters join counterparts in Seattle
Convention also marked the 100th anniversary of the IAFF
Members of the Oshawa Professional Firefighters Association were in Seattle recently as part of the annual convention of the International Association of Firefighters. (Image courtesy of the OPFFA)
By Joel Wittnebel/The Oshawa Express
Oshawa firefighters travelled across the country to join their counterparts from across North American to talk, learn and coordinate on ways to better protect their respective communities.
The Oshawa Professional Firefighters Association joined first responders from across Canada and the United States in Seattle from Aug. 6 to 10 as part of the annual convention of the International Firefighters Association (IAFF). This year marked the 54th running of the event and was also a celebration of 100 years of the IAFF.
Throughout the convention, firefighters discussed the evolving nature of their work and touched on topics including wild fires, the opioid crisis, hurricanes, natural disasters, mass shootings and acts of terror.
“Oshawa fire fighters are committed to keeping the public safe,” says Peter Dyson, president of the OPFFA. “By meeting with our counterparts from throughout Canada and the United States we can make sure we are using the best methods and practices to protect our community. ”
In 100 years, the IAFF has grown significantly. Starting with just 5,540 members and 63 locals in 1918, the union has grown to 313,536 members and 3,401 locals. This represents approximately 90 per cent of the workforce in Canada and 86 per cent in the United States.
“Our convention theme, Progress Through Unity, reflects the vision set forth by our forefathers to ‘better the lot of those we represent, make a difference in their lives and livelihoods and make their job safer,’” states IAFF general president Harold Schaitberger. “The actions we take together this week will help provide for a brighter future for our members as we begin the next 100 years.”
The convetion also led to a number of resolutions to help guide decision making and promote initiatives in the coming years, including new efforts surrounding the IAFF’s Opioid Response, a vote to increase disaster relief funding, an increase in funding toward cancer research, and a motion seeking a government ban on the potential for marijuana grow-ops in residential buildings.