Fallen soldier Pte. Garrett Chidley was given a hero’s welcome by B.C. firefighters Saturday afternoon.
Chidley, a 21-year-old from Langley, was one of five Canadians killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan on Dec. 30.
He had already been received by the military and his family in an emotional repatriation ceremony in Ontario last Sunday, and was returned to B.C. in a Canadian Forces plane Saturday.
After Chidley’s hearse left the airport, some 50 to 80 firefighters from across Metro Vancouver lined the overpasses of Highway 99 to pay their respects as the vehicle passed.
Richmond Deputy Fire Chief Jim Wishlove says one of the department’s members is a reservist with the Canadian Forces, and he suggested the salute to Chidley.
“It’s to recognize the incredibly tough time the family is going through,” Wishlove said. “[Chidley] is a fellow Canadian and a local boy, and we are recognizing his sacrifice.”
The grand opening of the Shellmont Fire Hall, on No. 4 Road, just north of Francis, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3, with refreshments, popcorn and food available by donation. Firefighters Mark Robson, Bobby Dhillon and John Yoo are stationed at the hall, where last-minute preparations were being made Friday morning for the public opening. (Richmond Review)
Have a Safe Holiday and a Happy New Year....From Local 1286
**Please Be Responsible...."Everybody Get's Home"
Safety Tips From Richmond Fire Rescue
Picking the tree
If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.
Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
Placing the tree
Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 1–2” from the base of the trunk.
Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
Lighting the tree
Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
After Christmas
Get rid of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.
Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
This policy is intended to clearly define the normal business hours and the emergency contact procedures of the union.
The policy is designed to create an environment where union officials can experience an appropriate life balance where work and union responsibilities minimally interfere with home life.
Normal Business Hours
Business hours of the Union are from 9am – 7pm, Monday through Friday.
Union officials will be available by phone throughout these hours however meetings will be scheduled at the discretion of the particular union official. Those union officials with school age children will not be expected to schedule meetings that will impact the education, care or guidance of their children.
Weekend Procedures
If a member or management requires information on the weekend they will be expected to contact the on duty Shift Representative. The Shift Representative may contact an executive member if they require assistance by firstly trying to locate an on duty executive member and if none are available they will contact the “on call” executive member.
On Call Schedule
The “On Call” schedule is designed to identify a primary contact person for emergency situations that occur outside of normal business hours. The Secretary of the Union will create and distribute an “on call” duty roster beginning in November of each year. The union official designated to be on call will carry their cell phone at all times and shall return calls of an emergent nature as soon as possible.
Returning of Calls
Union officials are expected to return phone messages and emails received outside of normal business hours within 48 hours in a non-emergency situation.
Union officials are expected to check for emails twice during the normal business day.
Union Officials on Holiday
Union officials are expected to update their email and phone messages to reflect that they are not available and who to contact under non-emergency and emergency conditions.
This policy has been reviewed and approved by the President of the Richmond Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 1286.
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Season's Greetings
