Toronto Fire Ops Recruits Prime Minister of Canada Harper  

August 25, 2006 - Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper may be used to feeling the heat, but nothing like his experience August 25 during Fire Ops 101 at the Toronto Fire Academy.

Prime Minister Harper was one of 50 Canadian politicians and media representatives who participated in Fire Ops 101, organized by the IAFF and Toronto, ON Local 3888 in conjunction with the IAFF 48th Biennial Convention.

Fire Ops 101 is an effective tool for giving elected officials and members of the media a flavor of what it is to be a fire fighter and to demonstrate why adequate staffing, training and equipment are critically important to professional fire fighters.

IAFF General President Schaitberger, who attended the event, personally welcomed Prime Minister Harper and his entourage.

Prime Minister Harper, fitted in fire fighter turnout gear and assisted by Toronto fire fighters, held a hose line on a burning car and then entered a live fire as part of his indoctrination to the dangers that fire fighters face on the job every day. Exiting the burning structure, Prime Minister Harper quipped, “It’s hotter than the House of Commons.”

Others participating in the challenge included member of Parliament David Christopherson, Ontario legislators Jennifer Mossop and Cam Jackson, Toronto City Councillor Pam McConnell, Ontario Liberal Party worker Lisa Clements and many television and newspaper reporters.

Toronto Local 3888 President Scott Marks reports that the Fire Ops 101 program provided an opportunity to show local elected officials and members of the press what fire fighters do to protect the public and the community. “We get to go into their offices and talk to them, but this is their opportunity to come into our office and see what we do.”

CityTV Reporter Frank Ferragine noted that participating in Fire Ops gave him a greater appreciation for what fire fighters do. “It’s fun, scary, exciting and tiring.” More information for IAFF affiliates interested in conducting a Fire Ops 101 event is available at www.iaff.org.