Landing firefighters prepared to walk instead of accepting city model

August 22, 2012 5:00 PM

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 22, 2012 5:00 PM 
Okanagan Landing firefighters say they are being forced to retire. It appears that most of the 30 volunteers will retire instead of accepting an invitation to join the Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Association and integrate into the Vernon department's command structure. "It's a majority," said Todd Montgomery, Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters Association president, who would not reveal the specific vote results taken Tuesday. City council recently decided not to renew a fire service agreement with the Landing. The association, which was formed in 1975, has provided fire services under contract since Okanagan Landing was annexed into Vernon in 1993. "We feel council made a narrow, one-sided decision. It's a slap in the face to us," Montgomery told The Morning Star.

 
City officials have stated integration of the departments is required to ensure training levels. "It's insulting because we're trained to an ongoing level," said Montgomery. Another concern regards public safety and specifically the Aug. 14 grass fire at The Rise. A release from the Landing association states that after the initial call, Vernon firefighters were dispatched to the blaze. "After seeing the smoke, several Okanagan Landing firefighters headed to the Okanagan Landing fire station and waited 16 minutes and 58 seconds to be paged to the fire by Vernon dispatch while members of the public stopped and asked why the firefighters were not responding to the fire that spread quickly as the firefighters sat and watched," states the release. It goes on to say that Landing firefighters are not allowed to respond to a blaze unless their assistance is requested by Vernon, something that was automatic in previous years. "A reason that was noted as to why many members will not join the VVFA is they cannot support a response model that puts the public at greater risk." Look for more details in Friday's Morning Star. 

 

Coldstream firemen at work! - Photos by Debbie.

Around 7:30 last night [Monday] fire broke out on Stoneridge Drive.  My sympathies go out to everyone involved. Watching the fire brought up sad memories for both of us.

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Coldstream Fire Department Open House.

Sunday's open house sponsored by the Coldstream Fire Department was an unqualified success, according to Chief Leo Lecavalier and the rest of the firemen. Young and old showed up feasting on hot dogs and cake and surveying the new hall and the newest fire truck.

Our thanks to the fire brigade for their valuable service.

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Lavington Fire Department election results.

Photos courtesy of Paul G. Seguna

The Coldstream Fire Department's Lavington Firehall conducted their 2009 election on Saturday night.

The results of the Lavington Fire Hall Elections are as follows:

Chief – Terry Garrington (reelected by acclamation)
Deputy Fire Chief – Bruce Holmes
Assistant Fire Chief – Marty Wright
Captain – Company #1 – Mike Fiset
Captain – Company #2 – Brian Donovan
Lieutenant – Company #1 – Rannoch Campbell
Lieutenant – Company #2 – Curtis Best
Treasurer – Jason Canaday
Secretary – Drew Hawkin

Mayor Garlick read an announcement on behalf of Council (see attached).

Congratulations to the new Chief and his Officers. A great big thank you" to the Volunteers.

For photos please visit: http://www.besso.ca/www.besso.ca/Fire_Department.html

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Coldstream Fire Department election results.

The Coldstream Fire Department's Coldstream Firehall conducted their 2009 election on Friday night.

The results of the Coldstream Fire Hall Elections are as follows:

Chief – Leo Lecavalier (acclaimed) – Mike Heenan was nominated but declined.
Deputy Fire Chief – Konrad Unsin
Assistant Fire Chief – Ken Henry
Captain – Company #1 – Howard Dimmer
Captain – Company #2 – Rob Smailes
Lieutenant – Company #1 – Ryan McAllister
Lieutenant – Company #2 – Tyler Haywood
Treasurer – Dennis Wilson
Secretary – David Sturgeon

Mike Heenan announced that he is retiring from the fire department as he is pursuing his degree in Business Administration and will no longer have the time available to commit to the fire department.

Mayor Garlick red an announcement on behalf of Council (see attached).

Congratulations to the new Chief and his Officers. A great big "thank you" to the Volunteers.

For photos please visit: http://www.besso.ca/www.besso.ca/Fire_Department.html

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Readers write -- The fire chief responds!

Re: Glen Taylor's response to Ms. Kitcher.

While your article makes some fair statements, it certainly doesn't tell the whole story. To quote you as saying to Ms. Kitcher "you should really get both sides of the story" is quite interesting. I'm sure that the Fire Department members, if they were allowed to speak out, would welcome an opportunity to give you a different perspective. The recent events concerning the Fire Department I believe, were in some significant way attributed to you. If you were elected Mayor would you think that your involvement in Fire Department issues could be considered a potential Conflict of Interest as defined in the Community Charter? Certainly the members of the Fire Department appear to feel this way.

It makes one wonder how many other important decisions have been made in recent years, where "both sides of the story" were not considered. The Community Charter also states that Municipal Councils are to be democratically elected, autonomous, responsible and accountable. It is nearing time to choose those that will make responsible decisions and be accountable to the public. Cast your ballots for those that will make decisions in the "Best Interests of the Community" and that will also conduct as much business as possible in open meetings.

Vote for Garlick and his supporters that want an open and approachable Council!

To all of the candidates stepping up for an opportunity to serve the Community my hat is off to you. It is very time consuming, can be quite hostile and seemingly bitter at times but can also be very rewarding. It's great to see so many candidates in the race. I sincerely believe that if your heart is there for the betterment of the Community and you are willing to make decisions with honesty and integrity, that your term on Council will be quite rewarding.

Leo Lecavalier

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Readers write -- Councillor Taylor responds.

To Ms. Kitcher

I am responding to your comments that I have a vendetta against firemen. Not sure where you're getting your information but it's the farthest from the truth. I served in the department for 13 years and loved every minute of it.

During the last six years on council I have been supportive with the department in all aspects of operation. Without the fire departments knowledge I convinced council to increase the Halloween fireworks contribution from $250 to $1000 each year which in still in place today.

I supported the conversion for the scba's Self Contained Breathing Apperatice from 2.2's to 4.5's, I believe the cost was about $80,000. I supported the acquisition of the new fire trucks. $400,000+ dollars I supported hiring a part time office assistant to help with the amount of paper work but could not get consensuses from both halls. I convinced council that the referendum amount was not enough and had it raised to 4,000,000 for the construction of the two halls.

I chaired the committee for the construction of the two halls. Every square foot that was requested by the Coldstream Fire Department was built. Some amenities were changed in order to come in on budget.

Lavington's initial fire hall expansion was only going to be an addition. With discussions between the Architect and council it was decided not do an ad on but to tear it down and rebuild which I supported.

You're comments are unfounded and I would be happy to sit down with you anytime and discuss issues about the department. (Except Personnel matters) Before you are so quick to criticize you should really get both sides of the story. If I had a vendetta I could have made it a lot more difficult , whereas infact I have supported the department in every aspect. I understand the operations of both fire departments as well as the firemen as I was there for so many years. I also understand the loyalty and emotion that the firemen are feeling, and will work with them to resolve their issues.

Regards
Glen Taylor
Councillor, District of Coldstream

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What is happening with our Fire Department?

Rumour has it that the move to the new Coldstream fire hall has taken place. As the firemen appear to work to rule most of the work of transferring equipment had to be done by the executive staff. Perhaps the Administrator and her staff do not have enough work of their own if the highly paid staff had to do the grunt work.

It appears that the worst is not yet over. The firemen refuse to do more than what is absolutely necessary, namely turning out to practice and responding to fires. What a way to end the council's term in office!

If you have any concern about the future of the fire protection in Coldstream, contact your council members about those concerns. Monday's meeting could be important!

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Administrator's response to invitation.

Gyula:

I wish to thank you for the personal invitation to attend tonight’s meeting. I would be more than happy to respond to any written questions that may arise out of tonight’s meeting with respect to the Fire Department, but not questions related to the dismissal of Leo Lecavalier. As you are aware, employment matters are dealt with In-Camera by Council, and therefore it would be inappropriate for me to attend a meeting that was called specifically to deal with an employment issue.

Wendy

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Councillor Williams replies!

Gyula:

My apologies for not responding sooner. I am unable to attend.

Carol

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Fire Department Constitution --Qualification for membership.

There is no provision for Council to interfere with membership in the in the volunteer fire department. Attached is a copy of Article No 15 - Qualification for membership.

Removal of the fire chief is Council's prerogative. However, there does not seem to be a clause that would disqualify Leo from remaining a member of the Department. Yet he is not allowed to participate in activities at the fire hall.

Wendy Kay implied in today's news article that Leo was fired for openly disagreeing with administration's handling of the fire hall construction ("A fire department’s opposition to council’s orders is supposed to remain private in Coldstream." Morning Star). That would still not explain how he could be removed from the department.

Answers are needed and fast before the department falls apart in front of our eyes.

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Councillor Malerby responds.

Gyula

Sorry I was out of town till Monday and had 288 e-mails to weed through, so only now getting to yours. I was planning on attending meeting, not that I have anything to say, but to honour Leo’s long term service to the Coldstream.

Mary

Councillor Mary Malerby

District of Coldstream

250-542-9579

Councillor Garlick's message.

Councillor Garlick is vacationing in Europe and was not able to participate in the in-camera session where the decision to dismiss Leo Lecavalier was made. Thus, he is free to make his views on the dismissal public. Here is his email received this morning.
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I am sending you a general comment I have on this situation. I hope it satisfies you for now. Thanks for your interest.

I am very sorry to hear that the majority of council has chosen to dismiss Leo from his position as fire chief. Unfortunately, I was unable to participate in the meeting where the decision was made. I do not know if my presence would have made a difference but I apologize if Leo's dismissal could have been avoided with my input to debate or vote.

I have no problem with Leo's comments. In a democracy people must be allowed to speak out. This includes staff and volunteers. I do not support creating an atmosphere of fear where staff becomes ineffective because they are afraid to speak their mind. Debate is important in any process and helps us in correcting and avoiding mistakes.

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Councillor Taylor responds.

Gyula

I will not be attending your meeting as I have other commitments, but I would welcome anyone wishing further information regarding fire department operations to call me at 542-7831 Bus or 549-0110 Cell.

I would be happy to talk about the generals issues regarding the fire department. I see no change in the operations and the department is business as usual with no financial implications to the tax payers. However any discussions regarding Mr. Lecavalier's dismissal is a personnel matter and I will not be making any comments.

Regards

Glen Taylor

ps. you may read this out at the meeting and anyone wishing further information can call me.
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It would be interesting to know whether Councillor Taylor had a talk with the members of thew Fire Department and knows first hand that it "is business as usual with no financial implications to the tax payers." My personal information seems to contradict that statement. I hope Councillor Taylor is right or we might look at some big expenses!

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Councillor Dirk responds to invite.

My oldest son is getting married on Saturday and Thursday night we're having family pictures taken so I'm not able to attend. Thanks for the invite. I have no problem speaking on general issues around Fire Services but won't be speaking about any specifics of Leo's dismissal as I have been advised by legal counsel that if I comment on in-camera business I will be liable to legal action. You can read this out at the meeting.

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Have the firemen really been informed by the Administrator?

By Peter McIntyre

Coldstream's mayor says he'd be willing to meet with the District's firefighters to discuss the recent dismissal of the department's fire chief.

Leo Lecavalier was let go earlier this month, but the reasons have not been released publicly.

Mayor Gary Corner says District administrator Wendy Kay has already met with the firefighters who were upset by the firing.

"If they want to meet with me, I'd be quite willing to do it but really it is a staff issue. It's one of Wendy's employees as far as who looks after the staff."

Corner is not aware of the District receiving a number of letters from residents upset about the dismissal and says he hasn't received any phone calls about it.

Meantime, Corner says there's been some delays on Coldstream's new firehall, but it's expected to open sometime this month.

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The above report implies that Coldstream's Administrator actually met with the firemen regarding the firing of their chief.

This is false. I have made inquiries and my information is that she has not met with them. It is also interesting that the firemen have been cautioned about talking to anyone about these issues.

I was under the impression that we are living in a free country. The volunteer firemen are also taxpayers of Coldstream and they should be able to express their views on how the Municipality is governed. Those are basic Human Rights. Volunteer firefighters are not actual employees, they receive an honorarium for their volunteer services.

The Mayor considers this as being a staff issue. Volunteer firemen have a constitution approved by Council. It is possible that Council can fire a Chief but it is questionable wether they can fire a volunteer without cause.

These are issues that need to be aired. Mayor Corner said that he would be willing to meet with the District's firefighters. The Townhall meeting on August 21 at the Coldstream Woman's Institute Hall at 7:00PM would be an excellent opportunity for him to meet with the firefighters and with other Coldstream residents and inform them of the facts.

The firemen will be invited to the meeting. Invitation is also extended to all Councillors. We hope they'll come and meet with their constituents. Special invitation is extended to the Administrator so she could talk to her ultimate employers, the residents of Coldstream.

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