We are a small part of a Proud Past
T
​
On May 28th, 1886 a group of Vancouver's citizens met to form a fire brigade for the new city. There was no money available for equipment but the Volunteer Hose Company No. 1 elected its leaders and was prepared to fight fires with any available buckets, axes, shovels and ladders.
​
A week after the Great Fire of 1886 that wiped out the city, the first fire engine was ordered from Ontario. When it arrived in August, 1886, the volunteers felt that they could now handle any fire situation. A second engine arrived in 1888 and the growing city had three fire halls before the turn of the century.
In 1907, Fire Chief J.H. Carlisle began to motorize the department when he purchased the very first automobile fire apparatus built by the Seagrave Company of Columbus, Ohio. By 1911, a committee of London men rated the Vancouver Fire Department third in the world behind London and Leipzig, Germany, "as regards to equipment and efficiency."
​
​
With this new-found fame, motorization continued and by the summer of 1917, the horses were retired and the city had fifteen motorized fire halls. Vancouver became the first city in Canada to be so equipped and was many years ahead of other larger North American cities.
The Early Beginings of the VFD
In 1911 the Vancouver Firefighters attempted to organize in order to secure better working conditions and wages. Shortly there after they vacated those efforts in favour for a better wage settlement. Some 5 years later in 1916, Vancouver was the eighteenth fire department local in North America to organize, receiving a charter from the American Federation of Labour, and becoming the first Canadian union of fire fighters. After a protracted negotiation that ended in a strike in 1917, the new union was able to secure one day off in four with the savings achieved by the advent of full motorization and the sale of its steamers and horses.
On February 28th 1918, Vancouver fire fighters were the only Canadians among a number of unionized fire fighters that came together from across the continent to form the International Association of Fire Fighters. Local 18 and the IAFF are proud of their long association across the continent and the international border.
​
Local 18 member George A. Richardson, who was present at the inception of the IAFF, served 36 years as IAFF Secretary Treasurer in Washington D.C, and remains the longest serving principle officer of the IAFF. It must not be forgotten that Canadian fire fighters helped to forge this strong organization into what it is today. During its long association with the IAFF, Local 18 has emerged as a leader in the areas of collective bargaining, occupational health & safety improvements, training initiatives, workers’ compensation benefit advocacy, and staffing levels.
​
Today, 104 years after the the IAFF was formed, the now retired members of Local 18 have taken up the challenge in the spirit of those brothers who have preceded us. Local 18 members as stated have a rich history of activism and leadership. They have been at the front of many of the fights to secure the rights and welfare of all firefighters. Local 18 was one of the leading Locals in the Province to spearhead the change in Presumptive Cancer language when there was few in any cancers accepted as work related in the 80's.
​
It is important to recognize the impact of mental health issues on firefighters, including PTSI, moral injury, depression, and suicide. These issues are just as real and significant as physical health concerns like cancer. They are a work-related hazard that affects both active and retired firefighters, and should be addressed with the same level of attention and support. Mental health issues do not discriminate and can continue to affect individuals even after retirement.
​
We are small group of committed individuals determined to work towards a positive resolution for this issue. We are confident that the same spirit that existed over a century ago will provide the motivation to benefit future generations of brothers and sisters.
​