Saanich Fire Fighters' Association

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Saanich Fire Fighters' Association

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Since 1948, the Saanich Fire Fighters' Association IAFF Local 967, has worked to improve safety and

10/28/2026

This CHEK News article highlights an important conversation about resources and staffing in our growing region. As densification continues in Saanich and surrounding municipalities, emergency services must scale up with them. High-rise developments now under construction directly change how our members must prepare for and respond to incidents, requiring specialized training and tactics to keep both the public and responders safe.

Ensuring adequate staffing, training and resources is essential not just for large scale incidents, but to maintain coverage for concurrent emergencies across the region.

09/30/2026

On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Saanich Firefighters reflect on our responsibility as first responders serving on the traditional territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.

Moving forward requires truth, listening, and meaningful action. Today, we honour Survivors, remember the lost children, and reaffirm our commitment to learning and building respectful, supportive relationships across our community every day.

Every Child Matters 🧡

09/20/2026

This past week, a ceremony was held at Saanich Fire Hall #1 to honour the lives of Captain Joe Bryant (Ret.) and Captain Mike Kelly (Ret.), both of whom passed away from occupational cancer recognized as a line-of-duty death.

Family and friends of Captain Bryant and Captain Kelly were joined by retired and active members of Local 967, Saanich Fire Department staff, and Chief Officers to honor their sacrifice as their names were added to the Saanich Fallen Firefighter Memorial Wall.

Saanich Fire Fighters Local 967 extends our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones. We thank Captain Bryant and Captain Kelly for their dedicated service, leadership, and sacrifice.

09/11/2026

Marking 25 years since the tragic attacks of September 11, Local 967 pauses to honour the 343 FDNY members lost that day; alongside all the other first responders and civilians who perished. We also honour the hundreds of IAFF members who have succumbed to 9/11 related illness in the decades since.

A quarter century later, the toxic exposure and health battles continue for our first responders. It remains our duty to keep their memories alive, support their families, and fight for their care.

We will Always Remember. We Will Never Forget.

08/08/2026

Today, three members from Local 967 officially deployed with Wildland 1 to interior British Columbia to assist the BC Wildfire Service with ongoing wildfire suppression efforts.

Our crew is prepared to support operations on the ground to help protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure. They join dedicated teams from across BC, Canada, and international partners who are all working unitedly to support affected communities.

Please join us in wishing our members a safe and effective deployment. Our thoughts remain with all firefighters, first responders, and residents impacted by the wildfires.

07/11/2026

Saanich Fire Fighters Local 967 stands in solidarity with the BC Nurses’ Union as they continue advocating for safe staffing, quality patient care, and respect for the vital work nurses do every day.

Strong public services depend on the people who provide them. When healthcare workers have the support and resources they need, everyone benefits.

To our nursing colleagues: thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to caring for our communities. We’re proud to stand with you.

05/25/2026

Please join us on Saturday, May 30, 2026, as we celebrate the life and legacy of Retired Chief Dave Ward

Chief Ward began his career with the Saanich Fire Department in February 1975 and proudly served the community for 35 years, retiring as Fire Chief in April 2010. Throughout his career, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to both the fire service and his fellow members

From 1983 to 1999, Chief Ward served on the Local 967 Union Executive, advocating for members and helping advance the profession. Following his retirement from Saanich, he continued his service as Fire Chief with the Esquimalt Fire Department for nearly four more years before retiring from the fire service in February 2014

We are grateful for Chief Ward’s lasting contributions to our community, the fire service, and the safety and wellbeing of our members

Celebration of Life
- Saturday, May 30, 2026
- 1400 Hours
- Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens
4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC

05/19/2026

We are pleased to share that last week we took possession of our new Honour Guard bell stand, carved by Tom Lafortune of Tseycum First Nation and his apprentice, Clark Wijohn.

During the design discussions, Tom recommended that the carving feature a raven. He shared that, in teachings passed down through his family, the raven guides spirits from this world into the afterlife. Tom also shared a traditional story in which the raven warned villagers of an approaching flood and urged them to prepare. He explained that the raven should serve as a reminder to always remain prepared, as unfortunate events are part of our line of work and complacency can never take hold.

As he continued discussing the design, Tom explained that the raven’s beak would not sit upright, but would instead be slightly bowed as a sign of respect to the fallen.

We are very pleased with the finished piece and the symbolism incorporated into the bell stand. We thank Tom and Clark for their work and for sharing the teachings behind this carving. We know it will serve the membership for many years to come, including use for line-of-duty death ceremonies, memorials, and other appropriate events

04/13/2026

This week, we proudly recognize and celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week—a time dedicated to the incredible professionals behind the scenes who are truly the first, first responders.

Our Saanich Local 967 dispatchers don’t only serve Saanich, but 17 other municipalities and their Fire Departments as well. They are the calm in the chaos, the steady voice in moments of uncertainty, and the critical link between the public and emergency services. Every call they answer carries urgency, emotion, and often life-changing circumstances. With skill, compassion, and resilience, they gather vital information, provide reassurance, and ensure that help is on the way—often all at once.

This work demands not only technical expertise and quick thinking, but also compassion, resilience, and emotional strength. Dispatchers are there for people on some of the most difficult days of their lives, often carrying those moments with them long after their shift ends.

Though they may not always be seen, their impact is felt across every response and throughout the entire community.

To our Local 967 dispatchers, as well as the dispatchers at our partner services with BCEHS and EComm: thank you for your professionalism, your dedication, and your commitment to keeping both the public and our crews safe. Your work matters, and it does not go unnoticed.

03/08/2026

On International Women’s Day, we proudly recognize the women of our department — Firefighters, Dispatchers, and members of our Emergency Program — whose skill, dedication, and leadership strengthen our union and our community every day.

IAFF Local 967 stands in solidarity with our sisters in the fire service and remains committed to equity, respect, and opportunity for all.

Address

760 Vernon Avenue
Saanich, BC

Website

https://www.saanichfirefighters.com/

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