Manitoba Professional Firefighters Association

06/03/2026

The Manitoba Professional Fire Fighters Association extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and members of the Headingley Fire Department on the sudden passing of Fire Chief John Sparham.

Chief Sparham dedicated his life to the fire service and to the communities he proudly served. His leadership, commitment, and passion for protecting others left a lasting impact on countless firefighters and citizens throughout Manitoba. He will be remembered not only as a respected Fire Chief, but also as a mentor, colleague, and friend.

Our thoughts are especially with Chief Sparham’s family, including his two sons who had the honour of serving alongside him at the Headingley Fire Department. We also extend our sincere condolences to his brothers and sisters in the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg, who have lost a valued member of their fire service family.

On behalf of Manitoba’s professional firefighters, we stand with his family, the Headingley Fire Department, the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg, and all those mourning this tremendous loss.

Rest easy, Chief. Thank you for your years of dedicated service, leadership, and friendship. Your legacy will continue through those you mentored, led, and inspired.

Headingley Fire Department
United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg, IAFF L867
Brandon Firefighter Paramedics Local 803
Thompson Professional Firefighters Association - IAFF L2200
Portage la Prairie Professional Firefighters Local 1079

05/16/2026

Firefighter/PCPs at Thompson Fire & Emergency Services serve under the direction of their assigned Captain and are key contributors to the safety and

05/12/2026

Union leaders from across Manitoba have gathered over the next few days for education, collaboration, and networking as we continue strengthening our locals and advocating for firefighters and the communities we serve.

The Manitoba Professional Fire Fighters Association organized this important opportunity to learn, share experiences, and build stronger connections from departments across the province.

Strong unions are built through communication, education, and solidarity. Looking forward to the discussions ahead and working together for a stronger future for Manitoba firefighters.

United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg, IAFF L867
Brandon Firefighter Paramedics Local 803
Thompson Professional Firefighters Association - IAFF L2200
Portage la Prairie Professional Firefighters Local 1079
IAFF District 13
IAFF Canada - AIP
Manitoba Emergency Communications

05/06/2026

So the question is simple:

When are elected officials going to start looking after the citizens they serve — and the firefighters risking their lives to protect them?

Silence is not leadership. Inaction is not acceptable.

How many more injuries does it take? How many more close calls?

Brandon deserves better. Firefighters deserve better. The public deserves better.

It’s time for action.

🚨 FRIDAY IN BRANDON — A STAFFING CRISIS IN REAL TIME 🚨

On Friday, Brandon Fire & Emergency Services responded to a grass fire just south of Brandon, in our primary response area

5 firefighters were initially sent. Despite their best efforts, 5 was not enough.
The result:

✅ Civilians were injured.
✅ A firefighter was injured.
✅ Mutual aid had to be activated.

While that fire was still burning — two more fires were reported inside our response area. We did not have the staff to send.

This was not for a lack of effort. Members came in on overtime to help. It still wasn’t enough.

At the same time, our in-city crews were also responding to multiple motor vehicle collisions, fire alarms, and over 15 ambulance calls.
This is not a hypothetical. This is not a staffing study. This happened Friday.

We have reached out to Mayor & Council twice. We have received no official reply from Jeff Fawcett or council

How many more incidents like this does it take before Brandon’s elected officials respond?

Brandon deserves better. Our members deserve better. Your family deserves better.

05/05/2026

The Brandon city council should be ashamed for not even talking to their firefighters about a crisis that affects the residents of Brandon. You are elected to represent your citizens! Do your job!

City of Brandon - Local Government
Brandon Firefighter Paramedics Local 803

🚨 FRIDAY IN BRANDON — A STAFFING CRISIS IN REAL TIME 🚨

On Friday, Brandon Fire & Emergency Services responded to a grass fire just south of Brandon, in our primary response area

5 firefighters were initially sent. Despite their best efforts, 5 was not enough.
The result:

✅ Civilians were injured.
✅ A firefighter was injured.
✅ Mutual aid had to be activated.

While that fire was still burning — two more fires were reported inside our response area. We did not have the staff to send.

This was not for a lack of effort. Members came in on overtime to help. It still wasn’t enough.

At the same time, our in-city crews were also responding to multiple motor vehicle collisions, fire alarms, and over 15 ambulance calls.
This is not a hypothetical. This is not a staffing study. This happened Friday.

We have reached out to Mayor & Council twice. We have received no official reply from Jeff Fawcett or council

How many more incidents like this does it take before Brandon’s elected officials respond?

Brandon deserves better. Our members deserve better. Your family deserves better.

02/03/2026

Atta Boy Benny!!

01/23/2026

Well done to our brothers and sisters in the North.

This announcement marks a meaningful step forward for emergency services in Thompson and for the community they protect every day. Strengthening frontline resources benefits not only firefighters and paramedics, but every resident who depends on them.

The MPFFA recognizes the efforts of the Thompson Professional Firefighters Association, the City of Thompson, Sharedhealthmb, and the Manitoba Government for coming together to make this happen. Collaboration like this makes a real difference.

For firefighters and paramedics seeking a challenging, rewarding career with one of the busiest services in the country—working with a committed and professional team—this is an opportunity worth a close look.

01/01/2026

As we close out another year, I want to take a moment to thank every firefighter across Manitoba—and your families—for everything you have given over the past year.

Your dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice do not go unnoticed. Whether it’s responding to emergencies at all hours, supporting one another on and off the job, or standing strong for the communities you serve, you continue to exemplify what it means to be a professional firefighter. To the families, thank you for your unwavering support, understanding, and strength—you are an essential part of our fire service family.

On behalf of the Manitoba Professional Fire Fighters Association, thank you for all that you do. I wish you and your loved ones a safe, healthy, and Happy New Year. May 2026 bring you continued strength, solidarity, and success.

In solidarity,
Chris Perry
President

Brandon Firefighter Paramedics Local 803
United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg, IAFF L867
Portage la Prairie Professional Firefighters Local 1079
Thompson Professional Firefighters Association
IAFF 13th District

12/24/2025

To all Manitoba firefighters and your families, I want to wish you a very safe, peaceful, and Merry Christmas.

This time of year is about family, reflection, and gratitude—and I am truly thankful for the dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism you show every day in service to your communities. Whether you are on duty or able to spend time at home, please know your commitment does not go unnoticed.

On behalf of the MPFFA, thank you to our firefighters and to the families who support them year-round. Wishing you health, happiness, and safety throughout the holidays and into the New Year.

Stay safe, and Merry Christmas.

Chris Perry
President
MPFFA