Central York Fire Services

Today, Acting Captain JEFF CALDWELL was presented the Jim Allen Award. This award was created to recognize members of CYFS for their significant contribution to the development of CYFS personnel and personal dedication to training and education. Congratulations AC Caldwell!

On the left - a smoke alarm that hasn't begun it's service yet. On the right - a smoke alarm with it's time cut short, saving lives in the process. Mission accomplished smoke alarm, rest in peace. #WorkingAlarmsSaveLives #SmokeAlarms... #MaintenanceIsKey See more

No matter what the cause of the fire, there will be smoke. Reminding residents that for early warning to aid in increasing your escape time, you must have working smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. It's not just a good idea, it's the law. For more about smoke alarms and other fire safety planning topics: https://linktr.ee/centralyork... Stay safe ! #smokealarms #kidde #firesafety #geteducated

Today is the 11th annual #BellLetsTalk Day and everyone’s invited to join the conversation to support people living with mental illness while also driving up Be...ll’s donations to #mentalhealth programs just by getting engaged. Learn more: http://bit.ly/3omtYO1 Photo credit: Cpl Brandon James Liddy, RMC Public Affairs

We’ve reached 25 million interactions. Let’s keep the conversation going and see how high we can get that number. Now more than ever, every action counts! #BellLetsTalk

Congratulations to Captain ROD BECKETT on receiving his 30 year Provincial Long Service bar, as well as his 30 year Federal Exemplary Service bar! Thank you for your continued dedication to the service!

Congratulations to Firefighter CHRIS PALMER on receiving his 30 year Provincial Long Service bar, as well as his 30 year Federal Exemplary Service bar! Thank you for your continued dedication to the service!

On this day in 2017, we lost a dear friend and valued member of our department - Firefighter Chris Lowe. Not a day passes that we don't think about him, we carry him with us on every call, our helmets marked with his name. We miss him greatly. Rest in Peace Firefighter Lowe.

CYFS remembering the tremendous amount of sacrifice. We will always remember. Chief Laing presenting our wreath at the Aurora Cenotaph this morning. #remembranceday #leastweforget

Today, we remember our veterans who proudly served for us. We recognize their sacrifice for us and our great Nation. Thank you for your service #LestWeForget #RemembranceDay2020

For the month of November, our Chief, Deputies, and Platoon Chiefs will be wearing their red epaulettes to recognize a period of remembrance in honour of our veterans. We will never forget their sacrifice and we are grateful for their service. #WeRemember #Remembrance #Veterans #ThankYou

At 0959hrs today, all CYFS staff observed a moment of silence and reflection for the fallen and the survivors of the 9/11 attacks in 2001. If you have not yet taken a moment to reflect today, its not too late. We honour them everyday we don our uniforms. We are proud to serve and follow the example set forth from the dedication of emergency personnel that day, and all days. We will never forget. #WeRemember #ProudToServe #911 #brotherhood

Today, #WeRemember the victims of the 9/11 attack. A total of 2,977 people were killed in New York City, Washington, DC and outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. At the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan, 2753 people were killed during the attack or as a result of the crashes.... Included in those lost were 343 NYC Firefighters (including a Chaplin and two Paramedics), 23 NYC Police Officers, and 37 Port Authority Officers. Today, we reflect and honour the fallen, the survivors who were working that fateful day that are haunted by the event, and the families affected. #NeverForget #911 View the timeline here: https://timeline.911memorial.org/#Timeline/2

Tomorrow marks the 19th anniversary of the tragedies that ensued on 9/11 in 2001. We will be observing a moment of silence to reflect and honour the fallen, survivors who were working that fateful day that are haunted by the event, and the families affected. #WeWillNeverForget

Just as a reminder to our valued residents - our stations remain restricted from public access in addition to our programs being cancelled. These restrictions remain in place until further notice, we will announce when they are lifted. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us: 905-895-9222 Or check out our website for fire and life safety education: www.cyfs.ca... Stay safe Newmarket and Aurora! Town of Newmarket Town of Aurora

Are you a renter or a landlord/property owner? Make sure you are following these basic directions: Landlords are required to: Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in accordance with the Ontario Fire Code... Maintain alarms in operating condition Maintain primary and secondary power supplies that serve smoke alarms Provide the tenant a copy of the manufacturers maintenance instructions Tenants are required to: Not disable the smoke alarm Notify the landlord as soon as you are aware the smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms require maintenance or if general operation is impaired Remember, all of the above are not just tips, its the LAW. #carbonmonoxide #smokealarms #WorkingAlarmsSaveLives #Requirements Town of Newmarket Town of Aurora

As part of our officer development program this week, the Training Division and Fire Prevention Division will be utilizing APX Data software with our up and coming Firefighter Captains. With this program, our emergency crews have instant access at their fingertips to view important location information such as: hydrant locations, emergency shut-offs, protection equipment, maps, and more! Pre-incident planning carries many benefits for Emergency Responders and their community,... by providing real-time access to accurate information at the time of the emergency. This planning ahead can aid in reducing a communities insurance rating, assist firefighters in reducing risk and ultimately save lives. https://apxdata.com/ #apxdata #firefighter #preplanning #preincidentplanning #fire #emergency

We are starting our planning for #FirePreventionWeek (Oct 4-10), in anticipation we have pulled out our NEW bags. We would like to take a moment to THANK our local businesses in Newmarket and Aurora for their generosity in providing us these terrific bags!! Foley Restoration DKI Northern Lights Dance Studio Michael A. Colangelo - Re/MAX Hallmark York Group Ltd Aurora Massage & Chiropractic Wellness Centre Inc. Traffic Ticket Advocates Autohouse Used Car Inc SaferVents - Dryer Vent Cleaning SuperNova Detailing Once Upon A Child Chouinard Bros HCR Human Capital Resources NTMinc. Kitchen Cabinetry & Quartz Town of Newmarket Town of Aurora

Toasting marshmallows on the weekends with your kids? Here are some quick safety tips to keep in mind. #FireSafety #PublicEducation #FireSafetyForKids

We are so proud to share our congratulations to two of our previous highschool co-op students: Jake Crane and Hunter Frederick. This week, they started college!! They are currently attending the Firefighting Training Program at FESTI (Fire and Emergency Service Training Institute). Congrats on the next step boys!! ... #proud #congratulations #highschoolcoop #college #futurefirefighter #FESTI

CONGRATULATIONS to Quinn Marshall on his promotion from Acting Captain to Captain today. Captain Marshall has been an Acting Captain with us for 9yrs, today he works his first sift as Captain for crew 2C! Town of Newmarket Town of Aurora

Our Chief Fire Prevention Officer and many of our firefighters are participating in the #25PushUpChallenge. This is an annual challenge that raises awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. In this video someone makes a special appearance! Youre not alone, we are stronger together #Repost from Chief Schell: DAY 16 of the #25pushupchallenge...... I was nominated by Tuker Payment. I am conducting 25 push-ups for 25 days to help raise awareness for things such as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxiety and depression that drive people to commit suicide. *** today I nominate Scott Jonathan to take the challenge.*** The rules are simple: - Once you are nominated your 25 days starts the following day. - Everyday you record yourself doing 25 push-ups - Every day you must nominate a different person or people. Lets reach as many people as possible. Lets hope by doing this we can build awareness for anyone who is suffering from a mental illness, you are not alone and we are here for you. There is so much uncertainty at the moment with COVID19, so many people losing jobs, many losing hope. Reach out to people who least expect it! Many people are putting on brave faces and it may look like they are ok, but are they really? Asking R U OK may just be ones saving grace! #suicideawareness #strongtogether #reachouttooneanother #stayathome #stayactivestayfit Sparky The Fire Dog

Congratulations to firefighter Alex Simard on his promotion to Acting Captain! Today he works his fist official shift as an A/C. #Promotion #congratulations

Congratulations to Tuker Payment on his promotion to Acting Captain! Today he works his first official shift as an A/C. #Promotion #congratulations

Congratulations to Jeff Meijs on his promotion to Captain! Captain Meijs has been an Acting Captain with us since 2010, and is looking forward to the new challenge ahead! #Promotion #congratulations

Planning on using your fire pit this weekend? Here are some #QuickTips - Brush up on local by-laws & restrictions, - Check whether a burn ban in effect (Whether at home in or the cottage. FYI no current ban in Newmarket or Aurora this weekend),... - Burn only clean untreated wood, - Keep a charged hose line and/or large bucket of sand or water in immediate access to smother (sand) or extinguish the fire. View full restrictions for Newmarket and Aurora here: http://ow.ly/foEX50ANO3T More helpful tips: http://ow.ly/mRUo50ANO3S Have a safe and fun long weekend!

Fireworks are NOT permitted in Newmarket or Aurora this weekend. You can report bylaw infractions, such as the use of fireworks, by calling the Towns After Hours Line: Newmarket - 905-895-5193 (press 3) Aurora - 905-727-3123... Stay safe everyone Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3hVBpZK

Good morning Newmarket and Aurora! Did you watch Breakfast Television Toronto this morning? We were very grateful for the opportunity to speak with Frankie Flowers about summer fire safety - if you missed the segment, check it out here! ... https://www.bttoronto.ca//fire-safety-tips-for-heading-in/ Town of Newmarket Town of Aurora

CONGRATULATIONS to Captain Frank Huberty on his retirement! Today he retires after 24 years with CYFS. Thank you for your dedicated service to the communities of Newmarket and Aurora. Enjoy the next chapter! #Thankyou #Retirement

CONGRATULATIONS to Captain Kevin Saxton on his retirement! Today he works his final shift with his crew, marking over 32 years in the fire service. Captain Saxton began his career in 1988 in Nova Scotia. He was first hired as a civilian firefighter at the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) in Halifax, where he stayed from 1988-1997. During that time, he was further serving his community as a volunteer firefighter in Truro from 1990-1997. ... In 1997, Kevin moved to Ontario where he was hired by the CFB Borden Fire Department. He worked there from 1997 until 2000, at which point he was offered a position with Central York Fire Services! Captain Saxton reflects on the transition from military to municipal fire services as a new challenge, with many differences. Changing from a smaller jurisdiction to wider spread boarders, with many more residents to serve bring many new opportunities. New skills to learn, higher call volume, and a larger compliment of firefighters to name a few. In addition to the role of a firefighter, during his first year with CYFS he experienced the role of a dispatcher operating from Station 4-1 (Newmarket). Whether fighting fires in Nova Scotia or Ontario, Kevin has appreciated every minute. From childhood, he dreamed of becoming a firefighter the family business! Like his father, uncle, cousin, and brother firefighting was in his blood. I remember as kids, we would hang around the fire hall with dad to observe training and hang out by the trucks. With that deep passion, Captain Saxton has also served a very important role for the CYFS members. In 2012, he was voted in as president of the Central York Professional Firefighters Association (CYPFFA). He remains in that position to this day. When asked what he was most proud of in his career, he shared that being part of the process with CYPFFA towards starting the Benevolent Fund was very important to him. This fund was created to assist our firefighters and their families in time of crisis. Funds are contributed by the members, for the members - in the event of a family emergency or loss. He also shared I think its all about doing the best you can do. I took my roles here seriously but also had fun at the same time. His first big plan for retirement includes moving back home to Nova Scotia, where he and his wife will live on shore. Captain Saxton - on behalf of CYFS, we are very grateful for the time you have served here and the impact you have made. Thank you for your dedicated service. Central York Professional Firefighters Association Town of Newmarket Town of Aurora

CYFS is pleased to announce a new member of the team has come aboard! Join us in welcoming Deputy Chief Jeremy Inglis! Deputy Inglis comes to us with experience in both private and public sector organizations, and complements his achievements to date with the work he does in relation to the prevention of human trafficking as well as victim services. ... He is a certified Incident Safety Officer, a Director with the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and presently serves as an alternate CEMC (Community Emergency Management Coordinator). Academically, he holds a Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma, numerous qualifications and certificates in various NFPA disciplines and leadership training. He is also presently completing his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. Deputy Inglis has experience in career, composite and volunteer fire departments, most recently coming from Fort Erie where he has reflected an unmatched commitment to serving the community and its most vulnerable citizens. Given his experience with both the suppression division and support services, he will initially join us in the Support Services portfolio. He will be leading the Fire Prevention Division and be heavily involved with the construction of our new Fire Station (Station 4-5), budget process, fleet, equipment, facility procurement and maintenance. We are looking forward to having Deputy Chief Inglis join the CYFS team!! Town of Newmarket Town of Aurora

We want to remind people now more than ever to #maketherightcall. - Emergency: 9-1-1 - Non-emergency fire safety questions or concerns: 905-895-9222... You can also visit our website: www.CYFS.ca - If you need to find food banks, mental health supports, or other critical community services, dial 211 or search http://211ontario.ca This page will help provide more on what information assistance 2-1-1 can offer for Ontario residents: https://www.maketherightcall.net/ Ontario 211 Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs @PoliceAssociationofOntario @OntarioParamedicAssociation Town of Newmarket Town of Aurora

Happy Canada Day Newmarket and Aurora!! Enjoy the great outdoors, stay safe #canadaday2020 ... Town of Newmarket Town of Aurora

Happy Canada Day!! Wishing our residents a safe and happy day celebrating our beautiful country. Make sure to brush up on your safety tips before using fireworks tonight. Have fun, and stay safe! #CanadaDay2020 ... Fireworks Safety Tips: https://www.newmarket.ca/towngover//News-Description.aspx

Congratulations to John Hopkinson on his promotion to Platoon Chief! PC Hopkinson has been an Acting Platoon Chief for the past 5yrs preparing for this role. Today he works his first official shift in his new position with A Platoon! #Promotion #Chief #Congratulations

We love visiting our residents, however we prefer it to be in safe conditions. When family plans involve a recreational fire in the backyard, make sure it meets our by-law. Keep your family and neighbours safe by abiding to the restrictions. For a full list of outdoor burning restrictions or for questions regarding outdoor burning, visit www.cyfs.ca or call 905-895-9222.... http://www.cyfs.ca//Outdoor-Burning-By-laws---Guidelines.a

CONGRATULATIONS to Deputy Chief Robert Comeau on his retirement!! Today is his last official day, marking 33 years and 7 months in the fire service! Deputy Comeau started his fire career as a forest firefighter with the Ministry of Natural Resources in Kapuskasing, ON. As a teenager, he applied for the MNR and knew he wanted a career that was hands on and outside. He didnt start as a firefighter, but when the offer became available he took a shot to explore the experience. H...e then chose to remain in the role of a forest/wildland firefighter for the next 6 years. At that time, he contemplated what path he wanted and how it would benefit him and his future plans for a family. He came to the decision that municipal firefighting was his next goal so he packed up and moved south to Aurora, the hometown of his then girlfriend, Alison. For his first year living in Aurora, the small-town French-Canadian took a job as a transport truck driver in the big city Toronto! What an eye opening experience that was! shared Deputy Comeau. He learned a lot during that year, then his sights set on a job posting for a fulltime firefighter position for the Aurora Fire Department (soon to be Central York Fire Services). He applied, and was offered the position to start his new career on December 1, 1986. Deputy Chief Robert Comeau has worked his way up since then. He was a firefighter with us for 10 years before his promotion to Captain, which held for another 10 years, until his promotion to Platoon Chief, then 3 short years before he became Deputy Chief. DC Comeau has been our Deputy for the past 11years, and we are so grateful for the time and passion he has put into the department over the span of his career. He and his wife Alison look forward to his retirement, and spending quality family time with their children and grandchildren. Thank you for your service Deputy! Enjoy the next Chapter!

Fireworks Safety Tip In anticipation for Canada Day celebrations, wed like to remind residents: Fireworks are NOT allowed on public property (parks, streets, open spaces) in Town of Newmarket and Town of Aurora. You are only permitted to use fireworks on your own property and only if the front of your property is a minimum of 18 metres wide.... For more rules and tips: https://www.newmarket.ca/towngover//News-Description.aspx

Not to GRILL you...just looking to FLIP more important safety tips... Enjoy the summer break, but stay safe! DYK: July is the peak month for grill fires... Check out National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)s flyer and TSSA - Technical Standards & Safety Authoritys link on safe handling and operation of fuel and BBQs: http://safetyinfo.ca/fuelsafety/recreational.html Town of Aurora Town of Newmarket

Fireworks Safety Tip In anticipation for Canada Day celebrations, wed like to remind residents: Fireworks are NOT allowed on public property (parks, streets, open spaces) in Town of Newmarket and Town of Aurora. You are only permitted to use fireworks on your own property and only if the front of your property is a minimum of 18 metres wide. For more rules and tips: http://ow.ly/VDUo50Aj1w0

CONGRATULATIONS to Platoon Chief Art Bellar on his retirement! Today he works his final shift with his Platoon. PC Bellar comes from a family of firefighters, and is very proud of it. He has served over 41yrs with our department!... PC Bellar began his career with us in 1979 as a volunteer firefighter with the Aurora Fire Department (soon to be Central York Fire Services). On Dec 21, 1987, he moved into the role of a fulltime firefighter as a member of our first fulltime crew! After our amalgamation of the Newmarket and Aurora Fire Departments, the Aurora boy was moved north to our headquarters station in Newmarket. There, he gained more experience and met new members of our community something he is very grateful for. When asked what the highlight has been of his career, he answered: the citizens of Aurora and Newmarket have been instrumental in driving me to become the best I can be in my role here. He feels strong gratitude towards our community, and the members of CYFS. Over the course of Arts career, he has contributed to our department in big ways. He has played a very important role in the designing and implementation of apparatus upgrades. His hard work and motivation to create change have a heavy emphasis on firefighter safety. Now that retirement has come, he keeps his passion in mind for future plans but his first focus is travel and family time with his wife, Brenda. We are so thankful for the impact Platoon Chief Bellar has made on our department, staff, and community. Enjoy the next big chapter!

CYFS continues to work with our community to find unique and innovative approaches to protect residents. During these unprecedented times, we are rising to the challenge of adapting without compromising safety. Here is a sneak peek at one of our virtual inspections! Beyond fighting fires, one of our bigger tasks is preventing them in order to keep our community and residents safe. Prevention comes down to two key elements - public education and fire prevention inspections.... Inspections and fire drills of registered vulnerable occupancies in the province of Ontario are mandated. This includes annual inspections of long term care and retirement homes. Some items we look for include proper function and maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire alarm systems, and fire protection equipment. We also pay close attention to means of egress (exits and pathways to exits), ensuring they are kept clear of obstructions for an efficient and safe escape. Every year, Central York Fire Services inspect all 32 vulnerable occupancies in Newmarket and Aurora. As the pandemic continues, CYFS has adapted inspection practices to become virtual in order to provide important preventative fire measures to our most vulnerable community members. In adapting this way, we are able to keep our residents safe, and avoid any potential transmission of #Covid19 #FirePrevention #FireSafety #Virtual #Inspections

Happy Monday Newmarket and Aurora! As much as we love visiting our residents, we prefer it to be in safe conditions. When the family plans involve a recreational fire in the backyard, make sure it meets our by-law ...so were not called to come DAMPEN the fun.... For a full list of outdoor burning restrictions or for questions regarding outdoor burning, visit www.cyfs.ca or call 905-895-9222.

Donelle Sambrook has been working for the Town of Newmarket in fleet services as an administrative assistant keeping CYFS vehicles in top form. We appreciate her work and would like to share a thank-you from our Chiefs for a great first year!

June is Pride month! Though we cant celebrate outside at the annual York Pride Fest, they are advertising a virtual way for us to come together which they are hosting next week! Visit their site to learn more: http://yorkpridefest.com/2020/index.ptpl