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The concept for a provincial volunteer firefighters’ association resulted from
discussions among firefighters of Surrey, Cloverdale and Sullivan.
A prominent Cloverdale businessman and retired volunteer firefighter,
Frank McKinnon drew up the first constitution in 1970.
The Volunteer Firefighters’ Association of B.C. was officially formed as a Society under the Societies Act of B.C. on July 18, 1973.
| The founding executive were: |
| President |
Wes Gillis |
Sullivan, B.C. |
| Vice President |
Pat Clackson |
North Cowichan, B.C. |
| Secretary/Treasurer |
James Urquhart |
Cloverdale, B.C. |
| Director |
Don Grant |
Sullivan, B.C. |
| Director |
Merle Hiltz |
Sullivan, B.C. |
| Director |
Allan Clegg |
Cloverdale, B.C. |
From 1973 to 1979 the Annual General Meetings were held at Sullivan/Cloverdale but moved to
Crofton in 1980, Ashcroft in 1981 and eventually throughout most regions of the province. The
Annual General meeting is normally held on the Second Weekend in July. From time to time the date
may change, as was the case in 1998, when we joined with the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs
and participated in Fire Rescue Canada 98 and this year in September of 2002 we will host the
First International Volunteer Firefighters’ Symposium in Victoria.
Presentations to host the A.G.M. are normally made at a previous A.G.M. but the Association does
accept written proposals to host. Contact your Regional Director or the Association Office if interested. |
The major objectives, which evolved from the constitution of 1973, were:
- To promote fire safety and the preservation of life and property within the province.
- To promote and participate in the development and delivery of educational programs related to fire training, its science and control.
- To present a strong, united voice on behalf of all volunteer firefighters in British Columbia.
- To confer and cooperate with other organizations within the fire community on training, safety and public education.
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These continue to be the major objectives of the association today,
along with providing member benefits such as the insurance packages and the opportunity to participate
in the Firefighters’ Foundation Fund (Benevolent Fund). |
We aim to promote good fellowship and mutual
assistance amongst the Volunteer Firefighters of B.C. Specific services are
generally directed towards representing the views of all provincial volunteers
on issues that are affecting or are likely to affect our operations as trained
firefighters. We publish a newsletter three times a year that is distributed to all members.
We are members of the Fire Safety Advisory Council and are recognized as the voice of the
volunteers in B.C. No behalf of Provincial Volunteer Firefighter we make presentations to
government and boards (ie. WCB), on issues of concern. |
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