The Saskatchewan Professional Firefighters Association Burn Fund received a substantial donation from the estate of Bob Stevenson, a retired Local 80 Captain, and his wife Alma.  Bob retired from Local 80 in 1990 and passed away in 2007.  He left his estate to his wife, and when she passed in 2008, she carried on Bob's wish to donate most of the estate to the Burn Fund.  The estate included a house and apartment, as well as the contents of both dwellings.  After the house was sold and all other estate issues were closed, the total donation was $250,000.  A plaque with a picture of Bob and Alma will be posted at Fire Station 1 in memory and appreciation.

Local 80 would like to congratulate and welcome seven new members, whose first official day was February 1st.  The members will take part in a two week orientation, and then will begin shifts on their assigned station and battalion.  Pictured left to right is Ian Mollison, Sean McCallen, Ryan Nguyen, Julio Diaz, Dreu Volk, Evan Arndt, and Steven Mack.

For more than thirty years the Saskatoon Firefighters have climbed aboard their "sleigh" for one day each year and sang carols in exchange for donations to Denny Carr's Secret Santa Campaign.  This year the Caroling Firefighters were able to raise over 28,000 thanks to the generosity of Saskatoon citizens.  The picture shows a brand new float constructed this year by a few of the members, with generous sponsorship from a number of businesses.  The money raised by the firefighters is added to many other donations to help provide food and toys for 600 Saskatoon families.  Members of the Caroling Firefighters also lent a hand on December 22, when the families come to pick up their hampers.

The Secret Santa Campaign was created over 30 years ago by late radio personality Denny Carr, and everyone involved today is very proud to carry on his vision year after year.  One of the highlights of the day for the Caroling Firefighters is to visit the statue of Denny Carr.  They sing Denny a carol and place the red sweatshirt on his statue, showing that he is and always will be a member of the team. 

Photo Courtesy Greg Pender, Saskatoon Star Phoenix

Once again in 2009 the Saskatoon Firefighters worked with the Salvation Army in their annual Christmas Kettles Campaign.  For four days between November 21 and December 19, Local 80 members proudly donned the Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services Dress Uniform and rang the bells to help the needy families of Saskatoon.  Local 80 and SFPS have been partners with the Salvation Army for many years. 

Congratulations to Candace Hueser, the 2009 recipient of the Budz-Guenter Scholarship.  At a recent session of City Council, Candace was presented with her scholarship by His Worship Mayor Don Atchison and Local 80 President Bruce Siemens.  She is the daughter of Fire Service Instructor Wilbur Hueser, and is the 29th recipient of this Scholarship.

The Budz Guenter Scholarship was first presented in 1981, and is awarded to the child of a member of the Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services.  The scholarship was established by Local 80 and the City of Saskatoon to honor the memory of Victor Budz and Dennis Guenter, two Local 80 brothers who lost their lives at the Queen's Hotel on May 31, 1980.  The Queen's Hotel once stood where the Galaxy Theater is now located.

On September 10th a group of Local 80 firefighters were in attendance at City Hall to show their support for His Worship Mayor Don Atchison.  Mayor Atchison spoke to a group of supporters and the media about his intentions to run for re-election.

Local 80 is pleased with the working relationship with council and their continued support of our issues, therefore an executive motion was made and passed by the members to support the Mayor and all encumbent members of council.

All members of Local 80 regularily contribute to FIREPAC, which is an international fund through the IAFF that is used for political action in the United States and Canada.  Local 80 was able to get some money through FIREPAC to purchase signs and shirts.

The civic election is on October 28th.