Once again the Circus is coming to town!  Circus Gatti will be in town August 28 and 29 for 4 shows, with proceeds going to the Saskatchewan Professional Firefighters Burn Fund.  Shows run on Saturday August 28 at 2pm and 7pm, and on Sunday August 29 at 1pm and 6pm.  Local 80 Firefighters provide volunteer security and ticket takers, and in turn the SPFFA Burn Fund receives a portion of the money raised.  In 2009 Circus Gatti's Saskatoon shows raised over $16,000 for burn victims.  Please come out and enjoy some exciting entertainment and support the Burn Fund at the same time!.  Also, any active or retired Local 80 member who is interested in volunteering is asked to contact an executive member.

From June 14th to 17th, over 50 delegates were in Saskatoon for the 2010 IAFF Western Canadian Conference.  This was held at the Sheraton Cavalier, and welcomed Presidents and Secretaries of Locals from Winnipeg to Victoria.  On Monday June 14th delegates took part in a golf day at Moon Lake, followed by a Steak Supper.  Tuesday June 15 marked the beginning of the sessions, with welcome greetings from Local 80 President Bruce Siemens and speeches by His Worship Mayor Don Atchison, Saskatoon Fire Chief Brian Bentley and Scott Marks, Assistant to the General President for Canadian Operations.  On Tuesday night delegates were treated to a hospitality night at the Hose and Hydrant Restaurant and Bar.  Wednesday included a speech from 6th Distict Vice President Lorne West, as well as reports from the Locals.  Lunch was provided at Fire Hall #1, with barbeque services provided by SaskEnergy.  Wednesday afternoon wrapped up the sessions and a banquet followed.

The Conference was considered a success by the host committee.  The Sheraton provided exceptional service and the delegates were impressed by the hosts' hospitality, including shuttles to and from the airport, a nightly complimentary host room in the hotel, welcome packages in each room, and twice a day workouts led by Local 80 Peer Fitness Trainers.

Thank you to all that helped out with the workouts and Wedneday's Lunch. You helped make the Conference the success it was!

On February 2, 2010 saskatoonfirefighters.com reported on Bob and Alma Stevenson, a retired Local 80 member and his wife who, after they both passed, left a sizable donation in the form of their house and contents.  After the house was sold and all expenses dealt with, the donation was approximately $250,000.  This money went to the Saskatchewan Professional Firefighters Burn Fund.  Please refer to the story from Feb. 2 for more details. 

On May 8, a framed picture was presented by Local 80 President Bruce Siemens.  This will be on display at Station #1 in memory and thanks of Bob and Alma.  Please select the read more option to view more pictures of the presentation.

Monday May 31, 2010 marked the 30th anniversary of the death of two Local 80 firefighters.  Victor James Budz and Dennis Guenter died while fighting a fire in the Queens Hotel on 1st Ave S and 20th St, where the Galaxy Theatre now Stands.  In the last thirty years Local 80 has lost members due to occupational Cancer, which is recognized by law as a line of duty death, but Budz and Guenter are the last Ssakatoon firefighters to die while on duty at an incident.

A memorial service was held on May 31st at Station 6 on Taylor Street and Acadia Drive.  In attendance were relatives of the fallen brothers, members of City Council, MLA Cam Broten, Local 80 Honour Guard, and an impressive turnout of active and retired members. The ceremony began with a short speech by Local 80 Secretary Rob Hogan, followed by an Honour Guard march to the memorial grounds where a last alarm and moment of silence was held at 10:50 am which is the time of the initial alarm thirty years ago.

Click the read more option to view more pictures of the ceremony.

On Friday May 21, 2010, members of Local 80 at Station 6 welcomed a visit by the Honourable Rob Norris, Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour and MLA for Saskatoon Greystone.  The visit was set up at the request of Mr. Norris by Local 80 President Bruce Siemens and Teasurer John Dishko.  Vice President Clint Belitsky was also in attendance.  The visit included a tour of Fire Station 6 and the new apparatus there, as well as good discussion over coffee about the work that Firefighters do and the health and safety issues surrounding firefighting. 

Local 80 is proud to have a good relationship with all Saskatchewan MLA's.  It is through good working relationships with members of government that Firefighters across Canada have been able to successfully lobby for issues such as presumptive cancer legislation, recognizing cancer as an occupational disease that is common among firefighters.

Click the read more option to view more pictures.