York Fire Fighters

The Great Depression came to a close as industry built up to support the war effort.

A huge patriotic spirit swept through York Township, as hundreds of young men volunteered for His Majesty's Service. Many of these were volunteer fire fighters. To the dismay of the Fire Chief, active fire fighters took advantage of the Township's offer to guarantee employment for returning enlisted men, and left for posts with the armed forces both overseas and in Canada.

The war affected the fire fighters who stayed at home in different ways. Meeting dates had to be changed because of "blackouts." Food and fuel rationing affected tea funds and transportation. Wages were frozen, and the apparatus was starting to get a little old.

Members of the Association who did not enlist supported the war effort by raising money for soldiers' "comfort funds" through carnivals, balls and Christmas card sales. Members also supported the families of both volunteer and permanent fire fighters who enlisted by sending Christmas presents to their children, offering to help their wives with household maintenance, and sponsoring social events.

The Chief was allowed to replace enlisted men with "temporary employees," who were hired from the active volunteer lists. But as the economy grew, the Chief noted that volunteers were harder to get. He asked for more permanent staff. Levels started to increase after the war when the "temporary" men were made permanent, the soldiers returning from service were reinstated, and new jobs opened up for the other men returning from overseas. In 1947, the change from a 72 hour week to a 56 hour week also made it nesessary for more staff. However, even with more fire fighters, the Silverthorn Hall had to be closed because of inadequate staffing, and the poor condition of the hall.

Expectations of the fire fighters also changed after the depression. The union was more active in labour issues, supporting striking workers and boycotts, as well as submitting bargaining briefs and processing grievances. They participated in all levels of organized labour, belonging to the International Association of Fire Fighters, Provincial Federation of Ontario Fire Fighters, and the Toronto District Labour Council. York fire fighters never missed a local meeting or convention, and were proud to march in the Labour Day Parade, and participate in Labour Day sports activities

The union requested to be included in Workmens' Compensation benefits, demanded higher wages and shorter work weeks, and made requests for uniforms and safety equipment. After the Fire Departments Act was introduced after the war, the local wasn't shy about making demands, and backing them up with trips to arbitration boards in 1947, 1948 and 1949.

After World War II, the York Township Fire Department finally turned the corner from being a composite fire department, into being a professional fire department.

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