Joe🇨🇦 👨‍🚒

Proud Father x3👶, Husband, #IAFF 🚒 Captain 👨‍🚒 - President @APPFFA, V.P. @hfxfirefighters, Former Medic, Comments are my own

[Halifax Professional Fire Fighters @hfxfirefighters]

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Fire Fighter / Engineer Travis Pelley after a lengthy battle with cancer.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.

Funeral arrangements and further details will be shared as they become available.

Please keep Travis’s loved ones in your thoughts.

[Halifax Professional Fire Fighters @hfxfirefighters]

Today, our members laid a wreath on behalf of the Halifax Professional Fire Fighters in memory of Petty Officer 2nd Class Craig Blake — a local Navy Diver and friend who was killed in Afghanistan.

We are honoured to remember his sacrifice and all those who have served and continue to serve.

We will remember them.
#RemembranceDay #LestWeForget

[Halifax Professional Fire Fighters @hfxfirefighters]

We appreciated the opportunity to meet with MP Braedon Clark (Sackville–Bedford–Preston) during the IAFF Canadian Legislative Conference in Ottawa.

Our discussion focused on key priorities impacting fire fighters — including violence against first responders, mental health, staffing, and cancer prevention.

We’re thankful for the continued dialogue and support from elected officials who recognize that protecting those who protect others starts with action.

[Halifax Professional Fire Fighters @hfxfirefighters]

From the fire station to the ballpark — teamwork, pride, and passion run deep in Canada.  

Your Halifax Professional Fire Fighters are cheering on Canada’s team, the Toronto Blue Jays, as they chase another big win tonight!

Whether it’s on the field or on the front lines, we know what it means to work together for something bigger than ourselves.

Let’s go Jays! 🇨🇦⚾🔥
#BlueJays #hfxfirefighters #HPFFAlwaysOnDuty

[Halifax Professional Fire Fighters @hfxfirefighters]

🚨 Assaulted While Responding
In July 2021, our members from Station 12 (Highfield Park) were assaulted while responding to an alarm call. This is the video from that day.

These incidents are not rare. Fire fighters and paramedics continue to face violence on the job far too often.

Just yesterday, we shared our support for stronger protections under the Criminal Code. Today, we’re sharing why that’s needed.

The stories from our members are not unique — and they’re not slowing down. That’s why, in less than two weeks, three members of our Executive Board will be in Ottawa, joining IAFF leaders from across Canada in pushing Parliament to act.

Because no one should fear being attacked for answering a call.

#hfxfirefighters #HPFFAlwaysOnDuty

[Halifax Professional Fire Fighters @hfxfirefighters]

Out of 130 career officers, only two applied for the last district chief posting — the entry level to management. That’s a collective condemnation of our senior leadership.

When experienced leaders choose not to step up, it’s a culture issue. Fixing that starts with accountability and rebuilding trust.

🎧 Hear the full interview with our president, Brendan Meagher, on the Todd Veinotte Show: https://t.co/KepRUXr4AW

#UnfitToLead

[Halifax Professional Fire Fighters @hfxfirefighters]

We’re sending our thoughts and best wishes for a speedy recovery to the members of Clarington Professional Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 3139, after their crew was struck while protecting a collision scene on Highway 401 in Ontario.

Fire trucks block traffic for a reason — to protect the responders working to stabilize scenes. This is exactly the kind of incident those trucks are meant to prevent. Thankfully, lives were spared, but injuries still occurred — and this was an avoidable accident.

When you see flashing lights, slow down, move over, and pay attention. It’s the law.

[Joe🇨🇦 👨‍🚒 @TriffJoe]

👇🏼

[Halifax Professional Fire Fighters @hfxfirefighters]

The Chief’s retirement is only the first step — there’s still work to be done to fix the culture, rebuild trust, and strengthen our fire service from within.

🎧 Hear the full interview with our president, Brendan Meagher, on the Todd Veinotte Show: https://t.co/w0txNYQnyj

[Joe🇨🇦 👨‍🚒 @TriffJoe]

Proud to be part of the team that’s been working towards change

[Halifax Professional Fire Fighters @hfxfirefighters]

Yesterday, Bill 158, the Fire Safety and Services Act, was introduced in the Nova Scotia Legislature.

We thank Minister Kim Masland and Minister John Lohr, along with the Nova Scotia Government, for taking this important step toward implementing the Fire Service Review recommendations — strengthening governance, improving consistency across the province, and putting firefighter health, well-being, and modern training first.

This legislation reflects years of advocacy following the tragic loss of Skyler Blackie and ongoing calls for safer training and stronger governance. Our work to strengthen fire fighter and public safety continues.

#hfxfirefighters

[Halifax Professional Fire Fighters @hfxfirefighters]

For too long, Halifax’s senior fire management group has failed to deliver on the basics:

•Ignored safety recommendations
•Promised wildfire training and gear still not delivered to the frontlines
•Surge staffing still not addressed — even after HRFE’s own Post-Incident Analysis recommended it
•Allowed retaliation to replace accountability

As reported in the Chronicle Herald: “Chief Ken Stuebing and the current fire management group have lost the trust and support of the fire fighters who serve HRM.”

That statement reflects years of lived experience from the professional fire fighters who show up 24/7/365 in service to Halifax.

These failures weaken our fire service and put public safety at risk. Halifax deserves leadership that fixes problems, not creates them. The current management team is #UnfitToLead.

https://t.co/yQBq0m2pi6

[Joe🇨🇦 👨‍🚒 @TriffJoe]

Well done @RugbyCanada!!! What a great tournament to watch ❤️💪

[Rugby Canada @RugbyCanada]

Canada captured silver and the admiration of Canadians from coast to coast, who rallied behind a team that brought women’s rugby into the national spotlight and inspired the next generation of players. 👏

🗞️ Read more here: https://t.co/8qfIgeGW4G

#RugbyCA | #OneSquad

[Halifax Professional Fire Fighters @hfxfirefighters]

Tomorrow at 12:30pm AST, history is on the line as our very own #hfxfirefighters Olivia DeMerchant and Team Canada take on England in the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final!

We stand behind you, cheering loudly and proudly from Halifax.

Go make history, ladies—you’ve already made us so proud and inspired a nation.

[Halifax Professional Fire Fighters @hfxfirefighters]

Certificates and photo-ops don’t put out fires.

While management prioritized accreditation and image projects, our fire fighters were left without proper wildfire gear, the promised training, or fully equipped reserve trucks. The result? A fire service that looks polished on paper but isn’t prepared when disaster strikes.

When management chooses optics over operations, it shows they’re #UnfitToLead.

[Joe🇨🇦 👨‍🚒 @TriffJoe]

😳👇🏼

[Halifax Professional Fire Fighters @hfxfirefighters]

Halifax Professional Fire Fighters should never be punished for speaking the truth or standing with their union.

Yet under the current management team, our members have been attacked for appearing in a short video and targeted after giving testimony at an arbitration. This is not accountability — it’s retaliation.

When fire fighters are silenced instead of respected, it erodes trust, weakens morale, and undermines public safety.

Halifax deserves leadership that values integrity and respects those on the frontlines. The current management team is #UnfitToLead.

[Joe🇨🇦 👨‍🚒 @TriffJoe]

An honour to be a part of this incredible event ❤️🚒

[Halifax Professional Fire Fighters @hfxfirefighters]

🇨🇦 Today in Colorado Springs, three of our own Halifax Professional Fire Fighters are being commemorated on the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial wall. Their sacrifice is formally recognized as a line of duty death, and their names will forever stand among those who gave everything in service to their communities.

Captain Brian McKay — Age 51
Pancreatic Cancer, January 2019

Captain Brian Strangward — Age 69
Colon Cancer, March 2022

Captain Billy Marr — Age 46
Colorectal Cancer, April 2024

Occupational cancer remains the leading cause of fire fighter fatalities — an invisible hazard that continues to take our brothers and sisters far too soon.

This weekend, a delegation of Halifax Professional Fire Fighters is proud to stand alongside the families of our fallen as their loved ones are honoured. We remember their courage, their dedication, and their sacrifice.

[Joe🇨🇦 👨‍🚒 @TriffJoe]

Catch @hfxfirefighters President Meagher this morning on the Todd Veinotte Show

[CityNews Halifax @CityNewsHFX]

Today on The Todd Veinotte Show:
- Halifax Professional Fire Fighters calls for change in HRFE leadership.
- Small businesses urge action on economic uncertainty ahead of Fall Legislature.
📞902-405-6000 / 1-877-801-8255
📻Listen live: https://t.co/7J8cBQ6JML

[Joe🇨🇦 👨‍🚒 @TriffJoe]

Tax payers should be as outraged as our Union

[Halifax Professional Fire Fighters @hfxfirefighters]

🚨 CBC News: Halifax fire fighters call for new leadership after repeated incidents of racism, harassment, and retaliation were left unchecked by management.

#hfxfirefighters deserve better. #UnfitToLead

https://t.co/wsEQrPhm7r

[Halifax Professional Fire Fighters @hfxfirefighters]

🔥 Follow-Up: Critical Lessons from Hanwell Drive Fire 🔥

Last night’s fire in Middle Sackville highlights systemic failures that frontline fire fighters have been warning about for years. These are not one-off issues.

1. Aerial & Tanker Staffing
• Both aerial devices and Tanker 11 responded with only 2 fire fighters.
• On the initial response, 9 Aerial and 11 Tanker had to combine to form a single crew of 4 just to make a safe attack team.
• When aerials were finally deployed, fire fighters had to be pulled from other critical fireground tasks just to operate the equipment.
👉 Manufacturer recommends 3. Industry standard is 4. Halifax = 2.

2. Building Code
• This fire is another example of why proposed changes to allow single exit stairwells in building construction must never be permitted.
• They put both residents and responders at unacceptable risk.

3. No Upstaffing
• Despite a major event tying up resources for hours, no additional fire fighters were called in.
• The city was left with significant coverage gaps while our members remained committed on scene — gaps that continued throughout the day.
• Only tonight, nearly 20 hours after the fire began, was overtime finally approved for just two fire fighters to provide a fire watch from 8 PM - 8 AM.
• This delay left the city exposed while a significant portion of our members and resources were tied up overnight and for most of the day.

4. Effective Firefighting Force (EFF)
• According to NFPA 1710, a medium hazard structure (such as a multi-unit residential building) requires 28 fire fighters on scene within 8 minutes.
• Based on data reviewed, our response last night fell far short:
– 4 fire fighters in 5 minutes
– 10 fire fighters in 10 minutes
– 14 fire fighters in 12 minutes
• Halifax failed to meet even its own reduced benchmark of 14 fire fighters in 11 minutes.
• This gap in response puts both residents and fire fighters at significantly increased risk.

This fire demanded everything our members could give — and they delivered. But systemic under-staffing and failures to backfill during major events left our members set up to fail before the first truck even responded.

Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by this devastating fire.

Management will call this an “extraordinary” fire. We call it what it is: a predictable failure of leadership.

#HPFFAlwaysOnDuty

[Joe🇨🇦 👨‍🚒 @TriffJoe]

#NewProfilePic

[Joe🇨🇦 👨‍🚒 @TriffJoe]

#NewProfilePic