In Memory of Our Heroes
THE FIRE FIGHTERS’ PRAYER: When I’m called to duty God wherever flames may rage give me strength to save a life whatever be its age Help me to embrace a little child before it is too late or save an older person from the horror of that fate Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me to guard my neighbor and protect his property And if according to your will I have to lose my life bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.
A FIREMAN'S MOTHER PRAYER: The alarm goes off, ready to go, all with no hesitation Time to save a soul or a home, straight to that destination This prayer’s for my son, as that fire calls Protecting the innocent and fighting flaming walls Guide him with your strength, the courage to pull him through Give him that breath of air, if he gets down to his last few By chance he may get weak; do give him the will to stand Carry him as you said, your” Foot Prints in the Sand”He will have to lift or ax a door today May your angels chip away, helping along the way There’s always the unknown, of what they call “back draft”Secure your arms around him, and the others who have his back Make way for him to listen, to hear that persons call If he gets blinded, give him sight, direct him down that hall Determined to break a window, to rescue that angry dog Or fight the wild fires, to keep lands beauty how it belongs Keep their team in motion, to know where one is at They’re taking turns in and out, of these fires that attack When that duty’s done, he’ll have peace of mind You were right beside him; he now thanks you for your time Lord I ask this of you, I pray you watch over him Help him always save the lives, then return him to me again.
Traci Dawn Cairns
May 26, 1969 – August 30, 2022
Traci passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening after a brave battle with cancer. She was the loved wife of Drew Dale. Traci was predeceased by her parents Jim and Carol (nee Crozier). She leaves behind her sister Melanie Cairns, husband Daniel Levis, niece Danae and nephew Maximus as well as her and Drew’s extended family and friends across Canada and the rest of North America. She also leaves behind her Toronto Fire Services family of which she was so proud to be a member. Traci will be missed by her fur babies, Finnegan and Bear who were her constant companions especially during the last 18 months.
District Chief Christian Cauchon
March 8, 1965 - November 18, 2022
After a long battle with cancer, Chris passed away quietly with his family by his side. Devoted husband to loving wife Bess. Dedicated father to Jonathan and Zoe. Chris leaves behind his beloved father, Dona, and adoring siblings: Jim, Barry, Tom, Laurie, Kim, Alan and Marty. Predeceased by his dear mother Adrienne. Chris will be missed by his large extended family and his Toronto Fire Services family.
Jason Tibor Pal
November 20, 1972 – June 10, 2022
It is with heavy hearts we announce the recent sudden passing of our beloved son and brother, Jay (Jason) Pal. He is survived by his mother Sylvia (the late Tibor), and brothers David (Tania) and Kevin (Mary Kate) and six nieces and nephews. After a family storage shed accidentally caught fire he joined King Township Fire Services as a volunteer firefighter and eventually moved on to become a fulltime firefighter for Toronto’s Fire Services, and remained at Station 413 for his whole career. He served proudly for 17 years right up until his sudden passing. He recently passed the exams to become an Acting Captain and was to be offered a placement this week. Over the course of his career he received two commendations for bringing victims back to life.
Captain Robert L. E. Papp
April 7, 1965 – September 27, 2021
Beloved brother of Ildiko Hughes (Garry-2021). Constant Companion and kindred spirit to Robert Steffler. Son of Gizella (nee Cseh-2002) and Endre (1991). Brother from another mother to the whole Steffler family. Loving nephew to Emma Cseh (Janos Kenyer, Gabor-2001), John Papp (Carol Attlesey, Joyce- 2000). Loving Uncle to Derek Hughes (Nathalie). Robert loved his family and friends with an open and generous heart. He had an adventurous spirit, a great sense of humor and was passionate about travel, gardening, homesteading, good food, and embracing new cultures and their people. He felt at home anywhere his feet took him. He was a gentle soul who loved all creatures big or small and was known as the chicken whisperer by his friends. Robert was a Toronto firefighter with 25 years of service, a career that he loved and was very proud of.
Firefighter Thomas Emmett Todd
November 9, 1958 – July 14, 2022
Firefighter, friend, father, grandfather and son: As firefighters do, he fought the good fight, albeit a short one, and passed away as he chose, quickly and pain free! Left to share and cherish his many and unlimited recollections, details of life and his vast collection of stories are his father, Robert Ernest Todd; his brother, Richard Ernest Todd (Darci): his children: Shannon Daigle (Jeremy) and Bryan Todd, grandson Theo Daigle, his nieces Courtney Goodmurphy (Tyler, Lexi and Ayden) and Shelbi Todd. His many former colleagues, many of whom he called brothers, and friends retired from the Toronto Fire Department, the extended Todd Family and all whose lives Tom touched. Those loved by Tom and predeceased him are his mother, Joan Patricia Todd and his sister, Debra Todd Wetherall.
Roger Keith Martin
March 29, 1954 – February 21, 2020
Born and raised in England, Roger moved to Canada when he was 25 years old, retiring to White Rock with his wife in 2013. He is predeceased by his parents Laurence and Violet Martin and his sister Vivien; father-in-law Lloyd Quan. Roger will be lovingly remembered by his wife Diane; sister Margaret; brother Harvey; nephews Philip (Georgina), children Harry and Archie, Darryl (Sarah), children, Georgia and Mhairi, David (Ruth) and children, Jonny and Claudia, mother-in-law Vicki and stepfather Philip as well as sister-in law Sharon (Dennie), their children, Nicole and Kyle; brother-in law Eddie (Mona) and daughter Rachel, brother-in-law Lloyd; as well as the many cousins.
Captain Martin "Marty" Costoff
April 17, 1958 – August 17, 2021
The Costoff family is devastated to announce the passing of it’s patriarch Martin (Marty) William Costoff on August 17th 2021. Marty was a well respected, active duty firefighter, who graduated through the ranks to become a Captain with the Toronto Fire Department. Marty is survived by his loving wife Vicki, and his children Brittany (Andrew), Tyler (Ashlyn) along with an extensive circle of family, friends and pets.
Captain Daniel George Thompson
August 1, 1964 – August 11, 2021
Daniel "Danny" George Thompson of Marmora & Lake, ON passed away peacefully at the age of 57 with his family by his side at Campbellford Memorial Hospital on August 11, 2021 after a four year battle with cancer. Danny was a proud Toronto Fire Fighter Captain and served over 30 years. He loved fishing, playing hockey and golf, cooking and lottery tickets. He was level headed and has to take charge attitude yet was also so gentle and kind. He loved his dog Jack, enjoyed feeding the deer and birds in the backyard, tending his vegetable gardens or just sitting quietly on the porch looking at the water. He was the person everyone could count on, seemed to always know what to say or do in any situation. He was a loving husband and father, great brother and uncle and will be missed by the many whose lives he touched.
Acting Platoon Chief Glenn Sherwood
July 23, 1961 – February 20, 2021
It is with great sadness that the family of Glenn Sherwood announce his passing February 20th, 2021 at the age of 59. Glenn passed peacefully surrounded by his wife and two sons after a lengthy battle with cancer. Glenn enjoyed a long career as a firefighter with the City of Toronto Fire Service ascending to the position of Acting Platoon Chief. Glenn will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 39 years, Kristy; sons, Kevin and his wife Heather, Kristofer and his partner Konica; grandchildren, Shane and Andrew; his father Evan; brother, Brian and his wife Susan; and numerous other family members and friends.
Acting Captain Jason Mark Popovich
December 26, 1970 – April 4, 2023
Jason Mark Popovich was a proud firefighter who dedicated his life to saving others. It is truly heartbreaking that his own life was cut short, at the young age of 52, after he lost his fierce fight with cancer on April 4, 2023. While Jason was on this earth, he embraced every aspect of his beautiful life with a full heart. Born to Tom and Joyce Popovich on December 26, 1970, he was the youngest of three brothers. He is survived by his mother Joyce, brothers Jim and Dave, as well as their respective spouses, Kim and Dana. Jim and Kim have four children (Jordan, Isaac, Emily and Ben) who will greatly miss their uncle. Jason treasured his wonderful family and his wife of 20 years. He married his best friend and love of his life, Jennifer Baker, on November 4, 2003. As if fate played a role, they celebrated their anniversary early, in February 2023, at the Mayan Riviera resort where they became husband and wife 20 years ago. Everyone who knew them was touched by their unique bond and immense love for each other. Jason’s firefighter family was also a source of immense pride and love. He became a firefighter in 2005 and then acting captain in 2022. His crew worked together, lived together and ate together. As a talented chef, Jason loved cooking and sharing meals with his brothers and sisters at fire halls including 314B platoon at Wellesley and Grosvenor, A312B in Yorkville, as well as A315 near Kensington Market.
Acting Division Chief Anthony Alfred Simpson
September 22, 1969 - March 31, 2023
It's with sad hearts that we let you know of the passing of Anthony Alfred Simpson on March 31, 2023. He is survived by his mom Eslin Simpson, sisters Marcia Solomon, Sherill Simpson, Merna Rose Mary Ellis, Carolyn Wright, nieces Aprylle & Stephanie, Stepdaughter Kahmisha and many more extended family, friends and colleagues.
District Chief Henrick Batelaan
January 31, 1964 – July 17, 2023
Henrick ‘Rick’ Batelaan, age 59 – forever young Passed peacefully at his Courtice home, surrounded in love by his family. Highschool sweetheart and spouse to Jennifer, he stole her heart with his long dark hair and leather vest. Loving father and mustached hero to Rachel (Justin) and Kate (Greg), but best known as ‘Pa’ to Scarlett, Callum, Miles and Brooklin, Chief of the S’mores Club. Predeceased by his parents Joost and Tine, brother John Justin and father-in-law John Gurr. Rick was born in Toronto, a son of an engineer and nurse – an adventurous spirit, he was smart, inquisitive and always calm under pressure. He will be dearly missed by siblings Lydia (Bob), Anna Marie (Jim), Pete (Jackie), Martin (Marlene), Jacqui, Phil (Etta) and mother-in-law Gail, along with many extended family and friends. A natural leader, he spent the last 38 years with Toronto Fire Services, starting in Scarborough on May 27th 1985. He worked in various fire stations in East and North Commands, on both A and D Platoons. Captain Batelaan was promoted to District Chief on September 23rd 2019, a testament to his hard work and dedication throughout his career. He joined the Toronto HUSAR (Heavy Urban Search and Rescue) Team in 2009, and remained an active member until his passing. Rick was well respected by his colleagues as a humble and patient mentor, who found immense satisfaction in supporting the growth of others. He will be fondly remembered by his peers at TFS.
David William Mason
March 3, 1968 – November 1, 2023
Following the diagnosis of glioblastoma, David fought determinedly to prolong his time and, true to his nature, inspired us all with his efforts to be present and positive. More than anything, Dave valued his whole family and a very wide circle of loyal friends including his trusted firefighter colleagues. David is the incredibly proud and cherished father of Stefanie and Shawn and the best friend and loving husband of his devoted soulmate, Susanne. The youngest child of Fred (d.2006) and Lois (d.2005) Mason, he was raised in North York with his siblings Keith (Sally), Ruth Montgomery (Brad), Beth Frederick (Allan), Kevin and Neil (d. 2000) (Lynda) who all loved him. Oh! So much! He will be hugely missed by his nephews and nieces and Susanne’s children Keegan (Bree) and Mack and his loved and adoring grandkids Ayla and Griffen. He was the respected and admired son-in-law of Karen and Stu Jarvis. Dave regarded his four lifelong best friends Dave Baird, Rob Mezzapelli, Pete Rehak and Chris Manos as brothers. Our cottage on Manitoulin Island was his favourite place to be and his spirit of fun and resourcefulness will forever permeate that landscape. “Dave’s Trail” will be a legacy enjoyed for years to come. Dave was an avid fisherman, a keen fan of Toronto’s sports teams, a talented athlete/coach and an outdoor enthusiast. His creative, artistic, problem-solving mind resulted in the construction of many memorable projects. He was a dedicated, hard-working and well-respected firefighter at R225 with the Toronto Fire Services since September 2000. A good guy who could deliver a good laugh, a good meal and a good prank, Dave taught us to ‘not sweat the small stuff’, to be kind to others and appreciate differences, and to take responsibility for one’s own happiness. He measured success by the number of satisfying memories he collected. By any standard, Dave was indeed a very successful man! Go fishing, Dave! We’ll take care of things here until we meet again. We will never forget someone who gave us so much to remember.
Douglas William Cook
February 6, 1951 – May 14, 2024
Douglas “Doug” Cook passed away at Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto surrounded by his loving family. Doug, was the beloved husband of 48 years and best friend to Lynne (nee Poulton), proud father of Cale Cook and wife Tara Leydon Cook and “Grandpa” of Savannah, who he loved beyond measure. Predeceased by his parents, William H Cook (Retired Captain of East York Fire Department) and Doris Cook. Brother-in-law of Barry Poulton (deceased) and Elizabeth, Bruce Poulton and Irene, Lori Poulton. Douglas was also a much-loved uncle and great-uncle. Doug, who retired from Toronto Fire Services was a Hazardous Materials Captain with TFS and early member of the HUSAR team. He trained at CFB Suffield in Medicine Hat and obtained his Hazardous Materials certifications. He was one of the directors in the early years of the Metro Hazmat Conference. Doug was a respected and honorable firefighter. He loved his profession and was happy every shift to go on duty; dedicated to helping people. He was a firefighter for 42 years. Doug and Lynne saw the world travelling and in their retirement years cruising with family and friends. Doug, an avid sportsman and fan, he played football and hockey at EYCI, in the Toronto Fire Department hockey league at Ted Reeve area for many years and looked forward to his Thursday golf with EYFD old boots league. A member of Meadowbrook Golf Club. Doug was involved in sports and so enjoyed supporting his son Cale in his hockey at SHS, RSGC and the GTHL “no arena too far no matter the weather”.