Supporting our firefighters
Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service signs partnership to offer enhanced mental health care to members
Vaughan’s firefighters are on the front lines of any given emergency and work tirelessly to keep our community safe. And just as the members of Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) are committed to protecting lives and property, ensuring their safety and well-being is a leading priority for the City of Vaughan.
Today, during a special signing ceremony held at the Joint Operations Centre (2800 Rutherford Rd.), VFRS, Wounded Warriors Canada and the Vaughan Professional Fire Fighters Association entered into an agreement to further support Vaughan firefighters and their families. Through this partnership, members of VFRS, both active and retired, will receive enhanced benefits and services related to trauma resiliency and therapy.
First responders are highly trained and skilled professionals who, due to the nature of their work, often face challenging situations that test their physical or mental health and safety. Wounded Warriors Canada is a national mental health service provider utilizing clinical best practices and evidenced-based care to help Canada’s veterans, first responders and their families feel safe, supported and understood.
Following today’s formal partnership agreement, Wounded Warriors Canada will work directly with VFRS to offer an innovative approach to help Vaughan’s firefighters and their loved ones manage operational stress. Wounded Warriors Canada is partnered nationally with over 60 fire, police and EMS agencies and VFRS is proud to be just one of many organizations whose members will benefit from this alliance.
To learn more about VFRS, visit vaughan.ca/fire.
QUOTES
“Vaughan’s first responders put their lives on the line to be there in our time of need, and, just as they are there for us, we need to be there for them. By partnering with Wounded Warriors Canada, we are improving access to the unique mental health supports our first responders may need in their journey of mental wellness and recovery. No one should suffer in silence, especially those who serve our community with Pride and Honour. I want to thank Chief Andrew Zvanitajs for his leadership and the Service’s commitment to providing the best possible care for its members and staff.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
“First responders report to the front lines every day and sacrifice so much to keep the community safe. When our firefighters put themselves in harm’s way, it can take a significant toll on their mental health and overall well-being. The partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada will provide an extra layer of mental health supports to help keep Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service personnel – and their families – healthy as they continue to provide Service Excellence to the community. I want to thank the Mayor and Members of Council and the Vaughan Professional Firefighters Association for their support of this crucial initiative, and all members of VFRS for serving our city with pride and honour.”
- Fire Chief Andrew Zvanitajs
“Given the complexities of operational stress injuries, we know that no single organization will ever be the 100 per cent solution when it comes to the mental health and wellness of its members and their families. Partnerships are vital. Together, we are working to break down barriers to accessing culturally specific mental health support while reducing stigma for those who keep our communities safe. We look forward to working with the team at Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service in the months and years to come.”
- Scott Maxwell, Executive Director, Wounded Warriors Canada
“The Vaughan Professional Fire Fighters Association is thrilled to partner with Wounded Warriors Canada. This partnership will provide our members and their families with additional mental health supports when battling the ill effects of being on the front lines. Thank you to Scott Maxwell and his team, along with Chief Zvanitajs and VFRS for working with the VPFFA and our Peer Support team to bring this initiative to our members.”
- Andrew Anthony, President, Vaughan Professional Fire Fighters Association
QUICK FACTS
- The partnership between Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service, Wounded Warriors Canada and the Vaughan Professional Fire Fighters Association was approved by Council at the March 21, 2023 Council meeting.
- Wounded Warriors Canada is a national mental health service provider utilizing clinical best practices and evidenced-based care to help Canada’s veterans, first responders and their families feel safe, supported and understood.
- The Vaughan Professional Fire Fighters Association represents the more than 350 members that make up VFRS.
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