Councillors here easily endorsed a recommendation of support for double hatters in local fire departments.
Double hatters are professional firefighters who also serve on local volunteer fire departments.
Council’s support followed a recommendation by managing director of community services Brian Detzler on May 19, which noted many Ontario municipalities rely on both full time and volunteer firefighters in order to provide fire protection.
The International Association of Fire Fighters Constitution prohibits full time firefighters from volunteering as firefighters in another municipal jurisdiction (i.e. “double hatting”).
Councillors agreed that the right of individuals to use their free time in service of their community is a fundamental right in a free, open and democratic society.
The resolution requested the province amend the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 with respect to allowing salaried firefighters to also work as volunteer firefighters.
In the later part of 2014 the Association of Municipalities of Ontario communicated a draft resolution for municipal councils to consider in support of volunteer firefighters who also are career firefighters (double hatters).
Double hatting is forbidden by the International Association of Fire Fighters and its Ontario union, The Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association. Over the years, union charges have been brought against individuals who are double hatters and as a result, generally stop their involvement as a volunteer. Double hatters want to protect family, friends and the community where they live and are an important backbone of fire services within smaller municipalities. Many double hatters were volunteer fire fighters before becoming career professionals.
Detzler added the volunteer firefighter associations representing the Elora and Fergus stations are supportive of the move.
