The History Of The FFAO

The first meeting was held in Toronto, Ontario on August 29 1899. At this meeting an association was formed that was known as “The Volunteer Fireman's Association of Ontario”. On August 2 nd 1909 at Paris, Ontario, membership was made available to all Volunteer, Fully Paid, Partly Paid, exempt and Veteran Fire Fighters. A name change was also adopted, to “The Fireman's Association of Ontario” On July 23 rd 1910 letters of patent were granted to the association. l The first Constitution and By- laws were adopted at a meeting in Welland, Ontario on August 2 nd 1910. At a meeting on August 2 nd 1963 the Membership recognized the name “firemen” no longer conveyed true meaning, so the name was again changed and we became the “ Firefighters' Association of Ontario”

Over the years, quarterly meetings for the “Executive Only” have evolved into meetings involving Delegates, Life Members and Visitors from across the province. The annual meeting (convention) continues to be held the 1 st weekend in August. The F.F.A.O. executive and its members have played, and will continue to play a leading role on provincial committees dealing with equipment standards, occupational health and safety, firefighting training and government legislation. F.F.A.O. offers a united voice for all firefighters across Ontario.