IAFF Local 2779, Sydney N.S.

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IAFF Local 2779, Sydney N.S.

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Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from IAFF Local 2779, Sydney N.S., Fire protection service, 520 Esplanade, Sydney, NS.

International Association of Firefighter Local 2779 is the union representing the Unionized Firefighters, Mechanics, Fire Prevention and Inspection Officers as well as Building Officals in Cape Breton, NS, CAD.

10/24/2026

“Halloween in downtown Sydney”

Come visit us at Station 1, located at 362 George Street.

10/19/2026

For years, Halifax Professional Fire Fighters have been advocating for increased staffing on our aerial fire trucks. We’re encouraged to see Fire Chief Deryn Rizzi publicly acknowledge these concerns and announce plans to bring a request for additional fire fighters to Regional Council later this month.

Currently, Halifax’s aerial ladder trucks operate with just two fire fighters, despite four being the internationally recognized standard. These specialized trucks play a critical role in emergency operations, from rescuing people trapped in buildings to providing access, ventilation, and support during major fires.

Operating these trucks with just two fire fighters limits what our members can safely and effectively accomplish, particularly in the early minutes of an emergency.

We support Chief Rizzi’s efforts to address this longstanding staffing concern and secure the additional fire fighters needed to operate these trucks safely and effectively.

As Halifax continues to grow, our emergency response capabilities must grow with it. Our members have been raising these concerns for years, and we look forward to seeing meaningful action that improves safety for both fire fighters and the communities we serve.

Read the full CBC News interview with Chief Rizzi: https://linktr.ee/hfxfirefighters

10/16/2026

The members of IAFF Local 2779, would like to congratulate all those that received their years of service awards recognizing an incredible years of dedication and service. some receiving 20 years to some receiving up to 45 years.
Your years of service represent not only a career, but a lifetime of putting others first and being there when our community needed you most.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your service!

09/14/2026

MORE THAN A CENTURY LATER, SYDNEY FIREFIGHTER HONOURED AT CANADIAN FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL

SYDNEY, N.S. — September 14, 2026 — More than 110 years after losing his life in the line of duty, a Sydney firefighter has received permanent national recognition for his sacrifice.

Four members of IAFF Local 2779 travelled to Ottawa this weekend to attend the 23rd Canadian Firefighter Memorial Ceremony, where former Sydney firefighter Earnest Aubrey Elvey was honoured at the Canadian Firefighters Memorial.

Elvey served with the Sydney Fire Department and died in 1915 after battling a structure fire at the MacDonald Block on Charlotte Street in Sydney.

His name is now recorded among Canada’s fallen firefighters, ensuring that his service and sacrifice will continue to be remembered by future generations.

For the members of IAFF Local 2779 who travelled from Cape Breton to Ottawa, the ceremony was about much more than adding a name to a national memorial. It was an opportunity for today’s firefighters to honour one of the people who helped build the proud tradition of the fire service in Sydney more than a century ago.

“Firefighting has changed tremendously since 1915, but the commitment firefighters make to protecting their communities has not,” said Dave McLaughlin, President of IAFF Local 2779. “More than 110 years have passed since Brother Elvey made the ultimate sacrifice, but time does not diminish that sacrifice. We are extremely proud that Cape Breton firefighters were in Ottawa to represent our Local and our community as his service was recognized nationally.”

The Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation records Elvey as a firefighter with the Sydney Fire Department whose line-of-duty death occurred in 1915. The Foundation is responsible for Canada’s national firefighter memorial ceremony and for maintaining the memorial honouring firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

The 2026 Canadian Firefighter Memorial Ceremony was held Sunday, September 13, at the Canadian Firefighters Memorial at LeBreton Flats in Ottawa. Firefighters, honour guards, families and representatives of fire services from across Canada gathered to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

For IAFF Local 2779, Elvey’s recognition is also an important reminder that Cape Breton’s firefighting history stretches back generations.

“Brother Elvey answered the call to protect the people of Sydney in 1915. More than a century later, firefighters are still answering that same call,” McLaughlin said. “We owe it to him, his family and every firefighter who has made the ultimate sacrifice to make sure their names and their stories are never forgotten.”

Dave McLaughlin
President
IAFF Local 2779

09/11/2026

Members of IAFF Local 2779 completed their annual memorial stair climb today at the Simon Hotel Sydney.

This event is held each year on September 11 to honour and remember the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, including the 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice.

IAFF Local 2779 extends its sincere appreciation to the Simon Hotel Sydney for once again allowing our members to use its facilities for this important memorial event. Its continued support helps ensure that the courage, sacrifice and memory of those lost are never forgotten.

Dave McLaughlin
President
IAFF Local 2779

09/10/2026

Canadian Fallen Firefighters Memorial

This weekend 4 members from IAFF Local 2779 Sydney Firefighters will travel to The Canadian Fallen Firefighters Ceremony taking part Sept 13th on the Lebreton Flatts Downtown Ottawa.

This year marks a special moment having the first Sydney Firefighter to be added to the Memorial.

Ernest Aubrey Elvey 24 was killed in the line of duty when he succumbed to his injuries after battling a Structure Fire at what is called the Macdonald Block on Charlotte St in 1915.

News reports have it that Firefighter Elvey was rescued from a 3rd story window by fellow Firefighter Dan Macdonald. Firefighter Elvey lived, but passed away a few days later and buried with Civic Honours.

A member of the department will be presented a Medallion and will be placed on display at Sydney Fire Station 1.

Dave McLaughlin
President
IAFF Local 2779

09/02/2026

🚨 Add your voice! 🚨

You can help advance public and safety by signing public petitions on line-of-duty death benefits, lithium-ion battery safety & airport firefighting.

Details and links in the comments.

Thanks in advance!

08/27/2026

IAFF Local 2779 Welcomes Minister Kim Masland for 24-Hour Shift

IAFF Local 2779 would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Minister Kim Masland for taking the time to spend a full 24-hour shift alongside our members.

This was a tremendous opportunity for our firefighters to welcome Minister Masland into the firehouse and give her a firsthand look at the work our members perform every day. During her time with us, Minister Masland had the opportunity to experience real 911 emergency responses, participate in on-shift training, and, most importantly, spend time getting to know our members on a personal level.

We were extremely impressed by Minister Masland’s genuine interest in our profession and her willingness to experience the realities of a firefighter’s shifts. Taking this amount of time to listen, learn, ask questions, and work alongside our members demonstrates a tremendous level of commitment and respect for Nova Scotia’s professional firefighters and the important role they play in protecting our communities.

Opportunities like this help build stronger relationships between firefighters and our provincial leaders. They also provide elected officials with a valuable firsthand understanding of the challenges, responsibilities, training, teamwork, and dedication involved in providing emergency services to the public.

Minister Masland, thank you for giving our members the opportunity to meet you, speak openly with you, and share our profession with you. Your willingness to spend an entire shift alongside our firefighters means a great deal to the members of IAFF Local 2779 and demonstrates respect for professional firefighters and IAFF Locals across Nova Scotia.

We sincerely appreciate your time, your interest, and your continued dedication to the people and communities of Nova Scotia. Our door will always be open, and we look forward to continuing to build a strong and positive relationship moving forward.

Thank you, Minister Masland.

Dave McLaughlin
President
IAFF Local 2779

08/24/2026

I would like to thank the members of IAFF Local 2779 for volunteering at the Atlantic Burn Camp this week. Your time and effort is very much appreciated. We hope all of the kids have fun and return again next year.

Thank you

Dave McLaughlin
President
IAFF Local 2779

07/13/2026

Local 2779 is proud to announce the following promotions,

*Joseph Pike has been promoted from Captain to Deputy Platoon Chief

* Daniel Bennett has been promoted from Firefighter to Captain.

* David Witzell has been promoted from Firefighter to Captain

* Ben Tatlock has been promoted from Firefighter to Captain

These promotions reflect each member’s dedication, professionalism, leadership, and commitment to serving the citizens of the Cape Breton Region Municipality. Their hard work and continued pursuit of excellence have earned them these well-deserved advancements.

Congratulations on behalf of local 2779

Address

520 Esplanade
Sydney, NS
B1P6P4

Website

http://www.iaff.org/

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