43rd BCPFFA Biennial Convention 2025
Vancouver, B.C. – The British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters' Association (BCPFFA) successfully concluded its 43rd Biennial Convention in Vancouver, where over 175 delegates from 56 International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) affiliate locals convened to shape the future of the association. The event, held from June 2nd to June 5th, 2025, Sheraton Wall Centre, and saw the election of the executive board, and the passage of 19 resolutions concerning the governance of the BCPFFA and the recognition of key contributors.
Executive Board Elected
The convention saw the acclamation of both the President and the Secretary-Treasurer. The newly elected BCPFFA Executive Board is as follows:
President: Todd Schierling (Acclaimed)
Secretary-Treasurer: Brian Catinus (Acclaimed)
Executive Vice President, Kootenays: Lee DePellegrin (Re-elected)
Vice President, Vancouver L18 appointment Adrian Sherriff
Vice President, Lower Mainland North: Wade Perret (Port Moody, Local 2399) - Newly Elected
Vice President, Lower Mainland South: Mike McMillan (Re-elected)
Vice President, Northern Region: Mike Holliday (Local 1372) - Newly Elected
Vice President, Island: Andrew Zado (Re-elected)
Vice President, Fraser Valley: Saverio Lattanzio (Re-elected)
Vice President, Okanagan: Kris Krutop (Re-elected)
Trustee: Stewart Dumont L1668 - Re-elected
Trustee: Shane Poole L256 - Re-elected
Trustee: Curtis Gibbons L1399 - Re-elected
Resolutions and Key Issues
Delegates debated and voted on 19 resolutions that will guide the BCPFFA's actions over the next two years. While a detailed list of all resolutions has not been made public, the discussions centered on enhancing the governance of the association and addressing critical issues facing firefighters.
Key topics of discussion throughout the convention's educational sessions included:
Labour Relations;
Health, Safety and Mental Wellness;
Members Rights;
Government Affairs;
Governance and Finance
Recognition of Service
A number of individuals were honoured for their dedicated service and contributions to the BCPFFA and the broader firefighting community. The following members and advocates were granted special status:
Emeritus Recognition
Steve Farina - Vice President Emeritus Status
Honourary Recognition
Ray Boucher
Peter Hansen
Allan Black K.C.
Lois Budd
Peer Recognition
Peter Julian, former MP New Westminster, Burnaby for his advocacy for firefighters.
Doris Mah, for her work as a government advocate for firefighters.
Jeff Sim, (Local 1271) Pipe Major for Surrey Fire Fighters Pipe & Drum Band / BCPFFA Mass Band
Ryan Stewart (Local 1183), served as BCPFFA Trustee
Matt Crompton (Local 2848), served as North Regional Vice President
Steve Farina (Local 1782(, served as Lower Mainland Vice President
Kris Anderson (Local 323), for his role as the Fire Ground Survival Coordinator.
Paul Rushton (Local 323), for his contributions to the OHS Committee.
Ben Lewis (Local 1763), for his service on the OHS Worker's Advocacy Committee.
Graeme Currie, for his eight years of service on the Burn Fund Board of Directors.
The convention concluded with a renewed commitment from the BCPFFA to advocate for the health, safety, and well-being of its over 4,000 members across British Columbia.
BCPFFA Executive Board
Back Row (left to right): Stewart Dumont, Andrew Zado, Curtis Gibbons, Mike McMillan,, Saverio Lattanzio, Kris Krutop, Adrian Sherriff, Shane Poole, (and newly elected Wade Perret, Mike Holliday)
Front Row (left to right): Lee DePellegrin, Todd Schierling, Brian Catinus
Todd Schierling, President
Todd is a Local 1271 Surrey member who held the position of BCPFFA secretary-treasurer (2016-2023) and president 2023-2025 term.
BCPFFA President Todd Schierling expressed his gratitude for the unified support from the association's 56 affiliates. "I am honoured to work with a strong leadership team," Schierling stated. "With all 13 positions being acclaimed, it demonstrates the confidence our members have in our commitment to continuing to move the agenda forward."
The acclamation of the entire leadership team underscores a period of stability and shared vision for the BCPFFA as it continues to advocate for the health, safety, and well-being of professional firefighters across British Columbia and Yukon.
Brian Catinus, Secretary/Treasurer
Brian who served the 2023-2025 term as Secretary Treasurer was re-elected by acclamation for another term. Brian brings a strong leadership skill set to the board in areas of labour relations and government affairs.
Brian expressed his gratitude by stating, “I am honoured to work with this board, as well as our affiliates and committee members across this province to ensure our focus never waivers from making the fire service safer for our members and the communities they serve.”
NEW AFFILIATION
We are also pleased to welcome North Saanich Local 5509 to the BCPFFA membership as the association’s 56th local.
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Media Contact
President Todd Schierling
Office: 604.436.2053
Email: info@bcpffa.org
ABOUT THE BCPFFA
The BCPFFA is a service provider for its affiliates offering training and education in areas of provincial legislation, occupational health and safety, WorkSafe advocacy, financial assistance, bargaining, labour law, and advocacy for best practices in both public safety and fire fighter safety.
The BCPFFA executive board is comprised of thirteen elected representatives; Two principal officers (President and Secretary-Treasurer), eight regional Vice Presidents and three Trustees. They represent 56 Locals of over 4700 professional men and women in fire fighting - suppression, training, fire prevention, dispatch, mechanical, emergency preparedness, and clerical support staff.