96th Annual Toronto Firefighters Off-Duty & Media Awards
The Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association takes great pride in charitable efforts, as giving back to the less fortunate in the communities we serve is extremely important to our members.
Over the past year, the TPFFA Charity Committee has helped with:
• Camp Bucko
• Pink (in support of #PMCF)
• Movember (in support of Movember Canada)
• Muscular Dystrophy Canada (boot drives with recruit classes)
• The Island Classic Disc Golf (at Centre Island in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada)
• Dreams Take Flight
• Diabetes Canada
• Colorectal Cancer Canada
• Centennial Park Golf Centre (annual golf tournament in support of Women’s Habitat)
• Rob Penny Slo-Pitch Tournament (in support of #PMCF),
• and many more.
For 2025, we donated just over $100,000.
MICHAEL SMITH PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Welcome to the 2026 Toronto Professional Firefighters Annual Community Recognition Event.
Firefighters embody a unique kind of courage that does not end when their shift does. While the public often sees the dramatic moment: the flashing lights, the rushing engines, the life-saving rescues. What is less visible, but equally important, is the constant state of readiness they carry even while off duty. Being a firefighter is not simply a job; it is an identity, a lifelong commitment to protecting others.
Even when they are away from the station, firefighters remain mentally and emotionally prepared to respond. They live with the awareness that at any moment, they may be called upon to step into danger. This mindset requires discipline, sacrifice, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. Whether they are spending time with family, attending community events, or simply resting, a part of them is always alert. That constant readiness reflects a level of dedication that few professions demand.
Bravery is often defined by actions taken in moments of crisis, but for firefighters, bravery is also found in the quiet, everyday choice to remain committed. It is in their willingness to train relentlessly, to maintain peak physical and mental condition, and to put the needs of others ahead of their own comfort. It is in their acceptance of risk, knowing the dangers they may face, yet choosing to serve regardless. This ongoing commitment is not driven by recognition or reward, but by a deep sense of duty and compassion.
Equally important to recognizing firefighters is acknowledging the community that stands behind them. Our Media and Public Relations Committee have been instrumental in organizing this event. The members of this committee play a vital role in ensuring that our deserving members are formally recognized.
We are very thankful to our sponsors and contributors. Without their generosity we would not be able to continue our work in supporting many of the city’s charitable organizations.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to the media professionals who help tell these important stories. Through their work, they bring awareness to the challenges firefighters face and highlight the impact of their service. Their ability to share these stories helps foster understanding, respect, and support from the wider public.
This collective effort of firefighters, sponsors, donors, journalists, and skilled professionals creates a network of support that strengthens the entire community. It is a reminder that while firefighters may stand on the front lines, they are never alone in their mission.
Congratulations to all the award winners this year. Your contributions make a difference to the community we serve with integrity, compassion and courage.
OFF-DUTY AWARDS
There is no doubt that positive public perception of Toronto firefighters is directly influenced by the selfless actions of our members and supporters each and every day, on and off-duty.
The Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Asociation established our Off-Duty Awards to recognize the actions of individuals who have gone above and beyond to serve others while off-duty. These awards recognize efforts that include sudden moments of selfless bravery as well as ongoing commitments of devoted volunteerism.
Each of the Off-Duty Award recipients has made our community a better, safer place, and has brought honour to our firefighting community. We hope our award-winners and their selfless acts continue to serve as an inspiration to our members and the community we serve.
Roy Silver Award
Awarded to the Local 3888 member(s), who during the past year, while off-duty, has distinguished themselves by performing first aid/CPR for a fellow citizen.
Dustin Stacey
On the evening of June 2, 2025, off-duty Toronto firefighter Dustin Stacey was at home preparing for the next day’s shift. The quiet evening was suddenly unsettled by an urgent call from a neighbour. His friend and neighbour had collapsed and was completely unresponsive.
Dustin and his wife rushed to the scene to find their neighbour lying on the ground. She was not breathing, and she had no pulse. In that terrifying moment, with no emergency gear on hand, instincts and professional training took over. Working together as a team to save their friend’s life, Dustin immediately began continuous chest compressions while his wife focused on managing her airway.
Because they were in a more rural area, it took nearly ten minutes for emergency responders to arrive. For that entire window of time, the couple sustained life-saving efforts on their own, carrying the weight of their friend’s survival in their hands. When crews did arrive, they took over care and successfully restored her pulse.
Following weeks of critical care and months of intense recovery, this beloved neighbour and mother of three is finally back home where she belongs. Thanks to the immediate, exhausting, and selfless efforts of Dustin and his wife, she continues to improve each day surrounded by the family who loves her.
Al Pearsall Award
Awarded to the Local 3888 member(s) who contributed time, energy, and ability toward the improvement of their community and fellow citizens, while off-duty.
David Cossitt
Firefighters are naturally wired to help others, often displaying incredible selflessness on duty while remaining notoriously reluctant to seek recognition for themselves. David Cossitt perfectly embodies this humble spirit, yet his quiet dedication has built an extraordinary legacy of charity and solidarity. The Toronto Professional Firefighters Celtic Society shared the following regarding David’s impact.
“As we enter the tenth year of the TPFFCS Celtic Fire Ride, we honour David Cossitt with the Al Pearsall Award. Thanks to Dave’s commitment, leadership, and tireless effort, the Celtic Fire Ride has raised over $1 million dollars for the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation since its’ creation in 2016. Dave has united firefighters from across Canada to complete the 550km journey across Ontario to Ottawa for awareness and solidarity. Serving as the Celtic Society President for over 10 years, he has also raised money for countless organizations such as: Camp Bucko, Sick Kids, and the TFF Toy Drive.”
Congratulations to David on this well-deserved award, and thank you for all of your incredible work.
Bernard ‘Ben’ Bonser Award
Awarded to the Local 3888 member(s) who during the past year, while off-duty, has distinguished themselves by making a rescue, or being involved in saving the life of a fellow citizen in a hazardous or threatening situation.
David Quinn
On November 13, District Chief David Quinn was driving home on Highway 401 westbound in Mississauga when he noticed a vehicle in the express lanes steadily dropping in speed. Moving closer to investigate, he realized the driver had collapsed at the wheel and was unconscious while the car continued to move. David immediately positioned his personal vehicle to act as a blocker unit to shield the car from traffic as it began scraping against the guard rail. Despite misunderstanding from other drivers who mistook the event for a road rage incident, David maintained his focus on the unfolding life-or-death situation. He contacted 911 to guide the Ontario Provincial Police to their location, successfully maneuvered the car out of the express lanes, and finally positioned his own vehicle in front of the driver’s to safely bring the runaway car to a complete stop. Once stopped, David rendered medical care to the unconscious driver until the OPP and EMS arrived to assume patient care. His quick thinking, composure under intense pressure, and decisive actions that day prevented a potential tragedy.
Josh Losier
On July 5, Firefighter Josh Losier was a guest at a wedding at the Royal Botanical Gardens Rock Garden in Hamilton. What began as a celebratory dinner quickly turned critical when the guest sitting directly next to him began choking on a piece of food and was unable to breathe. Recognizing the immediate danger, Josh’s training took over. He immediately stepped in and administered abdominal thrusts. Josh was successful in dislodging the food from the person’s airway, allowing the guest to recover and enjoy the rest of the wedding festivities. His quick thinking, composure under pressure, and decisive actions that day prevented a potential tragedy.
OFF-DUTY AWARDS
THE BOX 12 AWARD
The Box 12 Award is presented annually to an individual member of Local 3888 who has gone beyond the call of duty in a voluntary capacity for the direct betterment of Local 3888 members. This may be exemplified by a single significant contribution or by the continued extraordinary work of an individual that reflects positively on both the Box 12 Award recipient and Local 3888. The spirit of the award is to recognize outstanding service and volunteerism as demonstrated by the Box 12 Association which supports Local 3888 members at major fire and other related incidents.
DAVID COSSITT
This year, the Box 12 Association is beyond thrilled to award the Box 12 Award to Captain Dave Cossitt for his years of unwavering support for the Toronto Professional Firefighter’s Celtic Society Memorial Ride. Dave quietly nurtured his idea for the Ride from its humble beginnings, in 2017 when 13 riders raised $5,000.00 for the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation. They did this by riding their bicycles from Toronto to Ottawa over two days and 433 km, attending events at the Memorial in Ottawa. Since then, Dave has worked tirelessly to encourage the Ride’s growth with seventy firefighters of which twenty-six represented the Toronto Fire Service signed up for the 2025 3-day 575 km ride from Hamilton to Ottawa. To date, the Ride has raised well over $250,000.00 for the Foundation. The purpose of the Ride is to raise awareness and support the Foundation’s mission to honour and remember firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and to support their families.
The Box 12 Association is delighted to be acknowledging Dave’s years of dedication to the Ride in the Ride’s 10th anniversary year and decided to honour Dave with a sizeable donation from its members to the Ride in his name. Dave truly exemplifies the spirit of the Box 12 Award.
MEDIA AWARDS
Since 1949, the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association has sponsored an annual Media Awards to honour and acknowledge media professionals who produce insightful and impactful coverage of the work that Toronto firefighters perform.
Firefighting is often dangerous and dramatic work. In Toronto, we are fortunate that our local media professionals do an excellent job of covering our efforts and capturing some of the dangers that we face on a regular basis. Many of our local journalists and media professionals also distinguish themselves through extensive investigation and insightful analysis of the people and stories behind the events.
The positive public perception of Toronto firefighters is undoubtedly as a result of the positive presentation of our profession by our local media professionals. Toronto firefighters are grateful for coverage of not only our professional actions, but also of our volunteerism and our charitable contributions to our community.
Our annual TPFFA Media Awards provides an opportunity for us to honour journalists who distinguish themselves with reporting of the highest quality on events involving our members. Award categories have been developed to recognize excellence in various mediums, whether coverage be in print, television, radio or posted online.
MEDIA AWARDS
Best News Story Featuring a Toronto Firefighter – Carol
Charles
A respected voice in Canadian media and a Video Journalist with CTV News Toronto since October 2000, Carol Charles began her journalism career in Durham Region, where she built a strong foundation in local news and community storytelling. Carol has a long history of community service and outreach, supporting organizations like United Way Toronto and volunteering with Accessible Media Inc. to expand access for visually impaired Canadians. She is also a mentor to emerging Black journalists and speaks at elementary schools across the GTHA, earning multiple awards for her leadership and lasting impact in both media and the community.
This year, Carol is being recognized for her exceptional news story showcasing the Celtic Fire Ride and its driving force, David Cossitt. Carol spent two full days gathering footage and conducting interviews to tell this deeply moving story. She captured the heart of the ride by interviewing David as well as Jordan Richie, a rider from Pickering Fire whose father was being memorialized on the wall in Ottawa maintained by the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Through her lens, Carol beautifully captured the camaraderie, physical effort, and profound purpose of the ride, which raises vital funds for the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Her storytelling brought national awareness to this incredible journey of solidarity, helping to make that ride the most successful one yet. We are honoured to celebrate Carol’s excellence, leadership, and service.
Thank you for the work you do and the example you set.
Best Published Photo By a Toronto Firefighter – John Hanley
Lehar Crescent House Fire
Crews work to overhaul a burned-out bedroom at a 2nd alarm on Lehar Crescent
Best News Story, web based – Joanna Lavoie, CP24
A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University, Joanna Lavoie joined CP24.com as a digital journalist in May 2022, specializing in breaking news and social justice issues. This year, Joanna is being recognized for her outstanding web-based coverage of a small plane that crash-landed near a high school in Toronto’s east end on September 15. Working alone as this major breaking incident unfolded at Monarch Park Collegiate, Joanna was among the very first media outlets to report on the scene. Her piece heavily featured the fast, coordinated efforts of the Toronto fire crews who arrived to find the plane skidded to a halt just shy of a sports field. Joanna provided continuous updates throughout the evening as firefighters and hazardous materials teams worked diligently to contain and mitigate leaking fuel, stabilizing the site in the heart of a highly populated community. Her thorough, real-time reporting kept the public informed while highlighting the multi-hazard capabilities and swift professionalism of the responding crews. We are honoured to celebrate Joanna’s excellence in digital journalism.
Best Video – Jacon Estrin
Firefighters are exceptionally skilled at doing their jobs, yet they are often notoriously reluctant to take credit for their efforts. That is why the work of visual storytellers like Jacob Estrin is so vital. This year, Jacob submitted three outstanding videos from separate incidents that capture Toronto firefighters in action. His footage is frequently picked up by local media outlets because he consistently seems to be on the scene, documenting the incredible work that our members do on the job. By focusing on the specific moments where firefighters are directly helping people, Jacob’s lens beautifully captures both the heroism and the deep humanity of the fire service. We want to extend our sincere thanks to Jacob and those like him who show up to show the world the incredible, dangerous, and incredibly necessary work our members do each and every day.
MEDIA AWARDS
Best Photo, Photo – Social – Simon Sheehan
A skilled photojournalist and ENG camera operator at Bell Media, Simon Sheehan brings extensive expertise in visual storytelling and live broadcasting to everything he does. Having contributed as a CP24 photojournalist and live eye coordinator, Simon is no stranger to the fast-moving world of breaking news. That sharp eye for live action was on full display when he captured an outstanding photograph of Toronto firefighters on scene and posted it to social media. Much like the videos and photos captured by his media peers, Simon’s lens provides a crucial, authentic window into the incredible and dangerous work our members perform. We are incredibly grateful to professionals like Simon who use their off-duty time and professional talents to highlight the bravery and humanity of the fire service.
Best Photo – Media – Keith
Hanley
Keith Hanley is a retired photojournalist who spent over thirty years capturing the news with CFTO/CTV News Toronto. Though he is now enjoying his retirement, Keith’s professional instincts remain as sharp as ever. While in his home neighbourhood of the Beaches in January, he captured a striking photograph of a 3-alarm fire that perfectly showcased the intensity and grit of the fire ground. His powerful image ended up on the front cover of our union magazine, Fire Watch. We are grateful to Keith for continuing to use his incredible talent to highlight our members in action, and we are honoured to recognize his work with this award.
Best Fire Watch Article (Toronto Fire Historical Society)
This year, rather than recognizing a single article or author, we are breaking with tradition to honour the Toronto Fire Historical Society. The society has become a staple in the Fire Watch magazine, consistently providing excellent, informative, and engaging content. Their dedicated work sheds a vital light on the historical events, stories, and incidents that have shaped our city’s fire service over the years. Firefighters are part of a proud lineage, and without the society actively researching and preserving these stories, many of them would likely be lost to time or never brought forward to our membership. We are incredibly grateful for their ongoing contributions to our award-winning magazine, keeping our shared history alive for active and retired members alike. Thank you to the Toronto Fire Historical Society for your outstanding work and dedication.
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