UA Local 853, 40th Anniversary Awards Dinner

On April 16, 2016, UA Local 853 celebrated a special milestone. Members, executives and United Association affiliates gathered at The International Plaza Hotel in Toronto to celebrate the Local’s 40th anniversary.

The evening began with an elegant cocktail reception in the Plaza Ballroom foyer. Guests enjoyed an open bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres and a professional photo op with souvenir prints.

Guests made their way into the hall for a gourmet three-course meal, with choice of roast prime rib, supreme of chicken or oven roasted salmon.

Special guest speakers included Local 853 President, Brian MacLean, Director of Canadian Affairs, John Telford, Business Manager, Greg Mitchell, and Business Agents, Kevin Middlestadt and Dale Hawrychuk.

Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs President, Matt Pegg, UA Special Representative, Steve Morrison and UA Senior Administrative Assistant to the General President, Sean O’Ryan, also addressed guests at the celebratory dinner.

Each spoke to the importance of the trade, it’s future and the commendable dedication of the members of UA Local 853, to their trade and the lives they help protect.

“We don’t try to take the place of firefighters,” said Greg Mitchell, Business Manager. “We just want to give them a fighting chance.”

Awards followed the speeches, recognizing 65 year members to 15 year members, and members with the highest scholastic marks in advanced trade school.

Around 10 p.m. the sweet tables opened up in the foyer and guests danced to the sweet sounds of The Kenny Simon band.

Raffle prizes generously donated by sponsors included Bose products, tool kits, iPad minis, wearable tech and a 55” LG 4K Ultra HDTV.

It was a night to remember! A special thanks to the Entertainment Committee for making Local 853’s 40th Anniversary a great success!