Portage la Prairie Professional Firefighters Local 1079

10/06/2026

A QUESTION FOR ALL CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL

With the municipal election approaching, there is an important question I believe every candidate for City Council should be prepared to answer:

What is your position on minimum staffing at the Portage la Prairie Fire Department, and will you support having a minimum of four firefighters staffing the professional fire hall 24/7/365?

This is not simply about numbers on a schedule. It is about what happens when a serious fire occurs and the first-arriving crew is faced with someone trapped inside.

When only two firefighters are initially available, they cannot safely conduct an interior rescue or fire attack on their own. They must wait for additional firefighters to arrive. Depending on the circumstances, that additional response can take several minutes.

Meanwhile, modern homes can become untenable extremely quickly. The margin for survival can be measured in minutes.

So, to every candidate seeking a seat on Council:

1. Do you support a minimum of four firefighters on duty at the professional fire hall at all times, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year?

2. If you do not support four-person minimum staffing, what staffing level do you believe is appropriate, and why?

3. Do you believe Portage residents should have a first-arriving crew capable of immediately initiating the necessary operations at a working structure fire, including rescue when conditions permit?

4. Are you satisfied with the current practice of relying on additional firefighters to arrive before a two-person crew can safely undertake interior operations?

5. What is your understanding of the Portage la Prairie Fire Department’s compliance with applicable NFPA staffing standards, and do you believe Council should be provided with an independent assessment of this issue?

6. Do you believe taxpayers who fund a professional fire department should receive a level of staffing that provides the fastest and safest possible emergency response?

This is also about the firefighters themselves.

Imagine arriving at a working structure fire knowing someone may be trapped inside, but having only two firefighters available to begin operations. A firefighter is put in an incredibly difficult position: attempt an operation without the necessary staffing and potentially put themselves or their partner at unacceptable risk, or wait for additional resources while a person inside may be running out of time.

That is not a position we should be putting our firefighters in.

Residents deserve to know what their municipal election candidates believe the appropriate level of fire protection should be.

If we are going to fund a professional fire department, then let’s have an honest conversation about what level of service we expect that department to provide.

Candidates running for Council — where do you stand on four-firefighter minimum staffing at the Portage la Prairie Fire Department?

Please answer publicly and specifically. Portage residents deserve to know before they vote.

Four firefighters. Every shift. Every day. For the safety of our community and our firefighters.

Colin Doyle
Preston R Meier
Ryan Espey
Bonnie Bieganski for Portage la Prairie City Council
Joe Masi
Terrie Porter
Arishya Aggarwal
Faron Nicholls
Mayor Sharilyn Knox, City of Portage la Prairie
City of Portage la Prairie - Municipal Government

08/07/2026

The Portage la Prairie Professional Fire Fighters Association would like to extend a warm welcome to Jonathan Hunter on his appointment as the new Fire Chief for the City of Portage la Prairie.

On behalf of our membership, we congratulate Chief Hunter and look forward to welcoming him when he joins our department on September 8.

Chief Hunter brings over 35 years of emergency services experience and a strong background in leadership, training, and firefighter development. We were encouraged to hear his commitment to listening, collaboration, and supporting both the performance and well-being of firefighters. Those values are essential to building a strong department and providing the highest level of service to our community.

Our members are proud to serve the citizens of Portage la Prairie, and we look forward to working together with Chief Hunter to continue strengthening our department, enhancing firefighter safety, and providing exceptional emergency services for our residents.

Congratulations, Chief Hunter. We wish you every success in your new role and look forward to working alongside you.

Portage la Prairie Professional Fire Fighters Association
IAFF Local 1079

Jonathan will join the City on September 8, 2026, bringing more than 35 years of emergency services experience. Most recently, he served with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service as Director of the Fire Rescue Academy, PPE Branch and Breathing Air Unit, where he provided leadership in firefighter tra...

07/24/2026

🚒 The IAFF's TAIR Division recently partnered with Terrace Professional Firefighters Local 2685 to study how the department's reliance on off-duty fire fighters affects emergency response.

The results are clear: relying on off-duty to respond from home causes critical delays when seconds matter most.

Two cannot safely fight a structure fire alone. That’s why international standards call for at least four fire fighters on every engine company – and why the IAFF is fighting for across North America.

07/22/2026

According to the Bell MTS page - service has been restored!

07/22/2026

07/16/2026

Crews have had a steady morning today. A crew was also dispatched to a burning hydro pole between these two calls. A quick response and fast knockdown of the fire prevented damage to the neighboring homes.

07/04/2026

Lots of support for the 1st day of the Portage Ex. Still 2 full days to come see us for all your fair food. Thanks again to our sponsor Mccain foods!

06/26/2026

The Portage la Prairie Professional Firefighters Social Club is proud to support organizations that make a real difference in our community.

We are honoured to have been able to donate $2,200 to the local food bank at such a critical time. Knowing that they assisted 753 individuals in the past month alone, while their shelves continue to face increasing demand, reminds us just how important it is to support one another.

A huge thank you to everyone who supports our Social Club throughout the year. Your participation in our events and fundraisers makes donations like this possible. Together, we’re helping ensure our neighbours have access to the support they need.

We’re grateful for everything the food bank does for our community and are proud to stand behind their incredible work.

What an unexpected but greatly appreciated donation from the Portage la Prairie Professional Firefighters Local 1079 of $2200!

What incredible timing - Just this past month we have helped 753 individuals while our shelves struggle to stay supplied

An incredibly impactful donation that will help so many.
We simply would not be able to exist without the support of the Portage la Prairie community - Truly Thank You!

06/22/2026

Only 6 spots left!

06/05/2026

Today, the members of the Portage la Prairie Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 1079 proudly recognize the retirement of Captain Todd McKinnon after more than 30 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Portage la Prairie.

Throughout his career, Todd exemplified what it means to be a professional firefighter, mentor, leader, and union brother. From his early days on the department to his role as Captain, he earned the respect of his colleagues through his professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to protecting both the community and the firefighters he served alongside.

Todd’s career has spanned decades of change within the fire service, and through it all he remained a steadfast advocate for excellence, teamwork, and the values that define our profession. His leadership on and off the fireground has helped shape generations of firefighters and has left a lasting impact on our department and Local 1079.

On behalf of all current and past members, we extend our sincere gratitude for his years of service, friendship, mentorship, and dedication to the labour movement and the fire service.

Congratulations, Brother McKinnon, on a well-earned retirement. We wish you and your family many years of health, happiness, and new adventures ahead.

Thank you for your service, your leadership, and your brotherhood.