Crew From HMCS Toronto Fight Fire and Evacuate Casualties in Turkey November 16, 2014
National Defence
Ottawa
On November 14, 2014, six crew members of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Toronto, Lieutenant (Navy) Samuel Gaudreault, Lieutenant (Navy) Daniel Willis, Master Corporal Shirley Jardine, Leading Seaman Jean-Francois Martineau, Corporal Jo Boivin and Able Seaman Chris Richards, responded to a fire and assisted in the evacuation of a building in Antalya, Turkey, during a port visit.
While eating at a local restaurant, the crew members noticed a fire and rushed to assist. They used a fire hose, rigged in the street outside the building to cool the structure and actually extinguished the fire. After supporting the evacuation of the building and handing over the scene to the fire department and police, the crew members returned to the ship. Two members of the Air Detachment also assisted with the response.
This incident demonstrated not only the personal fortitude and competence of these particular Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) sailors and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) personnel, it also proves the effectiveness of the training provided to sailors to be of the highest calibre both within and without the uniform.
Quick Facts
•All members of RCN ship’s companies are first responders for fire and flood control, which is necessary for shipboard life, especially on board warships, due to the nature of their mission and in the interest of safety and security of those on board.
•HMCS Toronto was in Antalya, Turkey for a short port visit following its participation in the Turkish-led anti-submarine warfare Exercise MAVI BALINA, held in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
•Operation REASSURANCE refers to the military activities undertaken by the CAF to support NATO assurance measures in response to the Putin regime’s aggressive actions against Ukraine. The CAF’s response in support of NATO’s request promotes security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe, and demonstrates Canada's steadfast commitment to our allies in the region.
•The Standing NATO Maritime Groups are multinational, integrated maritime forces made up of vessels from various allied countries. These vessels are permanently available to NATO to perform different tasks ranging from exercises to operational missions. They also help to establish Alliance presence, demonstrate solidarity, conduct routine diplomatic visits to different countries, support partner engagement, and provide a variety of maritime military capabilities to ongoing missions.
•HMCS Toronto is a Halifax-class frigate based out of Canadian Fleet Atlantic in Halifax. Nova Scotia, and has a crew of 250 personnel of all ranks, including a CH-124 Sea King helicopter and air detachment.
Quotations
“HMCS Toronto’s crew members, when faced with danger and the possibility of harm coming to our Turkish friends and allies, acted exactly as we expect and know that CAF members will: with professionalism, bravery and selfless courage. It is in such circumstances that the effectiveness of our training is tested and the character of our sailors, soldiers and air force personnel proven.”
Major General Chuck Lamarre, Deputy Commander Expeditionary Operations Canadian Joint Operations Command
“My officers and crew are professional sailors, which they demonstrate constantly on board HMCS Toronto, in their daily work. These men responded instinctively, bravely and selflessly to a dangerous situation. Their fortitude and training are proven. The entire ship’s company is very proud to have them as part of the team.”
Commander Jason Armstrong, Commanding Officer of HMCS Toronto
