The Whitehorse Fire Fighters Association recently held a lunch to show appreciation and honour their retired members.

“International Association of Fire Fighter (IAFF) Local 2217 Whitehorse Fire Fighters Association, which was formed on March 6, 1973, is a proud organization,” said union president Barry Blisner.

“And showing how much we appreciate all these firefighters did before us is part of our tradition.”

The Feb. 28 lunch also happened to fall on the 99th anniversary of the forming of the IAFF.

The local firefighters’ association was formed 43 years ago to create a better path of communication between the employer and its employees.

Joining with an organization like the International Association of Fire Fighters was a natural fit, the local association said.

Health and safety concerns are part of every discussion most firefighters have on a regular basis.

In an occupation where cancer rates are much higher than the average, it’s always good to stay in touch with retired members, the local association said.

This was the first group lunch it has held in many years but it was well attended.

“Not all of our retired members were able to make it, but some came a great distance,” said Local 2217 secretary Jorgen Ponsioen.

“It was great to see our three remaining original charter members attend and be presented with copies of the charter.”

Almost 40 current and past local firefighters were present.

They included former mayor Bill Weigand, who brought along pictures from when he was a firefighter with the City of Whitehorse back in 1946.

The technology has changed considerably for protective equipment. Because of those changes, firefighters can go deeper into a blaze that is much hotter and more dangerous.

“The lunch gathering was a good opportunity to let the new members meet the older more experienced members,” said retired firefighter Paul Taylor.

“It was a good initiative,” added Taylor, who had a rewarding career that spanned more than 30 years.