The Spruce Grove Firefighters Association marks its fortieth year with deep appreciation for the four firefighters who took the first formal steps toward establishing a fair labour relationship in our community. Their efforts in the mid-1980s shaped the future of our Local — and contributed to the broader advancement of firefighter labour rights across Alberta.
In 1980, the Spruce Grove Fire Department — traditionally a volunteer service — introduced its first full-time firefighter positions. By 1985, the full-time complement consisted of Fire Fighters Jak Berezan, Ed McLean, Gary Wiebe, and Don Degenhardt, working alongside a strong volunteer membership. While the community received dedicated fire protection, the full-time members continued to struggle with inconsistent employment conditions and limited progress through informal discussions.
That fall, the four firefighters formalized a list of concerns and presented them to the Town's Finance Board. The response made it clear that meaningful improvements would require a structured and legally recognized approach. In November 1985, they received a charter from the International Association of Fire Fighters — officially establishing IAFF Local 3021.
Shortly after affiliation, founding member Gary Wiebe departed the department, leaving Berezan, McLean, and Degenhardt as the core full-time members during the events that followed. In December 1985, Local 3021 filed its certification application with the Alberta Labour Relations Board, joining other IAFF locals across the province navigating new pathways for union recognition under the Labour Relations Act.
Early 1986 proved challenging. The certification process was met with resistance, internal tensions grew, and the climate around unionization became increasingly strained. Despite the pressures, the members of Local 3021 remained committed to improving the stability, fairness, and professionalism of their workplace.
By April 1986, the Local and the City began formal collective bargaining. Negotiations progressed steadily, and by November 21, 1986, the parties had reached a full tentative agreement. However, just days later, City Council declined to ratify the agreement, despite its own negotiators having reached it in good faith. This moment became one of the most defining turning points in the Local's early history.
On March 17, 1987, the City terminated Berezan, McLean, and Degenhardt — the entire full-time complement at the time. Although the decision was framed as budget-related, the circumstances prompted Local 3021, supported by the IAFF, to file unfair labour practice complaints and seek recognition of the negotiated agreement.
Despite the challenges they faced, all four founding members — including Gary Wiebe, who was no longer with the department — each contributed $1,200 of their own money to fund the Local's legal fight. The remainder of the legal costs were covered by the Edmonton Fire Fighters Union, IAFF Local 209, who stepped in to support Local 3021 without any expectation of repayment. Their solidarity and generosity played a decisive role in ensuring the case could be brought forward and heard.
On June 2, 1987, later confirmed in writing on June 30, the Alberta Labour Relations Board issued a landmark ruling. The Board ordered that the firefighters be reinstated with full back pay, and declared that a valid collective agreement had existed since November 1986. This ruling affirmed the legitimacy of the Local's bargaining rights and solidified the foundation for a stable labour relationship.
In 1988, a Compulsory Arbitration Board resolved the remaining outstanding items and established wage increases through 1990. By the end of the decade, Local 3021 had secured not only formal recognition, but a lasting framework for fair collective bargaining — one that continues to guide our work today.
As we celebrate forty years of affiliation with the IAFF, we honour the vision, resolve, and sacrifice of our founding members — Jak Berezan, Ed McLean, Gary Wiebe, and Don Degenhardt. Their legacy lives on in every firefighter who wears the SGFFA crest and in the strong, united Local we have become.
Local 3021 — Organized November 26, 1985.