Paramedics excited for Police and Fire Games, but confused by board member resignation

Following changes to who can compete in the World Police & Fire Games, former UFFW president Alex Forrest resigned from the committee. Paramedic leaders say they’re excited to compete, but the reaction from the UFFW is unwelcome. @_MorganModjeski

By Morgan Modjeski

A former union president representing firefighters resigned from the board of the local committee bringing the World Police & Fire Games to Winnipeg in 2023 after changes were made to who can participate.

Local paramedic leaders say while they’re excited to participate, the unexpected resignation by Alex Forrest is unwelcome.

“It’s kind of disappointing this issue has even raised its head to be honest with you,” said Ryan Woiden, the president of Local 911 – the union that represents paramedics in Winnipeg.

“I say disappointing, but I’m confused as to why this wouldn’t be embraced.”

On Thursday the World Police and Fire Games Federation announced other emergency responders – like paramedics and 911 dispatchers – could compete alongside sworn law enforcement, corrections officers and full-time firefighters.

Federation president Larry Collins said in a statement the Games were missing “key members of the first responder community.”

That same day, Forrest, the former president of the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg (UFFW) – who sat as a board member for the 2023 Games – announced he would be resigning on Facebook.

And his message could be interpreted as a little cryptic.

“Before you decide to attend or send a team Direct Message me,” Forrest wrote.

When reached by text message, Forrest said he wouldn’t be making any further comment on the resignation, nor did he offer an explanation as to why he resigned.

“We’ve always been told that the fire department here in Winnipeg is part of our paramedic team, but we certainly didn’t see that come out in the news recently,” said Woiden.

Woiden adds the inclusion is welcome, but takes issue it’s been framed as a problem by the UFFW.

“All I know is this, the Games are going to come next year, they’re going to come to a great city. We’re excited to be a part of it, we’re happy to be included,” said Woiden.

“I have great concern for the direction the UFFW here in Winnipeg has taken with paramedics being a part of these Games.”

UFFW cites lack of consultation 

Current president of the UFFW, Tom Bilous, could not immediately be reached for comment.

But a statement posted to the UFFW website says the frustration is rooted in the lack of notice and consultation around changes to the Games.

Bilous described the changes as having been “rushed” through.

“Our efforts included bidding attempts all around the world and endless lobbying with the three levels of Government to get the significant financial commitments agreed to,” read the UFFW statement. “The games have now arbitrarily added several select other groups to compete in the games the week prior to the opening of registration who have not assisted in any way to get the games awarded here.”

Banner for next year’s World Police & Fire Games. (Credit: Facebook/World Police & Fire Games 2023 Winnipeg)

However, while the UFFW has expressed frustration, calling for changes to take effect in 2024, Bilous says the UFFW is still committed to supporting the competitors and volunteers taking part.

The paramedic union president says he too is ready for the competition.

“We’ll take the high road here and just get excited to welcome everybody into Winnipeg,” said Woiden.

Bringing more than 8,500 athletes to Winnipeg, the Games are expected to be the largest the province has ever seen.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today