Fire Services Peer Support & Wellness Resources

The City of Toronto and Toronto Fire Services (TFS) are committed to promoting mental and physical health and well-being for all staff. This page provides information on some of the resources available to TFS employees and their families

The Peer Support Team is staffed by a volunteer committee of active and retired TFS employees and offers peer counselling and referral consulting. They address physical, emotional, financial, legal and spiritual concerns at the request of an individual.

Call 416-338-9327 – 24/7.

  • This service is available to all members of Toronto Fire Fighters’ Local 3888 and their families.
  • As firefighters, the referral consultants understand the unique strains and pressures that come with the job, and how they affect family and loved ones.
  • There is no charge for the service. In most cases, union-negotiated health benefits defray the costs associated with referral to professional services. If the recommended treatment or assistance is not covered by the health care plan, every effort is made to secure an affordable alternative.
  • The referral consultant will listen to you and recommend an agency or specialist that can help with your problem. All interviews, referrals and follow-up sessions are absolutely confidential.
  • You are not required to take the referral consultant’s advice. But if you do, they will offer to follow your progress; you can count on their support and guidance for however long it takes to work out your difficulties.
  • Employees who seek help through this service do not jeopardize their job security or promotional opportunities. Safeguards are in place to ensure the anonymity of employees who voluntarily seek assistance. Referral consultants maintain the privacy and dignity of those who come to them seeking help.

When initiated through the chain of command, a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team will activate the appropriate structured group intervention, 24/7/365. The Critical Incident Stress Team is staffed by a volunteer committee of active and retired Toronto Fire Services employees.

Call 416-338-9327 – 24/7.

Chris Rodrigues is a psychological associate authorized to practice with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. In addition to providing short-term counselling, one-on-one advice, guidance and coaching to Toronto Fire Services employees, Chris also:

  • reviews and recommends training for the peer support team in line with standard of practice as well as refresher training
  • conducts periodic wellness checks with peer support team members, and
  • provides referral information on appropriate internal and external resources

Email: tfseap@toronto.ca
Telephone: 416-338-9557

City of Toronto Employee Assistance Program

The City of Toronto’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential short-term counselling, information and referral services to members of the Toronto Public Service and eligible family members. There is no cost to you for short-term services.

Call 416-392-6633 or TTY 416-338-2916 – 24/7.