THE APFFPA

LOBBY ISSUES

The Alberta Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Association takes great pride in representing professional firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers in 21 communities across Alberta and the North West Territories. Each year, the APFFPA holds its annual Legislative Conference and attends the IAFF's Canadian Legislative Conference in an effort to advocate for frontline members. By meeting with elected officials, our goal is to convey the issues that our members face, while working towards achievable solutions.

Finding real solutions to Alberta's EMS crisis
Providing all firefighters that worked on the Fort McMurray Fires presumptive WCB cancer coverage should they receive a cancer diagnosis
Inclusion of the occupation of Fire Fighter as a data collection point for the Alberta Cancer Registry to act as a baseline for much needed data surrounding occupational cancer diagnoses amongst Alberta firefighters

THROUGH THE APFFPA'S LOBBY EFFORTS, WE HOPE TO:

Gain access to key information on wages, benefits and working conditions to use in negotiations, arbitration and other meetings with local decision-makers
Work with partners in labour to lobby for employment rights
Provide up-to-date online resources to address and assist with issues and challenges facing affiliates and members
Provide assistance developing union messages and communications to members, the media, elected officials, decision-makers and the public
Provide financial assistance for small locals to attend educational training and conferences
Work with the provincial government to recognize and improve firefighters’ health and safety for all of Alberta’s professional firefighters

LEADERSHIP TEAM

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Left to Right: Dan Henschel (EVP), Elliott Davis (President), Cole Chapelsky (Secretary/Treasurer)

Elliott Davis

President
📧 Elliott.Davis@apffpa.ca

Elliott was elected President of the Alberta Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Association in May 2025, following his previous term as Secretary/Treasurer beginning in November 2023. He has also served as President of the Strathcona County Professional Fire Fighters’ Association and was formerly the Secretary of the provincial board.

Elliott is the IAFF’s 6th District EMS Committee representative and has worked as a Fire Fighter / Advanced Care Paramedic for over 20 years. He credits his successes in organized labour to strong union mentors early in his career and a focus on cultivating strong, respectful relationships across the labour movement. Elliott lives in Sherwood Park with his wife and three children.

Dan Henschel

Executive Vice President
📧 Dan.Henschel@apffpa.ca

Dan was elected Executive Vice President of the Alberta Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Association (APFFPA) in May 2023. He began his career in the fire service as a paid-on-call firefighter, which laid the foundation for his commitment to public service and advocacy.

He went on to serve in operations as a full-time Fire Fighter and Advanced Care Paramedic before transitioning into his current role as a Training Officer with Red Deer Emergency Services. Dan has also served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Red Deer Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 1190.

Dan brings practical experience and an approachable, integral style of leadership to the APFFPA Executive Board.

Cole Chapelsky

Secretary - Treasurer
📧 Cole.Chapelsky@apffpa.ca

Cole was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Alberta Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Association in May 2025. He brings over a decade of union and frontline experience to the role, having served for 8 years as Vice President of Edmonton Firefighters, IAFF Local 209.

Throughout his career, Cole has contributed to a broad range of initiatives including occupational health and safety, bargaining, grievance handling, political action, critical staffing, and implementation of NFPA 1710 standards. He has also served as Co-Chair of the Local 209 OH&S Committee and held roles with the Edmonton Pipes & Drums and Honour Guard.

Cole’s leadership is rooted in collaboration and operational knowledge, and he is committed to advancing the interests of members across Alberta.