Officials are reporting an increased number of violent incidents against first responders in Lethbridge. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

correction: violence down in Lethbridge

Violent incidents against Lethbridge’s first responders falling

Sep 8, 2025 | 2:56 PM

An official with Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services says any acts of violence against first responders are unacceptable, but at least the numbers are coming down.

Chief Greg Adair says these types of incidents peaked in 2023, but they have been trending in the right direction over the past two years.

“We do invest a lot of training and safety equipment for our men and women to ensure that they are trained appropriately through things like de-escalation training,” says Adair. “Should they get themselves into an event, hopefully, they can de-escalate the situation.”

Firefighters and paramedics in the city are equipped with gear like ballistic vests to ensure they are protected as best as they can be.

Adair is asking the public to remember that first responders are there to help.

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“We recognize that we’re called into situations where it’s possibly the worst day of your life, and we’re coming in. You’re stressed and your loved one who’s stressed, who’s having the emergency, is extremely high,” says Adair.

He adds, “We ask that people give us an opportunity and give us the space so we can safely work around the patients and provide them that best level of care in their times of greatest need.”

Adair was unable to provide exact statistics for violent incidents against first responders, as he says they are trying to determine what qualifies as violence, and whether it entails things like spitting, swearing and threats.

Either way, Brent Nunweiler, President of the Lethbridge Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 237, says first responders already have a dangerous job, and violent incidents make them even more challenging.

While the number of incidents in Lethbridge has been declining, Nunweiler claims that they have been increasing across much of the country.

The union has been advocating for the passage of Bill C-321 in Parliament.

It states that, in cases when a person has been sentenced for offences like assault or uttering threats, it would be considered an aggravating circumstance if the victim was a first responder who was engaged in the performance of their duty. Nunweiler says that would result in increased penalties.

Bill C-321 passed third reading in the House of Commons, but did not receive Royal Assent before the dissolution of Parliament, meaning that it has not become law as of this publication.

LNN has reached out to the Lethbridge Police Service to learn whether its officers have experienced a changing number of violent incidents.

Note: LNN was initially told that violent incidents against first responders have been increasing in Lethbridge, and this article originally reflected that. We have since learned that the numbers have been decreasing.