Each year, Fire Service Women Ontario recognizes role models and mentors in the fire service community who exemplify our values through our annual awards. See our award categories below.
Each year, Fire Service Women Ontario recognizes role models and mentors in the fire service community who exemplify our values through our annual awards. See our award categories below.
FSWO Annual Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Fire Service
Each year, Fire Service Women Ontario (FSWO) proudly recognizes exceptional individuals and organizations through our annual FSWO Awards. These awards honour mentors, role models, and changemakers who embody the core values of equity, leadership, and service in the fire community.
Who Can Nominate?
Anyone can submit a nomination for an FSWO Award—you do not need to be a member of FSWO or part of a fire department to nominate someone. We encourage nominations from colleagues, community members, and allies across all sectors.
Who Can Be Nominated?
To be eligible for an award, nominees must be current FSWO members.
Not sure if your nominee is a member? Email our registrar at registrar@fswo.ca.
You can also purchase an FSWO membership for your nominee—a meaningful way to recognize their contributions to the fire service. Join FSWO here.
How to Submit a Strong Nomination:
✅ Review Award Categories & Criteria
Each award has specific criteria. You can nominate the same person or organization in more than one category if applicable.
✅ Collaborate for a Stronger Nomination
We recommend a collaborative approach—ask others who have worked with the nominee to contribute their support. They might:
Include supporters’ names, positions, and quotes in your nomination letter to provide a well-rounded picture.
✅ Consider Departmental Support
While not mandatory, we encourage nominators to consider if the nominee's fire chief or department would support public recognition. Award recipients’ departments will be published to shine a positive light on their fire service culture.
✅ Get Consent If Needed
Most people are humbled by public recognition—but not everyone is comfortable in the spotlight. If you believe your nominee may prefer privacy, it’s best to ask their permission before submitting.
✅ Write a Detailed Nomination (Minimum 500 Words)
Tell us about your nominee’s:
Awards Presentation & Recognition
Award recipients will be:
Questions?
For more information about nomination criteria, the selection process, or the awards presentation, contact:
president@fswo.ca
Presented annually to a current FSWO member who has been nominated by his or her peers and selected by the FSWO President. This award recognizes the individual's commitment to the goals and objectives of FSWO and their contribution to the fire service and their community. The award will recognize a FSWO member who has shown to be an innovative leader who has blazed a trail for others to follow.
Recognizes an individual, group, department or organization that has, through their outstanding effort and exemplary action, demonstrated an extraordinary commitment in supporting and furthering the mandate of FSWO by "Educating, Encouraging and Empowering” women in the fire service.
The Diversity and Inclusion Award highlights the unique and special efforts of people and/or organizations who demonstrate leadership and commitment to finding innovative ways to support the mandate of FSWO both within and outside the fire service community.
Recognizes an individual who demonstrates courage in facing hardship and adversity. In showing strength against adversity, this individual also embodies the mandate of FSWO by educating, encouraging and empowering women in the fire service.
On very unique occasions, FSWO will recognize the special contributions of FSWO members that simply cannot be categorized by our regular annual awards.