Nomination Deadline: October 3
A Trailblazer is many things at once. They are an innovative leader who has operated at the edge of what's expected — whether within suppression, prevention, training, or any other area of fire service — and who has done so with the kind of high ethical standards that earn trust across ranks and divisions. They inspire those around them not through authority alone, but through action. They persevere in the face of criticism or adversity, go that extra mile for their Crew without keeping score, and build partnerships that make the fire service stronger for everyone.
Recipients of this award have come from all corners of the fire service: career firefighters, volunteer officers, training instructors, legal advocates, and Canadian Armed Forces members. What they have in common is a willingness to be the first — and a commitment to ensuring they are not the last.
Past recipients include Deputy Chief Michele Fitzsimmons (FDNY), Sergeant, retired, Kate Jamieson (Canadian Armed Forces), Deputy Chief Debbie Higgins (ret. Toronto Fire Services), and Cassandra Greer (Ottawa Fire Services).
Who to nominate: A current FSWO member who has demonstrated trailblazing leadership — someone who has blazed a trail in their station, department, or the broader fire service community, and whose example others actively point to as the reason they pursued or persisted in this profession.
