OFM Public Education Update & Media 101

FSWO Virtual Education Session

Wednesday, November 25, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM (ET)

Join Fire Service Women Ontario (FSWO) for an informative virtual education session featuring representatives from the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM).

This one-hour session will provide updates on OFM public education initiatives, including the 12 Days campaign, along with practical strategies for working effectively with local media.

Session Agenda

12:00 – 12:10 PM | OFM Public Education Update

Kristen Polito
Senior Manager of Public Education and Communications

Hear the latest OFM public education updates, including information on the 12 Days campaign and fire safety messaging.

12:10 – 12:50 PM | Media 101 – How to Work with Local Media

Andre Thurairatnam
Senior Strategic Communications Advisor

Learn practical tips for working with local media, communicating key messages, and building positive relationships with journalists. This session will provide valuable insights for fire service professionals involved in public education, leadership, and community communications.

12:50 – 1:00 PM | Questions & Open Discussion

An opportunity to ask questions and engage with the presenters.

Registration

Date: Wednesday, November 25, 2026
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM (ET)
Location: Virtual via Zoom

To register, email registrar@fswo.ca.

The Zoom link will be emailed to registered participants on November 24.

Media 101 presentation slides will be shared following the session.

Kristen Polito

Senior Manager of Public Education and Communications
Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal

Kristen Polito leads public education and communications initiatives with Ontario's Office of the Fire Marshal, helping promote fire safety awareness across the province. With a background in communications, marketing, and public awareness campaigns, Kristen brings experience in developing strategies that engage communities and encourage safer behaviours. Her work includes supporting fire prevention messaging, public education campaigns, and innovative approaches to community outreach.

Andre Thurairatnam

Senior Strategic Communications Advisor
Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal

Andre Thurairatnam brings more than a decade of experience in journalism, broadcasting, and strategic communications. Before joining Ontario's Office of the Fire Marshal, he worked in newsrooms across the Greater Toronto Area, including six years as a producer with CP24 Breakfast. Drawing on his extensive media background, Andre now supports public safety communications and helps deliver important fire safety messages to communities across Ontario.