The President’s Trailblazer Award honours a pioneering individual whose commitment, perseverance, and dedication to advancing the role of women in the fire service have paved the way for future generations. This year, we are thrilled to recognize Deputy Chief Debbie Higgins as the winner. Debbie’s extraordinary contributions to FSWO and her drive for innovation and inclusion have made a lasting impact on our profession and community.
Currently serving as Deputy Fire Chief with Guelph Fire, Chief Higgins previously held the role of Deputy Chief in Toronto Fire Services, overseeing portfolios that included finance, budgeting, labour relations, and professional development, among others. Her leadership journey is an inspiring testament to resilience; she broke barriers in an environment where few women held top-tier positions.
Chief Higgins has demonstrated unwavering strength and professionalism in the face of criticism. When she first joined Toronto Fire, some questioned her path to Deputy Chief due to her lack of traditional “on-the-line” experience. However, her financial expertise, skill in navigating City Hall, and strategic vision quickly proved her critics wrong. Through her calm perseverance, she reshaped perceptions and made invaluable contributions, impacting daily operations from apparatus procurement to uniform logistics. When she spoke out online about the commercial branding of a toy as a “fireman,” she faced a storm of noisy commentary that she stayed above. Chief Higgins never compromised her principles, staying true to herself and showing that leadership comes in many forms.
She has been an invaluable support for Toronto’s women firefighters, prioritizing funding their participation in FSWO symposiums and providing resources down to the minor logistical details. She understands the significance of showing support with concrete actions. Whether arranging equipment loans or coordinating event attendance, Chief Higgins has ensured that her colleagues feel valued and supported in every aspect of their roles.
Chief Higgins has actively championed diversity and inclusion, chairing Toronto Fire’s inaugural inclusion working group. She influenced her department’s hiring practices to open doors for many traditionally marginalized firefighters. Her support of women’s professional development has fostered a more inclusive culture at TFS. Her legacy as a leader has opened doors for others to join the fire service and thrive within it.
Chief Higgins’s impact reaches beyond any single fire department. She has been a steadfast financial and strategy advisor and unwavering advocate for women at FSWO. Joining our Board of Directors in 2012, she was elected when we needed her calm and thoughtful approach to governance and finance. In the early days, FSWO attendance at OAFC events went largely unnoticed until Chief Higgins brought attention to FSWO’s mission and used her influence to gather support from many fire departments. Past President Louise Hine-Schmidt remembers being thrilled that a Deputy from the Big Smoke was interested in being a part of FSWO. Chief Higgins’s mentorship has been foundational to Chief Hine-Schmidt’s successful career journey, as it has been to many. As we make decisions, many of us tackle the tough ones by asking – what would Debbie do?
Deputy Chief Debbie Higgins exemplifies the courage, vision, and resilience that define a true trailblazer. Her legacy will inspire future leaders in the fire service, making it a more inclusive, supportive, and empowering profession for all. FSWO is honoured to recognize her immense contributions with the 2024 President’s Trailblazer Award.