This President’s Trailblazer Award is a very special award because it is one that while based on the recommendation of the members in FSWO, the president personally get to decide who they think would be the most deserving recipient. It is the honor and pleasure of FSWO to present the award to Toronto Firefighter Jess Clermont.
This year’s recipient of the Pink Helmet of Courage Award, Carissa Campbell-Darmody, is likely very unaware of the impact and influence she has had with women who have decided to choose the fire service as a career. Her passion and dedication to work in the fire service has never wavered, even when early in her career, she was involved in a life-threatening incident that potentially could have compromised her ability to work as a firefighter.
The Pink Helmet of Courage award recognizes an individual who demonstrates courage in facing hardship and adversity. In showing strength against adversity, Mindy Jeffries also embodies the mandate of FSWO by “Educating, Encouraging and Empowering” women in the fire service.
This year not one but two deserving people, Adina Kaufman and Julie Petruzzellis will receive this award - it is like that description of the award was written for these two firefighters. The two work together and support each other on many initiatives that foster a culture of respect, equity, inclusion, and diversity in the fire service. Their leadership and commitment make for a truly dynamic force!
Each year, FSWO is pleased to recognize the outstanding efforts of either an individual or an organization that in their own unique way supports FSWO’s mandate of Educating, Encouraging and Empowering women who work in the fire service field. This year’s recipient Al Steeves is a very worthy individual who is highly regarded and respected as an instructor at Conestoga College and as a Captain with the City of Kitchener’s Fire Department.
FSWO is pleased to grant this award to Karen Simpson, for her unrelenting support, mentorship and advocacy for women in the fire service both in Canada and internationally.