Each year FSWO presents four awards to deserving FSWO members. We are seeking nominations for the 2021 awards.
Thank you to our swag draw winners and FSWO members.
FSWO is pleased to present the Diversity and Inclusion Award to Lieutenant Matt Osborne from the Calgary Fire Department. This year’s recipient has been nominated by colleague and previous FSWO award winner Mary Fischer who describes Lieutenant Osborne as an individual who proactively demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusivity that serves as an exemplary example for other fire services to follow.
FSWO is pleased to grant this award to one of its long-time members and supporters who has worked hard to invite many women into the fire service and connect those women already in the service, Firefighter Mary Hindle. Her outstanding effort, exemplary action and extraordinary commitment has helped to encourage, educate and empower both women men and women to be the best that they can be in the fire service.
This year’s winner Joanne Blanchette is unique in that nominations came from both her own fire department and many others based on the positive impact she has had on the lives and professional careers of so many firefighters.
This year’s deserving recipient of the Pink Helmet of Courage Award is being given to a recipient whose courage, openness and strength has been an inspiration to many others in her battle this past year with cancer at the same time as dealing with COVID. FSWO is proud to recognize Lieutenant Jenn Dawkins who has been with Vancouver’s Fire Service since 1999.