This year’s worthy award recognizes the work and accomplishments of Captain Thomas Geoffrey Keaney who has 17 years of service with the Burlington Fire Department making a difference in the delivery of services and the wellbeing of others.
FSWO is pleased to grant this award to an individual who resides and works outside of Ontario and has made a major difference in the wellbeing of both men and women who work in Calgary’s Fire Department, Captain Mary Fischer.
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!