FSWO 2025 Annual Training Symposium - Building Leaders, Driving Change

This year's symposium will be held in Oakville, Ontario in partnership with the Oakville Fire Department, from Oct 23-25, 2025!

Registration Now Open!!

Click here for Details and to Register

Every year, FSWO hosts a Training Symposium in a different city, bringing together fire service professionals from across Canada and the United States.

This event offers a diverse range of in-class sessions and hands-on training (HOT) practical exercises, providing valuable learning experiences for attendees. In addition to professional development, the symposium fosters networking opportunities, allowing members to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate.

We welcome all fire service members of all genders and from all divisions, including suppression, fire prevention, communications, training, and fire program students. With expert-led discussions, cutting-edge advancements in fire safety, and interactive workshops, the symposium is designed to enhance skills, improve fire service operations, and strengthen community safety.

Registration Now Open!! Click Here to Register

Highlights

Symposium Sessions

Thursday October 23, 2025

23

Oct

8:00am - 5:00pm

High-Rise Firefighting Tactics: Strategies for Vertical Incidents -- HOT

Facilitated by Brent Brooks

This presentation updates the fire service on the equipment and tactics for firefighting in high-rise buildings. As cities worldwide experience a surge in high-rise construction—encompassing mixed-use, podium-based towers, and timber-frame structures—we urgently need to revise our tactics and training methods. We will examine techniques for improvised standpipes, address difficult exterior cladding fires, and efficiently flank a fire. Additionally, we will evaluate the challenges of wind-impacted fires and review the effectiveness of our exterior stream reach. Our focus is on mastering these critical skills to improve our firefighting tactics!
23

Oct

8:00am - 12:00pm

Rescue Drag Bonanza -- HOT

Facilitated by Jessica Clermont

Life safety is our #1 fireground priority. We will start the day in class looking at search techniques to locate occupants. The majority of the class will focus on learning rescue drags for various situations including: feet first drags, head first drags, dragging occupants with webbing, and options for large occupants. We will finish the class with a few scenarios, so you can practice what you’ve learned. As firefighters, we take ownership of the problems of people that we serve. This is why we search. Are you ready to make the rescue?
23

Oct

8:00am - 12:00pm
Cutting Edge: Advanced Auto Ex Scenarios & Solutions - HOT

Facilitated by Chad Roberts, Marcel Perreault & Kurtis Mantell

This session will focus on the following skills:
1. Advanced lifting- Participants will gain a better understanding of air bag lifting principles, and the use of static and dynamic stabilization techniques in order to carry out a safe lifting operation.
1. New approaches for new technology- Participants will utilize new vehicle technology and incorporate strategies to create a positive outcome for their patients.
1. Rapid Extrication techniques- Participants will be given multiple different scenarios that would constitute the need for rapid extrication, and mitigate these issues with different options for efficient removal.
23

Oct

8:00am - 12:00pm

Up and Out: Fireground Ladder Rescue Scenarios - HOT

Facilitated by Nancy Merocchi and Katrina Dos Santos

This hands-on training session focuses on essential ground ladder operations critical to fireground success. You will develop practical skills in deploying ladders efficiently, conducting Vent-Enter-Isolate-Search (VEIS), and executing victim rescues using a two-firefighter technique. Emphasis will be placed on efficient ground ladder handling and deployment, safe and effective entry into upper-floor windows, and coordinated victim removal while maintaining firefighter safety. By the end of the session, participants will be able to demonstrate the ability to integrate these components into a smooth and effective rescue operation under realistic conditions.

PPE: - Full bunker gear - Steel toe boots - Helmet - Gloves

SCBA required
23

Oct

1:00pm - 5:00pm

Rescue Drag Bonanza -- HOT

Facilitated by Jessica Clermont

Life safety is our #1 fireground priority. We will start the day in class looking at search techniques to locate occupants. The majority of the class will focus on learning rescue drags for various situations including: feet first drags, head first drags, dragging occupants with webbing, and options for large occupants. We will finish the class with a few scenarios, so you can practice what you’ve learned. As firefighters, we take ownership of the problems of people that we serve. This is why we search. Are you ready to make the rescue?

-Instructor
23

Oct

1:00pm - 5:00pm
Cutting Edge: Advanced Auto Ex Scenarios & Solutions - HOT

Facilitated by Chad Roberts, Marcel Perreault & Kurtis Mantell

This session will focus on the following skills:
1. Advanced lifting- Participants will gain a better understanding of air bag lifting principles, and the use of static and dynamic stabilization techniques in order to carry out a safe lifting operation.
1. New approaches for new technology- Participants will utilize new vehicle technology and incorporate strategies to create a positive outcome for their patients.
1. Rapid Extrication techniques- Participants will be given multiple different scenarios that would constitute the need for rapid extrication, and mitigate these issues with different options for efficient removal.
23

Oct

1:00pm - 5:00pm

Forcible Entry Techniques for Commercial Doors - HOT

Facilitated by Andrew Brassard

This class will focus on tough forcible entry issues that are found in commercial settings.

Forcing outward swinging doors that are steel and set in steel frames.

How to deal with high security padlocks that are common place in commercial buildings.

Forcing Drop Bars. Drop Bars are common on commercial buildings. This class will show students how to deal with these problems.
23

Oct

8:00am - 5:00pm

Reslilient Minds - Building the Psychological Strength of Fire Fighters

Facilitated by Teagan Knowles & Katerina Barton

The Resilient Minds^TM 8-hour course contains four modules that were developed by fire fighters for fire fighters to increase the ability to:

• Recognize the effects of psychological stress/trauma in self and peers
• Understand trauma-informed practices
• Communicate with peers who may be struggling
• Using evidence-based trauma informed approach to respond, safely, and appropriately to distressed citizens
• Apply personal strategies for managing stress, mitigating trauma, and boosting resilience

What fire fighters are saying about our program:

“The facilitators created a safe, comfortable and interesting learning environment. We were impressed with the interactive capabilities of the Zoom classroom and the way it was incorporated into the course. They taught us coping skills such as the 4R Action Toolkit that we will be able to take into our careers and use to remain healthy for ourselves and our families. As members of the fire service, we would recommend this course to anyone involved in emergency response.”

– Fire Fighter recruits in Class 2021-01 (A Platoon), Whitby Fire & Emergency Services, Ontario
23

Oct

8:00am - 12:00pm

Nutrition & Resiliency for First Responders

Facilitated by Jaclyn Halko

In this 4 hour session there will be two hours of hands-on meal preparation and two hours of lecture/discussion with a break. After this session you will be able to: -discover how shift work and a stressful career impacts nutrition and resiliency on the job -unlock the secrets to combat cravings successfully -reveal proven strategies for lasting healthy habits -transform your environment for success -master healthy snacking & kick brain fog to the curb -get hands-on experience creating budget-friendly high-protein recipes (tbd)

Each participant will receive a healthy habits handbook and create homemade protein bars.
23

Oct

8:00am - 10:00am

Advanced Vehicle Technologies and Response Tactics In EV’s - OnStar

Facilitated by Charlene Poranganel & Mitch Petterson

Roadway collisions, vehicle fires, and in-vehicle emergencies are common incident types that we as responders encounter.  As automotive technology advances, understanding modern vehicle technologies prepares us to respond safely and effectively. This session, provided by General Motors, will introduce you to advanced vehicle technologies and response tactics, including: OnStar vehicle telematics, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, and the basics of responding to incidents involving battery electric vehicles.
23

Oct

8:00am - 10:00am

Best Practices - for Collaborative Learning Between Public and Private Sectors

Facilitated by Said Ismail

Best Practices - Maximizing Benefits for Learning when Private and Public Sectors Through Collaboration: This will provide you with a fundamental understanding of best practices for firere investigations and how collaboration between the public and private sectors can provide the best opportunity for learning for all while accomplishing each organization's specific goals.
23

Oct

8:00am - 10:00am

Leading Beyond the Line: Celebrating Women in Non-Traditional Fire Service Leadership Roles

Facilitated by Panelists: Lydia Wilcox – President, FSWO, Jenn Dawkins - President, FSWBC, Sarah Peto – President, FSWCP, Melissa Gennaro – Division Chief, Toronto Fire Services, Georgina Gilbert – South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Moderated by: Kristy Lynn Pankhurst

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking panel discussion featuring accomplished women leaders in the fire service. This session will explore the unique journeys of each panelist, highlighting the challenges they've overcome and the pivotal moments that shaped their careers.

Panelists will share insights into the initiatives they have led—or contributed to—that have driven meaningful change within their organizations and communities. The conversation will also focus on practical advice for aspiring women leaders, offering strategies for building confidence, fostering resilience, and supporting one another’s growth in a traditionally male-dominated profession.

Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned professional, this session promises to provide valuable takeaways, shared experiences, and a renewed sense of connection and purpose.
23

Oct

10:00am - 12:00pm

Acting Up: Stepping into Leadership in the Fire Service

Facilitated by Debra Rogers

Understanding the Responsibilities, Mindset, and Opportunities of Stepping into a Fire Officer Role"

This interactive presentation explores what it means to "act up" in the fire service — stepping into the role of a fire officer on a temporary basis. Whether you're filling a short-term vacancy or gaining experience toward promotion, acting up presents unique challenges and valuable opportunities for growth. Participants will gain insight into the core responsibilities of fire officers, common challenges faced when stepping into leadership, and practical strategies for success. We’ll also examine how organizations can better support acting officers and what leadership skills are critical to building long-term career development. Designed for emerging leaders and current members of the fire service considering advancement, this session combines presentation, discussion, and reflection — empowering participants to approach acting roles with clarity, confidence, and purpose
23

Oct

10:00am - 12:00pm

Lithium-ion Batteries

Facilitated by Raina Chamberlain

Lithium-ion Batteries: This will provide a fundamental knowledge of the structure/makeup of lithium batteries, their hazards, uses, types and causes of failure with case studies.
23

Oct

10:00am - 12:00pm

You Can’t Say That! - and Other Communication Myths that Keep us from Connection

Facilitated by DiAnna Ritola

Messages about what we should and shouldn’t talk about as women are fed to us from childhood. We’re not supposed to complain about our struggles or brag about our achievements. We can’t talk about trauma, fear, or grief: we’ll burden others. We can’t talk about sex, bodies, or spirituality: that’s too personal. We'll use the 8-minute Connection practice as a framework for opening the door to communication, stop hiding who we are, and learn how to talk about what matters so we can enjoy nourishing, intimate connections that bring us hope and healing when we need it most.
23

Oct

1:00pm - 3:00pm

Advanced Vehicle Technologies and Response Tactics In EV’s - OnStar

Facilitated by Charlene Poranganel & Mitch Petterson

Roadway collisions, vehicle fires, and in-vehicle emergencies are common incident types that we as responders encounter.  As automotive technology advances, understanding modern vehicle technologies prepares us to respond safely and effectively. This session, provided by General Motors, will introduce you to advanced vehicle technologies and response tactics, including: OnStar vehicle telematics, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, and the basics of responding to incidents involving battery electric vehicles.
23

Oct

1:00pm - 3:00pm

Fire Rescues in Ontario: Data-Driven Insights to Inform Best Practices on the Fireground

Facilitated by Anthony De Benedicits

This course will highlight novel data that is being captured on civilian rescues by Fire Service personnel from structure fires. This lecture will compare provincial data captured independently with data sets from other researchers such as Firefighter Rescue Survey to showcase trends and develop evidence based best practices for Firefighters to implement at their next call.
23

Oct

1:00pm - 3:00pm

Toronto is a Vertical City and Residential Highrise

Facilitated by Marla Friebe & Lara Boyko

This presentation has two parts. The first part will focus on Residential Highrise Inspections – TFS Approach. It will outline how Toronto Fire Services manages the inspection of residential highrise buildings through a structured and risk-based process. You will learn how inspection priorities are determined, what inspectors look for on-site—including critical life safety systems and Fire Code compliance— and how SOGs and proper documentation guide our work. The session will also highlight enforcement practices, collaborative follow-up with key divisions, and lessons learned that continue to shape inspection strategies and improve fire safety outcomes citywide.

The second part will focus on what a highrise is, why they are designed to be safe, and what are the primary concerns. When you live in a highrise, knowing when to evacuate and when to shelter in place is of paramount importance. Since the City of Toronto is now a vertical city, it impacts every service we provide including fire safety education. With the second largest community housing profile in North America, we have developed key partnerships with agencies that can help amplify our messaging including both Toronto Community Housing and Toronto Senior's Community Housing. Come learn about some of Toronto's historical highrise fires and the important lessons we have learned. Finally, find out about two 2025 highrise fires that occurred in the same building within a month, and how they were impacted by accumulations of lithium ion batteries, a trending fire risk both globally and in Toronto.
23

Oct

1:00pm - 3:00pm

Trailblazers in the Fire Service: Leading the Way for Women

Facilitated by Panelists: Keri Martins – Fire Chief, Banff Fire Department, Louise Hine-Schmidt – Deputy Chief, Ottawa Fire Services, Debrah Bergeson – Deputy Chief, Calgary Fire Department, Kalpana Rajgopalan -- Deputy Chief, Oakville Fire Department, Samantha Hoffmann - Deputy Chief, Caledon Fire and Emergency Services. Moderated by: Lydia Wilcox

This powerful panel celebrates the remarkable journeys of some of Canada’s leading women fire chiefs—trailblazers who have forged new paths and helped redefine leadership in the fire service. Through candid conversation and storytelling, panelists will reflect on their personal experiences, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the successes that have shaped their careers.

Moderated by FSWO President Lydia Wilcox, the discussion will explore themes of leadership, resilience, and mentorship, while addressing the unique barriers women face in rising through the ranks. Designed to empower the next generation of leaders, this session offers invaluable insight and practical advice for those aspiring to make an impact in the fire service and beyond.

Whether you're a new recruit or a seasoned professional, this conversation promises to leave you informed, inspired, and ready to lead with purpose.
23

Oct

3:00pm - 5:00pm

Beyond the Physical - Why it is important to Focus on Personal and Professional Development Throughout your Career

Facilitated by Mary Fischer

It is easy to generalize that a strong firefighter is a good firefighter. Society's beliefs (both inside and outside of the fire service) tend to lean towards physical size and strength as the main attributes of a capable firefighter. But what happens when illness, injury or other circumstances occur, and your physical abilities become limited? How do you ensure you are still able to be a good firefighter? Developing yourself personally is key to ensuring you continue to develop professionally throughout your career. I will share my story of how a rare central nervous system cancer diagnosis did not disrupt my career as an operational firefighter in the Calgary Fire Department. I will share how early professional development, mental resilience, emotional intelligence and leadership skills can help everyone ensure a long career in the fire service both inside and outside of suppression.
23

Oct

3:00pm - 5:00pm

Hazmat Alternative Fuel Vehicle Recognition

Facilitated by Greg Scott

This course is intended for first responders on how to identify alternative fuel vehicle recognition and suppression tactics. Also, what type of decontamination is required after these vehicles were on fire.
23

Oct

3:00pm - 5:00pm

Courageous Leadership: Championing Inclusivity in the Fire Service

Facilitated by jona olsson

Firefighters are known for courage—rushing into danger to help others. Yet, when it comes to conversations about identity, respect, and inclusion, discomfort often replaces bravery. Why? Because topics like sexual orientation, gender identity, and the challenges faced by LGBTQ2S+ members can feel unfamiliar or even intimidating to discuss.

This session isn’t about politics—it’s about strengthening your crew. Unspoken biases, like homophobia or transphobia, can quietly undermine teamwork, trust, and leadership. These challenges don’t just impact LGBTQ2S+ members—they affect the entire service. Whether it’s navigating locker rooms, handling preferred names or pronouns, or ensuring that every member feels respected at the kitchen table, these are real-world leadership challenges.

Join this interactive session to gain practical tools, language, and strategies that help create stronger, more cohesive teams. We’ll break down common myths, answer questions you may have been unsure how to ask, and give you the confidence to have these conversations—no matter your rank, role, or personal experience.
23

Oct

3:00pm - 5:00pm

Dementia Awareness for Fire Services

Facilitated by Andy Gibb

Over 300,000 Ontarians are currently living with dementia, a number expected to rise to approximately 750,000 within the next 30 years. In this informative session, Alzheimer Society staff will offer valuable insights into various types of dementia, the 10 potential warning signs, common scenarios in which fire services may interact with individuals living with dementia, as well as effective communication strategies and local resources. We can also include common scenario discussions (if time allows). Attendees will also receive helpful resources, including communication tips for fire services, the First Responder Handbook, and other useful links.

Friday October 24, 2025

24

Oct

7:30am - 11:30am

The Antarctic Angels - Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things - Keynote -- Sponsored by Effective Command

Facilitated by Georgina Gilbert & Rebecca Openshaw-Rowe

Trailblazing firefighters George & Bex bring unmatched frontline experience—from South & Mid‑West Wales Fire & Rescue—with over 30 years of frontline service, global athletic achievements, and a reputation as dynamic role models.

In January 2024, they became the first UK 999 emergency services team to ski unsupported to the South Pole, a 1,230 km journey of grit, resourcefulness, and endurance. Now founders of the Fire Angel Foundation, they’re empowering young women and cadets through adventure, resilience, and teamwork, culminating in a Sweden-based mini-expedition.

Their keynote will ignite passion, champion gender equality, and challenge attendees to embrace adversity as fuel for growth. Expect an inspiring, high-energy presentation, where firefighter discipline meets polar courage.

Don’t miss this chance to witness how extraordinary achievements redefine leadership.

Sponsored by Effective Command
24

Oct

1:00pm - 5:00pm

Fireground Fitness Through Flowing -- HOT

Facilitated by Nicole Brugger

Often, nozzle work is an overlooked skill as a firefighter. We are simply given the nozzle and told GO! When the nozzle reaction is challenging, we are told this is the way it is. In this course, you will gain confidence and core strength through owing out of 45mm and 65mm nozzles and acting as a back-up person. You will start with 3 basic positions on your left and right sides, and we will increase the difficulty through repetition and proper techniques until you can ow and move with ease. This course is designed for beginners or seasoned firefighters. We tailor to you. Last year, we had 100% success rate with our participants!
24

Oct

1:00pm - 5:00pm

Unlocking Access: Tactical Through-the-Lock Entry - HOT

Facilitated by Paul Terpstra

Discover how to make entry without using force. This hands-on course teaches non-destructive and semi-destructive entry techniques that preserve property, improve customer service, and maintain door control—and in certain situations can outperform traditional forcible entry in speed and precision. You'll learn when and why to choose these methods, gaining real-world skills with professional tools on realistic entry props. Get practical experience using bypass tools, lock picks, and the Motis Raptor cylinder pulling tool. This course adds valuable skills that you can use on the job.
24

Oct

1:00pm - 5:00pm

Radioactive Materials Transport in Canada

Facilitated by Ulf Stahmer

Thousands of Class 7 radioactive shipments are made in Canada each day. This course provides an overview of the types of radioactive materials being transported, the packages used, and basic principles and potential hazards associated with emergency response. A relatable introduction to radiation and nuclear power will also be included.

This course is being conducted at the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's discovery centre. Attendees will receive a tour of the facility providing an introduction to the long-term management of Canada used nuclear fuel.
24

Oct

1:00pm - 5:00pm

Igniting Excellence: How Training Divisions Shape Firefighter Readiness Across North America

Facilitated by Dan O’Grady

You will be taking part in a discussion style workshop on making training more representative of the job we do. If you are in anyway interested in training (company level to division level) or making a culture change in you dept. This is the class for you! In this class your input matters! This instructor led workshop will focus on building props, setting up realistic training scenarios, teaching with the female perspective in mind - tactics, techniques, bad habits. Leveraging social media to build a culture of continuing education, Textbook to real world - bridging the gap & building a Search Everything culture.
24

Oct

1:00pm - 5:00pm

Hidden in Plain Sight: How the Fire Service Can Help Disrupt Human Trafficking

Facilitated by Krystal Snider

This dynamic training, co-facilitated by a Fire Services professional and a lived experience expert, equips re service personnel with the knowledge to recognize and respond to human tracking through a trauma-informed lens. Rooted in frontline insight and survivor expertise, the session explores red ags, myths, and real-world scenarios relevant to emergency responders. Attendees will leave with practical tools to identify signs of exploitation and take meaningful action without compromising safety, scope of practice, or survivor trust.
24

Oct

1:00pm - 3:00pm

Introduction to Provincial Fire Investigations

Facilitated by Jennifer Woodcroft

Participants will gain insights into fire investigations conducted by the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office, which will include basic fire science and fire dynamics principles, investigative methodologies, scene analyses, and evidence collection.
24

Oct

1:00pm - 3:00pm

Writing the Truth of the Body

Facilitated by DiAnna Ritola

Everyone says you’re a shero. You’re admired and a little intimidating to those who don’t understand this job. But you know the trauma you carry from this work...and other parts of life. You know emotional and mental stress shows up as physical pain and can prolong the healing of physical injuries. Holding it all in creates more sickness; healing happens in bearing witness to ourselves and others. Join me in utilizing a method of journaling and communication I've created that taps into the messages and meanings of the physical sensations, helps release the stuck places, and enhances healing on all levels
24

Oct

1:00pm - 3:00pm

Allies in the Fire Service: Championing Change and Inclusion

Facilitated by Panelists: Jim Jessop – Fire Chief , Toronto Fire Services, Dave Cunliffe – Fire Chief, Hamilton Fire Department, Paul Boissonneault – Fire Chief, Oakville Fire Services, Keri Martins – Fire Chief, Banff Fire Department, Melanie Jones – Fire Chief, Brockville Fire Department. Moderated by Deputy Chief Louise Hine Schmidt

This inspiring two-hour panel discussion brings together some of Canada’s leading fire chiefs who have demonstrated a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural change within their organizations. Through their leadership, these chiefs have not only advanced important initiatives but also acted as powerful allies—amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups and creating space for diverse perspectives to thrive.

The session will highlight the critical role that allyship plays in breaking down systemic barriers and fostering an inclusive fire service. Panelists will explore how allyship is reflected in their recruitment practices, mentorship efforts, mental health advocacy, and community engagement. Their stories will show how active support from leadership—especially from those in positions of influence—can accelerate progress and drive meaningful, lasting change.

Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how allies at all levels of the fire service can make a difference. The panel will close by reinforcing that equity and inclusion are not just leadership responsibilities—they are shared commitments that require every member of the fire service to actively contribute to a culture of respect, accountability, and belonging.
24

Oct

1:00pm - 3:00pm

Igniting Futures: Behind the Scenes of Developing Inclusive Fire Service Camps

Facilitated by Kalpana Rajgopalan, Deb Rogers, Pike Krpan & Carissa Campbell

Ever wonder what it takes to run successful camps like Camp Blaze, Camp FFIT and Island Ignite? This session will pull back the curtain on the planning, partnerships, and purpose behind these impactful programs designed to introduce women and other underrepresented groups to careers in the fire service.

Join Oakville Deputy Fire Chief and Blaze Fire Academy founder Kalpana Rajgopalan as she moderates a dynamic panel discussion featuring Deb Rogers (Island Ignite), Pike Krpan (Camp FFIT, Hamilton Fire), and Carissa Campbell (Camp FFIT, Ottawa Fire). This session will explore the impact, challenges, and future of inclusive fire service camps across Canada, showcasing programs that inspire and empower young women and underrepresented groups to pursue careers in the fire service.

From logistics and mentorship to outreach and evaluation, learn how fire service leaders are creating powerful, hands-on experiences that break down barriers and ignite interest in firefighting and leadership roles. Whether you’re looking to start a camp in your own community or strengthen an existing one, this session offers real tools, inspiring stories, and proven strategies to take back home.

This session will provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the critical planning, coordination, and community engagement efforts required to deliver high-impact camps that encourage women and underrepresented groups to consider careers in the fire service. Drawing on the success of a number of Canadian outreach programs, this session will explore the intentional design and strategic partnerships that make these programs a launchpad for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the fire service profession.
24

Oct

3:00pm - 5:00pm

Let Them: Embracing Freedom and Letting Go of Control, Inspired by Mel Robbins Book 'Let Them Theory"

Facilitated by Charlene Poranganel

What if the key to reducing stress and improving relationships was as simple as two words: Let Them? Inspired by Mel Robbins’ powerful Let Them theory, this engaging workshop invites participants to explore the freedom that comes from releasing the need to control others and their choices. Through thought-provoking discussions around Mel Robbins theory, real-life scenarios, and interactive exercises, participants will:

• Unpack the core principles of the Let Them mindset and how it applies to everyday life.

• Identify where control, expectations, and resistance create unnecessary stress and frustration.

• Develop strategies to shift from reaction to acceptance, allowing greater peace and emotional resilience.

• Learn how letting go can strengthen relationships, boost confidence, and enhance personal well-being.

Join us for a dynamic session that will challenge your thinking, spark meaningful conversations, and equip you with practical tools to embrace Let Them in your daily life.
24

Oct

3:00pm - 5:00pm

Strategic Success: Implementing a Highrise Program with Change Management Principles

Facilitated by Tamara Roitman

In this class, we will explore how CYFS (Central York Fire Service) successfully implemented a new highrise program by overcoming common challenges faced by many departments that tend to focus on the immediate topic of the day without sustained follow-through. Unlike typical efforts, CYFS employed core principles of change management to ensure the program's success, emphasizing the importance of creating buy-in among firefighters from the outset. We will examine how the highrise team strategically rolled out the program in staged phases, allowing for manageable adjustments and continuous momentum, all while maintaining transparent and consistent communication throughout every step of the process. This approach not only fostered firefighter engagement but also built confidence and trust, ultimately leading to a sustainable and successful program.
23

Oct

3:00pm - 5:00pm

From Policy to Practice: Canada’s Fire Chiefs and Women in Fire

Facilitated by Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. Moderated by: Karen Simpson

Fire Services in Canada are changing rapidly: from new technologies to changing demographics, building codes, increasing medical and climate call volumes, and importantly to the presence of a much larger cohort of women in the fire sector. Fire chiefs and fire departments are deeply enmeshed in these changes, which impacts the directions of the national association. In fact, 2025 marks a transition year for the national association between strategic plan 2021-2025 , which included its aspirations for women in the fire service to strategic planning for 2026 -2030 which is prefaced by new data about women in the fire service from the Great Canadian Fire Census 2025. Looking back at the past five years the CAFC will reflect on what worked and what hasn’t (yet); where we are today; and what we are learning about the changing nature of the fire services and its implications for women in fire. Preliminary Results from the Great Canadian Fire Census will be discussed as will new statements developed collaboratively with FSW’s across Canada about bullying in the fire service. Audience participation will also be encouraged.
24

Oct

3:00pm - 5:00pm

A Firefighter’s Guide to Building Construction Basics

Facilitated by Jessica Clermont

This class is for anyone who wants a better understanding of building construction, and how it affects us as firefighters. We will start by discussing how building construction has changed over the years. We will review the 5 types of building construction, the materials they use and how they are affected by fire. And lastly, we'll discuss facts and myths of legacy vs. engineered vs. light weight construction. I look forward to sharing knowledge on an important yet under-looked topic!

Saturday October 25, 2025