FSWO President Pike Krpan will moderate a panel featuring senior-level Chiefs who were trailblazers in the fire service, sharing their experiences as some of the first women to be promoted and lead in the industry. This session will offer an engaging and informative discussion about these pioneering women who forged their paths without the guidance of female mentors. Their journeys exemplify how they believed in their potential even when there were no visible role models.
Stephanie Bibault serves as the Deputy Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management for the town of Olds, Alberta. Originally from St. Catharines, Ontario, she is a retired Canadian Armed Forces veteran, distinguished as the highest-ranking female military firefighter in CAF history. With nearly 25 years of service, her career includes deployments to Afghanistan, Libya, Haiti, and other countries, as well as roles as a firefighter on Army and Air Forces bases and warships with the Navy.
Stephanie began her career as an Infantry soldier while studying at Algonquin College in Ottawa, ON, in the Pre-Service Firefighting program. Her extensive experience includes postings across Canada, responding to various incidents in multiple roles. With over 15 years in supervisory and instructor positions, Stephanie has led and taught response operations for aircraft, shipboard, HAZMAT, structural, wildland, and medical incidents. Her expertise encompasses spill response, fire systems operation, maintenance, and design, and performing tasks in high-pressure situations. She possesses considerable knowledge of the theories, principles, policy, and administration of Emergency Services at both the Federal and Municipal levels.
Stephanie Bibault is a proud mother to a 4-year-old daughter who dreams of becoming a firefighter, and she is also the wife of a firefighter, bringing personal dedication to her professional commitment. Co-founding the Fire Service Women of Central Provinces, Stephanie, alongside other inspiring female firefighters, advocates for diversity and inclusion within the fire service.
As a leader, Stephanie promotes confidence, empowerment, and empathy, prioritizing mental health and fostering a positive work environment. She holds a master’s degree in Disaster and Emergency Management from Royal Roads University, enhancing her skills in hazard risk assessments and crisis communication. Stephanie’s blend of military and firefighting experience makes her a vital asset to the town of Olds and a champion for diversity and inclusion in emergency services.
Melanie Jones grew up in Calgary, where she earned a degree in Physical Education from the University of Calgary. In 1991, she moved to Kingston and began her career as a firefighter with Kingston Fire & Rescue in 1995. She was promoted to Captain in 2003 and became the Chief of Training in 2013. During this period, she also completed a Master’s degree in Public Administration. In 2020, she advanced to the role of Deputy of Operations, serving until 2023 when she relocated to Brockville to assume the position of Chief.
Debbie Higgins is currently working as Deputy Fire Chief in a temporary capacity with Guelph Fire Services. Debbie recently retired from Toronto Fire Services, where she was responsible for finance and budgeting processes, labour relations, quartermaster, facilities, the TFS medical office, and providing professional support for the procurement and maintenance of both apparatus and equipment. Debbie has also held the portfolios of Fire Prevention and Public Education, Professional Development and Training, including Special Operations (HUSAR and CBRNE). Prior to her promotion to Deputy in 2010, Debbie spent eleven years as an Executive Officer for Toronto Fire, working in the Office of the Fire Chief. She also previously worked with the City of Mississauga as a Business Planner, where her work included various strategic projects for the Community Services department, including fire. Before joining the municipal sector, Debbie spent five years working as a consultant undertaking social planning studies, including feasibility studies, master plans, emergency response plans, marketing plans and organizational reviews.
Debbie has a degree in Applied Geography from Ryerson University, and a certificate in Business from McMaster University. She is currently an Associate Director with the World Police and Fire Games Federation, and previously served three terms on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs. Debbie has been on the Board of FSWO for several years and currently serves as Treasurer.