Building Leaders and Driving Change in the Fire Service

This session will feature a dynamic discussion led by leaders from across Canada: FSWO, FSW Central Provinces, and FSW British Columbia. Key themes: the importance of mentorship, fostering inclusivity, and addressing the cultural and systemic barriers that women face in leadership roles. The session will also explore how collaboration, mentorship, and male allyship can help foster diversity and inclusivity within the fire service.

As a dedicated Community Outreach and Professional Development Officer, Kristy-Lynn Pankhurst combines a passion for strategic communication with a commitment to advancing fire & life safety education and firefighter training in the Township of Scugog. Kristy-Lynn holds an undergraduate degree in Communication and Digital Media Studies from Ontario Tech University, and she is currently pursuing her Master of Education in World Indigenous Studies in Education at Queen’s University.

Kristy-Lynn serves on the Board of Directors of Fire Service Women Ontario. As a mother to a young daughter, she remains dedicated to advancing FSWO’s mission to encourage, educate and empower women in the Fire Service. In 2020, Kristy-Lynn was injured during a propane explosion while fighting a house fire and she has become an advocate for First Responder mental health, sharing her story of resilience and recovery after a near miss.

Sarah Peto is an Acting Lieutenant II in Brandon Fire and Emergency Services with 23 years of service. Sarah was the second woman hired in her department and the first female officer.Sarah graduated from the Manitoba Emergency Services College in 2001. She obtained a 4 yr,BA in Applied Disaster and Emergency Services while working full time. Sarah is a committedand avid volunteer in the community, serving on the United Way executive board and Community Campaign Chair. Sarah has also led mental health wellness by spearheading peer support and debriefings in her department through her work with Project Resilience 911, a multi-agency first responder mental health resource group in the Brandon Area. This last year Sarah has collaborated with many amazing women to bring an organization of support, inclusion, and camaraderie to women in Western Canada to form Fire Service Women Central Provinces.

Debra is a firefighter with Campbell River Fire Department. She started her career as a fire dispatcher in 2009 and transitioned to the fire suppression division in 2017. Recently Debra completed her NFPA 1033 and is excited about a new path that includes fire investigation.

Debra has served her union as both a Trustee and a Secretary. She formerly served on the board of Camp Ignite before launching the Island Ignite Mentorship Society on Vancouver Island. She is the sitting president at Island Ignite and keeps busy collaborating with some great fire service woman to develop a regional program that engages island youth. Debra is passionate about advancing opportunities and fostering enhanced representation for women in the fire service. She aims to align with others who are eagerly supporting others and remains committed to professional development.

Lydia began her career in fire as a firefighter in 2008 with the Kitchener Fire Department, in 2019 she promoted to position of Fire Prevention Officer. As a lifelong learner, Lydia has achieved her Masters in Public Administration from Western University and strives to continuously learn whenever possible.

At the 2015 FSWO Conference, Lydia became the first recipient of the 3 E Award (Educate, Encourage, Empower) for her efforts to mentor and recruit women into the Fire Service.