Building Resilience Through Recovery

While a career as a first responder can bring about a strong sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction, particularly after getting hired and/or promoted, the reality is that this career can also bring about a great deal of angst. The repeated exposure to occupational stress and trauma, be it on scene, or as a result of the work environment itself, raises the risk that some will develop anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and/or even PTSD. The associated stigma and shame related to these types of mental health issues leave many reluctant to ask for help. If these symptoms are left untreated, the impact on a person’s overall wellbeing can be devastating and even result in the inability to continue working as a first responder. FSWO is pleased to bring together Michelle Fitzsimmons, Cheryl Hunt, Susan Jones and Karen Simpson. They will share their personal and professional experiences overcoming prolonged occupational stress and trauma, how to recognize the ‘warning signs’ of mental health issues, as well as discuss becoming more resilient.

Battalion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons joined the NYC Fire Department (FDNY) in May of 2001.  She is currently assigned to North Queens but working in the Bureau of Operations. She is the Co-founder and former instructor of Phoenix Firecamp.  She is a graduate of the FDNY Officers Management Institute (FOMI). Since 2019 she has served for a second time (previously 2002-2004) as President of FireFLAG/EMS, the FDNY's LGBTQ+ organization.  From 2013-2015 she was an instructor at FDNY's Probationary Firefighter School.  She has been a Guest Lecturer at University of Pennsylvania's Wharton Business School and Graduate School of Education.

Cheryl began her career with the Ottawa Fire Service in 2003 and is now an Acting Lieutenant and Safety Officer in suppression. For the past 6 years Cheryl has been learning the finer skills of enclosure fire dynamics and has become one of the elite lead instructors for the “From Knowledge To Practice” Fire Dynamics program, based in Ottawa, ON. This program is founded on science and modern fire attack tactics and aims to bring a standard language to firefighting across Canada. As an active and dedicated member of FSWO, Cheryl understands first-hand the need to be a strong advocate for mental health and helping those who may be diagnosed with PTSD or have been exposed to other discriminatory situations that negatively impact their ability to function. Cheryl is certified as a Mental Health First Aid instructor by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and is trained in Suicide Prevention. Cheryl serves as an active member of the OFS Peer Support Team and is highly regarded for her leadership in promoting a safe work environment including the ongoing need to breakdown the stigma associated with mental health in the fire service.

Susan Jones is retired from the City of Ottawa and was the former Acting Deputy City Manager
of Operations responsible for overseeing several departments. She has held a number of positions in her 37-year career in municipal government which included being the General Manager of Emergency and Protective Services for the City of Ottawa from 2009 to 2015 responsible for managing and directing the delivery of Fire, Paramedic, Corporate Security, Emergency Management, and By-law, Parking and Licensing operations. Susan has been a strong advocate and mentor to women in leadership roles, particularly in male dominated professions and is proud to have helped launch Fire Service Women Ontario (FSWO), Camp FFIT (Female Fire Fighters in Training) and served on the FSWO board of directors. Susan was also an International Trustee with the International Association of Women in Fire and Emergency Services (iWomen). Susan has a BA in Criminology from Carleton University and is working in private practice as a Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor having recently completed a post graduate program in Addiction Studies at McMaster University.

Karen Simpson is a lawyer at Lerners LLP in London. Karen’s practice is primarily focused on plaintiff personal injury. She is particularly interested in educating first responders about the importance being properly insured, third party claims that may arise in the course of employment and WSIB elections. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Karen served the citizens of Chatham-Kent for 10 years as a career firefighter. While in the fire service, Karen sat on the Board of Directors for iWomen and FSWO for seven and six years, respectively.