Dare 2 Command: Company Officer

  • October 22, 2026
  • 1:00pm-2:50pm
  • FESTI - 2025 Courtneypark Dr East, Mississauga, ON L5T 1J3

Facilitated by Dr. Katherine Lamb & Debra Rogers

For new and aspiring company officers developing confidence, decision-making and command presence.

Designed for new and aspiring company officers, this highly interactive workshop develops the confidence, decision-making and practical command skills needed to take control of initial incident operations. Through realistic, scenario-based exercises, delegates will strengthen their ability to assess risk, establish priorities, communicate effectively and make sound decisions under pressure in a safe learning environment.

Dr. Katherine Lamb

Dr Katherine Lamb is a respected authority on the training and assessment of Incident Command and crisis decision making. Katherine worked as an accomplished research academic before joining the UK Fire Service in 2004.

In 2015, Katherine developed Effective Command, a behavioral marking system for the assessment and recording of incident command competence, which is widely used throughout the UK FRS. Following a presentation at the OAFC AGM in 2022, the OAFC deemed Effective Command the preferred tool for incident command training and Katherine is currently working with over 40 FDs in Ontario regarding its roll out.

Debra Rogers

Debra Rogers is the Acting Captain and Fire Investigator with the Campbell River Fire Department (CRFD) in British Columbia. She began her fire service career in 2009 as a dispatcher and, in 2017, transitioned to the suppression division, becoming the first professional female firefighter in CRFD's history. Beyond her operational duties, Debra is a passionate advocate for gender equity in the fire service. She is the founding President of the Island Ignite Mentorship Society, which offers hands-on training and mentorship to young women aspiring to careers in firefighting. Additionally, she serves as the Project Manager for Fire Service Women BC, overseeing initiatives funded by a Women and Gender Equality grant to support and connect women in the fire service. In recognition of her contributions, Debra received the BC Achievement Foundation's Community Award in 2025. She continues to lead by example, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment within the fire service.