In-Class Session Descriptions
In-Class Session Descriptions
Thursday, October 26
Fitness: Strengthening Your Core to Eliminate Injury
Instructor(s): Kate Durst
Start your day the Pilates way. Join Coach Kate to move, breathe, strengthen and tone through movements that will leave you feeling ready to take on the day.
Kate Durst lives in northern Ontario and loves to wear a variety of hats in her daily life (mainly touques). She is co-owner of Discover Fitness/Discover Performance Inc., co-owner of Discover Virtual. She is a personal trainer, spin coach, and Pilates instructor. She is the Executive Director at the low-barrier homeless shelter, the Living Space. Kate is mom to two amazing boys and is the loving partner to Cheryl Hunt.
She is very excited to be included in the 2023 FSWO Symposium and looks forward to delivering her own kind of “burn” to the participants and hosts attending.
**Please bring a yoga or exercise mat
Resilient Minds - Building the Psychological Strength of Fire Fighters
Instructor(s): Kristy-Lynn Pankhurst and Darcie Sibbald
The Resilient MindsTM 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
Kristy-Lynn Pankhurst is the Fire Prevention Officer for Scugog Fire & Emergency Services. In this role, she coordinates the Department’s Fire Prevention & Public Education efforts and responds to emergencies alongside Scugog’s dedicated team.
Kristy-Lynn is currently completing the Queens University Master of Education specializing in World Indigenous Studies in Education. Throughout her studies, she hopes to determine effective strategies for the development and delivery of fire & life safety education to reduce the risk of fire in Indigenous communities. Kristy-Lynn previously obtained her B.A. (Hons.) in Communication and Digital Media Studies at Ontario Tech University while studying the use of social media as a cost-effective public education tool. She has also completed NFPA certifications as a Fire & Life Safety Educator, Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator, Public Information Officer, Firefighter, Fire Officer, and Fire Services Instructor.
Kristy-Lynn grew up in the Fire Service. After completing co-op placements in Kawartha Lakes and Ottawa, she attended Camp FFIT, Ottawa (2015), where she learned about Fire Service Women Ontario and felt inspired to pursue her dreams. She became a Volunteer Firefighter with Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service in 2015 and began her full-time career in the Fire Service in 2017. In 2019, while working as an Inspector with Ajax Fire, Kristy-Lynn was recognized as an NFPA “Rising Star” for her efforts in risk reduction through Fire & Life Safety Education. In 2021, Kristy-Lynn began a contract with Canada’s National Indigenous Fire Safety Council, where she continues to work towards reducing the risk of fire in Indigenous communities.
In 2023, Kristy-Lynn is on maternity leave from Scugog Fire, after welcoming a baby girl into the world. Outside of the Fire Service, she enjoys spending time with family & friends and working on her backyard lavender farm.
Darcie Sibbald is a mother of two girls, an avid mountain biker and a career firefighter of 18 years with an additional five years as a Paid on Call firefighter. Darcie has sat on many committees during her career, from Health and Safety, First Responder Instructor Trainer and currently the Health and Wellness Coordinator for the Peer and CISM team. She was the Secretary/Treasurer for her local since 2012 and this year was elected as the President.
Darcie participates in the BCPFFA Data/IT, sub-committee of the Women’s Advisory Committee and the Elections Committee. Her passion lies in advocacy for all, supporting others in mental health, safety, governance, worker OH&S representation, peer mentorship, collaborating, bargaining negotiations and grievance resolutions. In her career as a firefighter, Darcie was looking to share experiences and find the support of other women in this incredible career. In doing so, she is the Secretary on the founding board of Fire Service Women BC. She is proud to work amidst powerful, capable, competent and passionate women and men who want to support an equitable fire service for all.
First Five Command Boot Camp
Instructor(s): Chief Dave Robertson
Commanding a scene is not an easy task. The reality of the fire service response model is that anyone – chiefs, captains, firefighters – may be on scene first: making notifications, providing information to incoming units, establishing command - in short, you are setting the stage for the outcome of the emergency.
Through exercises and robust engagement, you will review the fundamentals of command and command structures, what real-life expectations are of you, and how to direct command operations - not just the first 5 minutes, but for the duration of the event.
Chief Dave Robertson has 25 years in the fire service in 5 different departments, from working in busy urban systems to wildland to rural/semi-rural. He is fueled by a sincere passion to make the fire service better, a belief that fire service leadership starts with character, and that he is at his best as a firefighter when teaching.
He has instructed within his fire departments, in fire academies, paramedic schools, private fire institutions, and now as the Deputy Chief of Training for Lambton Shores Fire Rescue. Command, hiring for character, managing culture change, and fireground operations are his favorite subject areas to teach.
The Science of Recruitment – Path to Success
Instructor(s): Michael Wood
- Lecture / Discussion, PowerPoint, Questions and Answers. Lots of interaction.
- Presentation to help identify where a candidate may be able to improve in their Career Journey to becoming a member of the fire service.
- Identify hidden talents candidates do not realize they have.
- How to create their own resume that gains an interview.
- How to successfully master the interview process.
- How to avoid those career ruining mistakes during the journey.
28 years as a professional firefighter, a proud member of Toronto Fire Services, and FSWO Board Director, Michael Wood has experience in both large and small municipalities and recruitments across Canada.
There is a “science” behind a successful recruitment and obtaining a career in the fire service. Resumes and interviews can seem overwhelming.Tactics to create a successful resume and your best possible interview are achievable. Learn what you can do to be successful in your next recruitment application process.
Years of in depth research in recruitment produced models for interview prep, resumes, cover letters and habits successful candidates use. To date my mentor partner and I have guided hundreds of individuals to achieve their dream occupation.
Tips and Tricks to Calm the Nervous System
Instructor(s): Julia Long
Learning Objectives: This is a two-part session.
In Part I, we will:
- Identify negative influences on our nervous system.
- Review how breath, movement, visualization, relaxation, and positive affirmation impact our nervous system; and discuss specific tips and tricks to positively impact our nervous system.
In Part II, after a short break, we will:
- Experience a guided session applying tips and tricks to calm the nervous system.
- Please bring a mat (such as a yoga mat), towel or two, and water bottle; and
- Discuss the experience and Q&A.
Please bring a yoga mat.
Julia Long is a Certified Workplace Mindfulness Facilitator with Mindful Leader (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction – MBSR) and she offers sessions in workplaces, including Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness Strategies.
She is a Certified California College of Ayurveda (CCA) Yoga Nidra (positive affirmations / mindset) Teacher and Teacher Trainer based in Ottawa, Canada. She has been teaching and providing CCA Yoga Nidra sessions in groups and privately for many years. She is currently the only Classically-based Yoga Nidra Teacher Trainer in Canada (CCA-YN).
She is also a Certified Canadian Fitness Professional (CanFitPro), an Advanced Sivananda Yoga and Kundalini Yoga Teacher. She has over 1000 hours of yoga training, including trauma-informed movement. She is a Continuing Education Provider for Yoga Alliance (International).
She has 2 sons who are First Responders which spawned the creation of FRY Canada. She has seen and heard how their duty has changed them and increased their stress levels. The demands of their jobs were impacting their physical and non-physical wellbeing.
Julia holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Laws and was a practicing lawyer. She has used her skills as a leader in the federal arena to help keep chemical substances of concern out of the Canadian environment.
She is an author, writing and publishing in various journals on topics of mindset and wellbeing, including Canadian Firefighter.
Julia has classed herself as a “mobile wellness provider” travelling to talk, teach and study.
Leadership in the Station and on the Fire Ground
Instructor(s): Tracey Shields and Michele Fitzsimmons
This classroom session will explore what it means to be a leader in Fire Suppression. We will explore leadership on the fire ground as well as in the station. We will discuss the basics of Incident Command, 360 size up, and communications. We will explore the challenges of being a leader and transitioning from firefighter to officer. This session will be interactive and give you the opportunity to ask questions and voice your concerns.
Tracey Shields was hired as one of the first female firefighters in the City of Ottawa in 1999 and has now been promoted as the first female Captain in suppression. She is currently working in a station in downtown Ottawa. Tracey has also been an integral part of Camp FFIT in Ottawa, volunteering her time as an instructor with the program. Tracey has been an active member with FSWO for the past twelve years, has learned valuable information, and forged new friendships.
Battalion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons is the highest-ranking female in FDNYs Fire Operations. She is currently assigned to Battalion 46, located in Elmhurst, Queens. She joined the FDNY in May of 2021. During her career she has been an instructor at the Fire Academy, a member of the Family Assistance Unit, a Peer Fitness Firefighter Trainer, a part of the FDNY’s Mental Performance Initiative and a Cohost of the JoinFDNY Podcast.
Chief Fitzsimmons is a graduate of the FDNY Officers Management Institute, an FDNY program collaboration with Columbia University. She has lectured at Wharton Business School and University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate Program. She was a guest on Leadership Under Fire’s Optimizing Human Performance Podcast and the FDNY Pro Podcast. She has instructed classes at Fire Service Women of Ontario and Fire Service Women of NYS’s annual conferences.
Beyond the Binary: How to foster LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Fire Service and Firefighting Camps for Youth
Instructor(s): Mela Swayze
The tide is turning - fire training camps for young women are becoming established in Ontario. Drawing on the expertise of community and fire service members, this session will provide discussion on how to extend inclusion to another underrepresented group: LGTBQ+ and gender non-conforming people.
In this session, you will learn how to support LGTBQ+ and gender non-conforming youth and provide a welcoming, safe training environment at your fire camp. You will gain confidence in recognizing your own biases and avoiding assumptions. This is an opportunity to learn and practice inclusive pronouns. We will share strategies on how to respond to misinformation from colleagues. Join us to share concrete ways to be a role model and ally to those who wish to join the fire family.
Mela Swayze (PhD) is a consultant, educator and researcher with expertise in organizational change, facilitation, and 2SLGBTQ+ health equity. Mela has worked in community-based research, municipal government, healthcare, social services and workforce development, consistently striving to support organizations towards inclusive workplaces and accessible service delivery. Mela holds a PhD in Education from York University, focused on equity and anti-racism in multi-stakeholder community-based health interventions.
Mela has worked in frontline 2SLGBTQ healthcare, founded Hamilton’s Trans ID clinic, and is a board member of the Hamilton Trans Health Coalition. They actively worked alongside numerous 2SLGBTQ+ workers, organizations and collaboratives. While working with the City of Hamilton, they supported the municipality’s Trans Inclusion Protocol and trained more than 2000 employees in 2SLGBTQ inclusion. Mela also supported Hamilton’s LGBTQ2S+ Needs Assessment as a community researcher. Most recently, Mela has worked as a senior consultant in workforce development as well as an EDI consultant practicing with an intersectional, anti-racist lens.
Improving Your Fitness Regime to Maintain Physical Strength and Motivation
Instructor(s): Kate Durst
Welcome to Mat Pilates with Coach Kate.
She is very honoured and excited to be coaching a series of Pilates classes for the hosts and participants of the 2023 Fire Service Women Ontario Symposium. Core strength is a key component in a strong body and lowers the risks of injury and strain – especially with the physical demands of firefighting.
Please take time and join her on the mat – she promises to ignite your core and make you feel the burn. She will be offering a series of classes during the symposium and is bringing some of her equipment to add to the intensity.
Kate Durst lives in northern Ontario and loves to wear a variety of hats in her daily life (mainly touques). She is co-owner of Discover Fitness/Discover Performance Inc., co-owner of Discover Virtual. She is a personal trainer, spin coach, and Pilates instructor. She is the Executive Director at the low-barrier homeless shelter, the Living Space. Kate is mom to two amazing boys and is the loving partner to Cheryl Hunt.
She is very excited to be included in the 2023 FSWO Symposium and looks forward to delivering her own kind of “burn” to the participants and hosts attending.
**Please bring a yoga or exercise mat.
The 50 Rules for the Senior Firefighter
Instructor(s): Scott Hewlett
‘Senior Firefighter’ may not be a ranked position in most departments, but it is an integral role in every firehouse. Whether the responsibility has been placed upon you or you are hoping to step-up and meet the approaching challenge, the guidance provided here will be invaluable to you and those you mentor. This isn’t about years of service, ego, or perks, it’s about expectations, responsibility, and opportunity.
Scott Hewlett is a 25-year, second-generation Firefighter working for a larger urban fire department in Southern Ontario, Canada. He spent the first half of his career at a Technical Rescue station, six years working as a part-time primary-care medic, three years instructing as a Fire Training Officer, took part in a one-year Firefighter Exchange Program in Wellington, New Zealand, and had the honor and pleasure of co-leading a Peer Support Team for over a decade. He has been producing and hosting the Multiple Calls Podcast since February 2018 and continues to instruct at Southwest Fire Academy since January 2022.
Leading Beyond and Outside the Rank - Panel
Instructor(s): FSWO Executive Director Susan Jones (Moderator), Fire Service Women Ontario President Pike Krpan, Fire Service Women British Columbia President Jenn Dawkins, Fire Emergency Services Training Institute Dean Kelly Holden, Laura King NFPA Canadian Regional Director, Michele Vandevord, President National Indigenous Fire Safety Council
This session brings together a group of five dynamic women leaders whose personal journeys have ventured outside the traditional rank and file hierarchy to achieve tremendous success in making a difference in helping to diversify and improve Canada’s fire service. FSWO Executive Director Susan Jones who shares a similar diverse background will be the session’s moderator and will focus on highlighting the panel’s various education ,work related and volunteer commitments that speak to the conference theme of “Building Leaders, Driving Change “ All 5 panelist share in having diverse backgrounds and unique experiences that not only has benefitted the fire service industry but has also helped to Educate, Encourage and Empower other women to follow different career paths. The intent of bringing the panelists together is to show that leadership opportunities exist and can be developed in a variety of different ways as well as help promote the concept that there are several roles and functions beyond the traditional fire department work that contribute to the effectiveness of a successful fire service.
Susan Jones is retired from the City of Ottawa and was the former Acting Deputy City Manager of City Operations at the City responsible for overseeing several City 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 and was honored to receive the President’s Trailblazer Award in 2016 for her ongoing work and innovative leadership as an advocate for women in the first responder field. Susan is excited to continue working with FSWO as their Executive Director.
Pike Krpan is a career firefighter with the City of Hamilton since 2013. They currently serve the firefighting community as FSWO President. They have been a member of FSWO since the beginning of their career. They are the organizer of Camp FFIT (Female Firefighters in Training) Hamilton, an annual three-day camp that takes place every fall at Hamilton Fire's training facility for young women aged 16-20.
Pike is a proud member of an engine crew and also works in communications/dispatch, technical rescue (high angle rope rescue) and as a driver/pump operator at Hamilton Fire. They were the recipient of a full Honeywell Scholarship to FDIC 2016. They studied Pre-Service Firefighter Education at FESTI (Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute) in 2012 and was hired within six months of their graduation.
Pike brings a varied background to their career in the fire service. They completed their Masters of Arts at the Ontario Institute of Education in Sociology and Equity Studies in Education, with a focus on women's issues in education. Previously, they worked in international development education in diverse countries such as Cuba, Ecuador and Jamaica after getting their undergraduate degree in International Development and Women's Studies at Trent University.
Pike is currently a mentor with FSWO's mentorship program and offers assistance to those considering a career in the fire service. They also act as a mentor promoting women in firefighting with the Women in Trades program of the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program as well as with the YWCA Hamilton. They were nominated for a YWCA Hamilton Woman of Distinction Award in 2019 for their work in education and mentoring. They love to introduce people to the challenge of firefighting.
Jenn Dawkins began her career in Maple Ridge in 1997 where she served 3 years before getting hired in Vancouver in 2000. Currently an acting Captain in Suppression Jenn has been part of several specialties including hazmat, heavy rescue and HUSAR and has worked in many divisions including Recruitment and Outreach, Public Education, and the Training Division. She has been an Instructor with the Justice Institute of BC for several years. In 2010, Jenn was one of the founders of Camp Ignite and served as the Program Director for its first 11 years. She has a Certificate in Emergency Management and is currently completing her Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies. In 2021 Jenn became a board member for Fire Service Ontario and through that experience is excited to be FSWBC Founding President and continue her role as a leader serving the Women in the Fire Service British Columbia.
Kelly Holden is the first Dean of FESTI, (Fire and Emergency Training Institute). Responsible for the strategic plans, and operational goals of the school, Kelly focuses on establishing a strong ecosystem of diversity, inclusion and success. Over four years, Kelly has transformed FESTI into a learning organization with a culture of team support, student success and fun! Kelly holds a degree in Woman’s Studies as well as a Certificate in Adult Learning. As a certified EQI (Emotional Intelligence) Coach, she understands what it takes to get the best out of her people. Kelly is also a certified Crucial Learning Trainer with a specialization in high-risk conversations. Kelly’s energy and fun-loving personality along with her “say it how it is” attitude will have you on the edge of your seat as you learn what it takes to move from silence to action in a conversation.
Laura King is NFPA’s regional director for Canada. Laura was the editor of Fire Fighting in Canada and Canadian Firefighter magazines for 10 years before moving to NFPA in 2017. She was a reporter and editor for more than 20 years for newspapers and magazines across Canada and the United States.
Michelle Vandevord (Day Star Woman) is an active member of the Muskoday First Nation Volunteer Fire Department and is the longest-serving female firefighter in the department’s history as well as its first female captain. She started her career in Prince Albert as an officer delivering fire prevention programs to communities and is now the executive director of Saskatchewan First Nation Emergency Management (SFNEM) in Prince Albert. She is a member of the Saskatchewan Fire Chiefs Public Education committee and was recognized for her inclusion in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Rising Star Program.
She lives in her community of Muskoday First Nation and is the mother of three daughters and three adopted sons. She is a very proud Kookum to four smart, handsome and funny grandsons.
Medical Training During MVC - Phychological First Aid to Deal with Mental Health Status of Firefighters Before/During/After a Crisis
Instructor(s): Jennifer Ngo
In the first part of this sessions, Psychological First Aid, you'll learn to anticipate stress and crisis, practice self-care, and provide support during challenging times like medical emergencies. Gain resilience and coping strategies for stress and trauma. In the second course, Medical Response, understand effective medical training for collaborating with firefighters in patient care, evacuations, and assisting entrapped patients in motor vehicle collisions.
Jennifer Ngo is an experienced instructor with the American and Canadian Red Cross. She specializes in life-saving courses such as First Aid & CPR, Professional Responders, and Psychological First Aid. Jennifer holds certifications as a Red Cross Instructor Trainer in three disciplines: Professional Responders (BLS, FR, and EMR), First Aid and CPR (CPR, EFA, and SFA), and Psychological First Aid (Coping for stress and trauma). Her expertise benefits Red Cross instructors, paramedics, firefighters, and the public by providing essential life-saving training using critical thinking and intervention skills.
25 Rules for the Fire Service Instructor - How to set yourself and your students up for success
Instructor(s): Scott Hewlett
If you’re currently in an instructor role, considering getting involved, or you’re on the student side and just want perspective on what you should expect from your instructors, this will offer a lot of value. You can’t teach people if you can’t reach them, and this discussion will dive deep on the intangibles that allow us to connect in a meaningful way with students and remove barriers to learning that result in actions on emergency scenes.
Scott Hewlett is a 25-year, second-generation Firefighter working for a larger urban fire department in Southern Ontario, Canada. He spent the first half of his career at a Technical Rescue station, six years working as a part-time primary-care medic, three years instructing as a Fire Training Officer, took part in a one-year Firefighter Exchange Program in Wellington, New Zealand, and had the honor and pleasure of co-leading a Peer Support Team for over a decade. He has been producing and hosting the Multiple Calls Podcast since February 2018 and continues to instruct at Southwest Fire Academy since January 2022.
Understanding the risks and rewards of lithium-ion and energy storage systems
Instructor(s): Laura King
Lithium-ion batteries are fragile, and any electrical, thermal, or mechanical abuse can initiate thermal runaway.
E-bikes and e-scooters are everywhere, and over-charging them is a fire hazard.
Energy storage systems provide clean, low-cost, long-duration sources of energy, but they also present significant life-safety hazards – and they're found in every municipality.
This interactive session provides resources for firefighters and educators to deal with lithium-ion and energy storage systems, educational resources, and access to free online training. There are lots of cool videos too!
Laura King is the regional director for NFPA in Canada. Laura is from Cape Breton, has lived and worked across Canada and the United States, and is excited to be back at the FSWO conference!
Silo Awareness
Instructor(s): Kurt Bohme
This short program will outline some of the hazards associated with Silos and their different types. . This is an awareness level course only and does not replace the Department specific training and SOGs for departments doing silo responses.
Kurt Bohme started his career over 30 years ago in outdoor education and as a canoe and climbing guide in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. It was during that time that he became involved with local volunteer Search and Rescue Teams. This is also when Kurt started instructing the “High Hazard” skill sets like High Angle Rescue, Cave Rescue, Swift water Rescue, Ice Rescue and Wilderness Rescue.
He has been with PSHSA since 2006. He has taught in every province and territory in Canada, in the United States, and in Europe. Kurt has been involved with private industry, emergency services, military, and the film and television industry both as an instructor and a worker. Kurt is certified as a technician and / or instructor by the NFPA, the OFC, IRATA, ORCA, IAFF and Seneca College. He is presently an active volunteer firefighter with South Frontenac Fire and Rescue. Over his instructional career Kurt has instructed thousands of students in everything from High Angle Rescue and Climbing to White Water Rescue and Canoeing. He strongly believes in the power of experiential education.
“For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them “ Aristotle.
The Connected Warrior - How learning to balance grit and compassion can make you a more effective first responder
Instructor(s): Scott Hewlett
The fire service is more than a job, it is a personal growth opportunity. This offering will open perspectives that will hopefully lead to understanding that the most effective people in life operate around the balance point between hard and vulnerable, grit and compassion. Self-awareness and effort make us better human beings, which makes us better first responders and vice versa.
The lists for the 50 Rules for the Senior Firefighter and the 25 Rules for the Fire Service Instructor can be found on the podcast website.
Scott Hewlett is a 25-year, second-generation Firefighter working for a larger urban fire department in Southern Ontario, Canada. He spent the first half of his career at a Technical Rescue station, six years working as a part-time primary-care medic, three years instructing as a Fire Training Officer, took part in a one-year Firefighter Exchange Program in Wellington, New Zealand, and had the honor and pleasure of co-leading a Peer Support Team for over a decade. He has been producing and hosting the Multiple Calls Podcast since February 2018 and continues to instruct at Southwest Fire Academy since January 2022.
Effective 2-way Communications Between the Dispatcher and Command
Instructor(s): Cassandra Greer
Communications. Sounds simple and easily accomplished but the fundamentals of those three words are often left to the user to" learn as they go". In this session you will gain skills and practical training resources to enhance the use of fire ground communications. By combining suppression and dispatch perspectives on the essentials of competent transmissions, participants will achieve renewed proficiency in getting your messages understood. Additionally, the incident command system and it's application to emergency call taking will also be examined as a technique for improving the ability to relay and prioritize critical information for responding officers.
Cassandra Greer began her career in a small rural fire department as a dispatcher where her father had served as a volunteer firefighter for 30 years. In 1998, she began working for a unionized mid-size urban department (Nepean Fire L ). In 2001, Cassandra was hired with Ottawa Fire Services (L162). While attempting to navigate a unionized career department through the City of Ottawa’s amalgamation, it quickly became apparent that her union would have a direct effect on every aspect of her career. To ensure that she knew what she was entitled to as a female dispatcher in a 950 person local she sought allies, acquired knowledge and became involved. In 2004, she became a shop steward and was first elected to the executive board of Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters in 2010 becoming the first woman and the first dispatcher to have ever accomplished this. Cassandra was successfully elected on four occasions and served for 8 years on the executive board filling numerous roles including as a bargaining committee member. Cassandra chaired the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Human Relations Committee and currently holds the chairpersonship of the Ottawa Human Rights and Accommodations Committee. A fiercely proud mother, wife and Ottawa Senators Fan, Cassandra is committed to removing barriers through relentless advocacy. Cassandra was promoted in 2021 as the Ottawa Fire Service’s Assistant Division Chief of Communications and brings her small-town tenacity and work ethic to every role she fills.
Electrical Safety for First Responders
Instructor(s): Kurt Bohme
Through a partnership with Hydro One and the Ontario Fire Marshals office this short course was created to cover the basic hazards that Emergency Responders should be aware of when it comes to Electricity. This is an awareness level course only and does not replace the Department specific training and SOGs for Electrical responses.
I created a partnership with Hydro One and the Ontario Fire Marshals office this short course cover the basic hazards that Emergency Responders should be aware of when it comes to Electricity. This is an awareness level course only and does not replace the Department specific training and SOGs for Electrical responses.
Kurt Bohme started his career over 30 years ago in outdoor education and as a canoe and climbing guide in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. It was during that time that he became involved with local volunteer Search and Rescue Teams. This is also when Kurt started instructing the “High Hazard” skill sets like High Angle Rescue, Cave Rescue, Swift water Rescue, Ice Rescue and Wilderness Rescue.
He has been with PSHSA since 2006. He has taught in every province and territory in Canada, in the United States, and in Europe. Kurt has been involved with private industry, emergency services, military, and the film and television industry both as an instructor and a worker. Kurt is certified as a technician and / or instructor by the NFPA, the OFC, IRATA, ORCA, IAFF and Seneca College. He is presently an active volunteer firefighter with South Frontenac Fire and Rescue. Over his instructional career Kurt has instructed thousands of students in everything from High Angle Rescue and Climbing to White Water Rescue and Canoeing. He strongly believes in the power of experiential education.
“For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them “ Aristotle.
