Friday Course Descriptions
Friday Course Descriptions
For all HOT classes please check PPE requirements. For all in class sessions please come with a notebook and writing utensil.
FSWO Annual Training Symposium Awards Gala
For information regarding the FSWO Annual Training Symposium Awards Gala please click here.
Fireground Fitness Through Flowing
Often, nozzle work is an overlooked skill as a firefighter. We are simply given the nozzle and told GO! When the nozzle reaction is challenging, we are told this is the way it is. In this course, you will gain confidence and core strength through flowing out of 45mm and 65mm nozzles and acting as a back-up person. You will start with 3 basic positions on your left and right sides, and we will increase the difficulty through repetition and proper techniques until you can flow and move with ease. This course is designed for beginners or seasoned firefighters. We tailor to you. Last year, we had 100% success rate with our participants!
Instructor: Nicole Brugger
Nicole Brugger has been in the re services since 2009, currently sitting as a Training Officer in her department for the past 9 years. Her passion for teaching extends to Seneca College where she is Lead Instructor for reground activities, passing on her love of the job since 2018. She prides herself on conducting skills that are inclusive of many body types and abilities. Her portfolio includes Live Fire skills, Driver/Pumping Program, Elevator Rescue, Thermal Imaging and teaches many NFPA courses. Motto: If you’re not wet, then you’re not doing it right! Nicole has been attending FSWO for 8 years now and looks forward to giving back to such an amazing community.
Pre-requisites: None
PPE: Full PPE - Helmet, gloves, bunker pants, boots, coats, KNEE PADS!
Unlocking Access: Tactical Through the Lock Entry
Discover how to make entry without using force. This hands-on course teaches non-destructive and semi-destructive entry techniques that preserve property, improve customer service, and maintain door control—and in certain situations can outperform traditional forcible entry in speed and precision. You'll learn when and why to choose these methods, gaining real-world skills with professional tools on realistic entry props. Get practical experience using bypass tools, lock picks, and the Motis Raptor cylinder pulling tool. This course adds valuable skills that you can use on the job.
Instructor: Paul Terpstra
Paul Terpstra is the co-owner of Motis Fire Rescue and a volunteer firefighter in Hamilton, Ontario. He's taught non-destructive entry to firefighters, law enforcement and swat teams. He has a passion for teaching, sharing knowledge and designing tools. That combined with a love for firefighting is what has driven him to build and grow Motis Fire Rescue into a brand that is well known to firefighters throughout North America.
Pre-requisites: None
PPE: Full bunker gear - Steel toe boots - Helmet - Gloves
Radioactive Materials Transport in Canada
Thousands of Class 7 radioactive shipments are made in Canada each day. This course provides an overview of the types of radioactive materials being transported, the packages used, and basic principles and potential hazards associated with emergency response. A relatable introduction to radiation and nuclear power will also be included.
This course is being conducted at the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's discovery centre. Attendees will receive a tour of the facility providing an introduction to the long-term management of Canada used nuclear fuel.
Instructor: Ulf Stahmer
As a mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Waterloo, Ulf Stahmer spent the first decade of his career in the railroad industry designing brakes for trains. For the past 25 years, Ulf has held senior engineering positions in radioactive waste transport for both Ontario Power Generation and the Nuclear Waste Management Organization. Two years ago, Ulf moved to the engagement team to provide technical expertise to NWMO’s public outreach in siting Canada’s centralized deep geological repository. He has a broad understanding of road and rail transport and is passionate about sharing his knowledge.
Pre-requisites: None
PPE: None
Please note this session will be held at Nuclear Waste Management Organization facility (shuttles will be provided)
Igniting Excellence: How Training Divisions Shape Firefighter Readiness Across North America
You will be taking part in a discussion style workshop on making training more representative of the job we do. If you are in anyway interested in training (company level to division level) or making a culture change in you dept. This is the class for you! In this class your input matters! This instructor led workshop will focus on building props, setting up realistic training scenarios, teaching with the female perspective in mind - tactics, techniques, bad habits. Leveraging social media to build a culture of continuing education, Textbook to real world - bridging the gap & building a Search Everything culture.
Instructor: Dan O'Grady
Dan O'Grady serves as the Training Officer and as a Captain for the Mattawa Fire Department and a Training Consultant for the Papineau-Cameron Fire Department. He also runs the Department's highly active social media pages. A 3rd generation firefighter with 16 yrs in the service (7 as a T.O.). He specializes in aggressive interior engine work, while also holding qualifications ranging from hazmat to tech rescue. He is devoted to creating a Search Everything Culture and making training work for his firefighters. A member of both the FSWO and True North FOOLS, he is a student of the craft and is always willing to try new tactics and techniques to improve the job. A self proclaimed back seat Captain, he is a working boss wanting to lead from the front and know the issues of the day with his crew. In his free time, he works as a career business owner running a Mobile Heavy Truck, Equipment, and Emergency Vehicle Repair business.
Pre-requisites: From Probie to Fire Chief, pre-work includes making a list of things that worked for you in your training vs things that created a scar.
PPE: None
Hidden in Plain Sight: How the Fire Service Can Help Disrupt Human Trafficking
This dynamic training, co-facilitated by a Fire Services professional and a lived experience expert, equips fire service personnel with the knowledge to recognize and respond to human trafficking through a trauma-informed lens. Rooted in frontline insight and survivor expertise, the session explores red flags, myths, and real-world scenarios relevant to emergency responders. Attendees will leave with practical tools to identify signs of exploitation and take meaningful action without compromising safety, scope of practice, or survivor trust.
Instructor: Krystal Snider
Krystal Snider is a nationally recognized consultant and advocate with over a decade of experience in anti-human trafficking work. As a lived experience expert, Krystal brings a powerful and practical lens to survivor-led systems change, policy development, and frontline training. She specializes in equipping emergency responders and service providers with the tools to recognize and respond to tracking through a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach.
Pre-requisites: None
Introduction to Provincial Fire Investigations
Participants will gain insights into fire investigations conducted by the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office, which will include basic fire science and fire dynamics principles, investigative methodologies, scene analyses, and evidence collection.
Instructor: Jennifer Woodcroft
Jennifer Woodcroft is currently a Fire Investigations Supervisor with the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) under the Ministry of the Solicitor General. Previous to this, Jennifer served as a Fire Investigator after joining the OFM in early 2021, and she has been an Investigator with the Ontario Public Service for 25 years. Jennifer offers a wealth of knowledge to the field of fire investigations and has an extensive training background including with Regulatory Compliance Ontario, which is a provincial training body aimed at teaching best practices for investigators across all provincial ministries. Jennifer also assists with the training delivery for newly-hired Fire Investigators in addition to training members from external agencies such as municipal re service department.
Pre-requisites: None
Writing the Truth of the Body – Learning to Deal with Trauma
Everyone says you’re a hero. You’re admired and a little intimidating to those who don’t understand this job. But you know the trauma you carry from this work...and other parts of life. You know emotional and mental stress shows up as physical pain and can prolong the healing of physical injuries. Holding it all in creates more sickness; healing happens in bearing witness to ourselves and others. Join me in utilizing a method of journaling and communication I've created that taps into the messages and meanings of the physical sensations, helps release the stuck places, and enhances healing on all levels.
Instructor: DiAnna Ritola
DiAnna Ritola is an Interfaith Minister, counselor, educator, and healer who has been fire-service-adjacent for nearly a decade as the partner of a fire officer with FDNY. She works primarily in women’s trauma and healing using a range of modalities centered in somatic therapies, communication, and the power of relationship to repair the cracks and wounds that life brings. She believes, like the Japanese art of kintsugi, we are stronger when we let our broken and repaired parts shine through.
Pre-requisites: None
Allies in the Fire Service: Championing Change and Inclusion
This inspiring two-hour panel discussion brings together some of Canada’s leading fire chiefs who have demonstrated a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural change within their organizations. Through their leadership, these chiefs have not only advanced important initiatives but also acted as powerful allies—amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups and creating space for diverse perspectives to thrive.
The session will highlight the critical role that allyship plays in breaking down systemic barriers and fostering an inclusive fire service. Panelists will explore how allyship is reflected in their recruitment practices, mentorship efforts, mental health advocacy, and community engagement. Their stories will show how active support from leadership—especially from those in positions of influence—can accelerate progress and drive meaningful, lasting change.
Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how allies at all levels of the fire service can make a difference. The panel will close by reinforcing that equity and inclusion are not just leadership responsibilities—they are shared commitments that require every member of the fire service to actively contribute to a culture of respect, accountability, and belonging.
Panellists: Paul Boissonneault, Fire Chief, Oakville Fire Services | Dave Cunliffe – Fire Chief, Hamilton Fire Department | Jim Jessop, Fire Chief, Toronto Fire Services | Melanie Jones – Fire Chief, Brockville Fire Department | Keri Martins – Fire Chief, Banff Fire Department
Moderator: Louise Hine-Schmidt
Appointed Fire Chief in 2020 after joining Oakville as Deputy Chief of Operations in 2016, Paul Boissonneault leads a team of 258 professionals across eight stations. With over 25 years of leadership experience—including as Fire Chief in the County of Brant (2009–2016) and the Township of Adjala‑Tosorontio (2004–2009)—he’s a past President and current Secretary of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC), where he also co-chairs key committees. A champion of operational excellence, mental health, and inclusive culture, Chief Boissonneault introduced the Tiered Response medical dispatch system and helped secure “Simultaneous Notification” in Ontario’s 2024 provincial budget. In September 2024, he received three national honors—the King Charles III Coronation Medal, Career Fire Chief of the Year Award, and Executive Chief Fire Officer designation—recognizing his outstanding service and national impact in emergency services.
Dave Cunliffe has served as Fire Chief for the City of Hamilton since 2016, bringing more than 30 years of experience and deep community roots to the role. A lifelong Hamiltonian and third-generation firefighter, he rose through the ranks after joining the department and previously served as Deputy Chief of Community Safety and Operational Services. Known for his steady leadership during major incidents, he has guided the department through emergencies including large fires and cyberattacks, while advancing fire prevention, modernization, and staff resilience. In 2024, he helped host the largest-ever successful Fire Service Women Ontario Symposium and continues to champion innovation, public education, and strong community engagement.
Jim Jessop, appointed Toronto Fire Chief and General Manager in January 2025, brings nearly three decades of experience in fire and emergency services. A second-generation firefighter and Toronto native, he began his career with Toronto Fire in 1996 and has held senior leadership roles across Ontario, including Ontario Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Chief in Niagara Falls and London. Returning to Toronto in 2015, Jessop served as Deputy Chief and led key divisions including operations and training, while also acting as Interim Fire Chief during the COVID-19 pandemic. With degrees in kinesiology, public administration, and business, he is known for his inclusive leadership, focus on firefighter wellness, and commitment to modernizing emergency response in Canada's largest city.
Melanie Jones joined the Brockville Fire Department in July 2023 after a distinguished career with Kingston Fire & Rescue, where she rose from firefighter (1995) to Deputy Chief overseeing operations and training. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from the University of Calgary, an Advanced Diploma from Ryerson, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. As Brockville’s first female fire chief, she champions gender equity and youth empowerment—launching Brockville’s inaugural “Belles & Ladders” firefighting camp for girls aged 15–18 in 2024 and overseeing its successful return in 2025. She received the King’s Coronation Medal for her contribution to the country. A part-time professor at St. Lawrence College and Laurentian University, she also serves on the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs board and continues to foster strategic partnerships and training initiatives. Committed to building an inclusive, resilient fire service, Chief Jones leads Brockville’s fire service with professionalism, innovation, and community focus.
Keri Martens is the Fire Chief for the Town of Banff, bringing more than 30 years of experience in emergency services, leadership, and community safety. She began her career as a volunteer firefighter in Lake Louise in the early 1990s and went on to serve as Fire Chief there for 18 years, before moving into senior leadership roles in both Canmore and Banff. Known for her calm leadership and operational expertise, Chief Martens has responded to over 1,000 emergency calls throughout her career and has twice deployed with Canada Task Force 2 to support national wildfire and disaster response operations. She currently serves on the board of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and is an active member of its Climate Emergency Committee. A founding member of the Women Fire Chiefs and Company Officers Network of Canada, she is a passionate advocate for inclusive leadership, equity in the fire service, and mentoring the next generation of emergency responders.
Pre-requisites: None
Igniting Futures: Behind the Scenes of Developing Inclusive Fire Service Camps
Ever wonder what it takes to run successful camps like Camp Blaze, Camp FFIT and Island Ignite? This session will pull back the curtain on the planning, partnerships, and purpose behind these impactful programs designed to introduce women and other underrepresented groups to careers in the fire service.
Join Oakville Deputy Fire Chief and Blaze Fire Academy founder Kalpana Rajgopalan as she moderates a dynamic panel discussion featuring Deb Rogers (Island Ignite), Pike Krpan (Camp FFIT, Hamilton Fire), and Carissa Campbell (Camp FFIT, Ottawa Fire). This session will explore the impact, challenges, and future of inclusive fire service camps across Canada, showcasing programs that inspire and empower young women and underrepresented groups to pursue careers in the fire service.
From logistics and mentorship to outreach and evaluation, learn how fire service leaders are creating powerful, hands-on experiences that break down barriers and ignite interest in firefighting and leadership roles. Whether you’re looking to start a camp in your own community or strengthen an existing one, this session offers real tools, inspiring stories, and proven strategies to take back home.
This session will provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the critical planning, coordination, and community engagement efforts required to deliver high-impact camps that encourage women and underrepresented groups to consider careers in the fire service. Drawing on the success of a number of Canadian outreach programs, this session will explore the intentional design and strategic partnerships that make these programs a launchpad for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the fire service profession.
Instructors: Carissa Campbell, Pike Krpan, Kalpana Rajgopalan, and Debra Rogers
Carissa Campbell has been serving with Ottawa Fire Services since 2006, bringing nearly two decades of experience, leadership, and a deep commitment to both operational excellence and firefighter wellness. Promoted to Captain in July 2025, she previously served as a Training Officer for 18 months before returning to suppression for her promotion to Lieutenant earlier that same year.
Her leadership journey has been shaped by resilience and purpose. After experiencing a significant fire early in her career—an event that led to major changes in training, communications, safety, and equipment—Carissa was diagnosed with PTSD. Her path to recovery inspired her to become a champion for mental health, a peer support worker, and a passionate educator in Fire Dynamics.
Carissa is also trained as a Hazmat Technician and is known for her strong work ethic, unwavering dedication to fitness, and her natural ability to bring people together. Whether on the fireground or in the firehouse, she leads with authenticity, compassion, and the belief that strong teams are built on trust, shared purpose, and continuous learning.
Beyond her operational role, Carissa was instrumental in founding Fire Service Women Ontario and helped develop Camp FFIT, initiatives that empower and support women in the fire service.
She brings warmth, insight, and a team-focused mindset to every leadership conversation—especially when it comes to building a positive, inclusive, and resilient station culture.
Pike Krpan has been a firefighter since 2012. She is an Acting Captain and Incident Safety Officer at the Hamilton Fire Department. In 2015, she founded Camp FFIT (Future Firefighters in Training) Hamilton, an annual three-day camp held every fall at Hamilton Fire's training facility for young women aged 16-20. Since 2015, Pike has also served the FSWO community in several roles. She recently completed her Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management at Algonquin College. She is also pursuing her Executive Chief Fire Officer designation via the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. She was the only Canadian fellow in the 2024-2025 International Association of Fire Chiefs Diversity Executive Leadership Program. Pike was the recipient of a full Honeywell Scholarship to FDIC 2016. She studied Pre-Service Firefighter Education at FESTI (Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute) in 2012 and was hired within six months of her graduation. Pike brings a varied background to her career in the fire service. She completed her Masters of Arts at the Ontario Institute of Education in Sociology and Equity Studies in Education, focusing on women's issues in education. Previously, she worked in international development education in diverse countries such as Cuba, Ecuador and Jamaica after completing an undergraduate degree in International Development and Women's Studies at Trent University. Pike is a mentor who assists those considering a career in the fire service. She has also promoted women in firefighting with the Women in Trades program of the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and the YWCA Hamilton. In 2019, she was nominated for a YWCA Hamilton Woman of Distinction Award for her work in education and mentoring. Pike loves to introduce people to the challenge of firefighting.
Deputy Fire Chief Kalpana Rajgopalan brings over 17 years of diverse experience in fire services and emergency management to her leadership role with the Oakville Fire Department, where she oversees Fire Prevention, Public Education, and External Stakeholder Engagement. A recognized leader in public safety, Kalpana played key roles in major national efforts including the G8/G20 Summits, the Syrian Refugee Program, and the COVID-19 response, earning the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her contributions. As a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, she co-founded the Blaze Fire Academy, a program empowering young women and underrepresented groups to explore careers in firefighting through hands-on training and mentorship. Kalpana’s vision and dedication to building inclusive pathways make her a powerful voice for women and diversity in the fire service.
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.
Let Them: Embracing Freedom and Letting Go of Control, Inspired by Mel Robbins Book 'Let Them Theory"
What if the key to reducing stress and improving relationships was as simple as two words: Let Them? Inspired by Mel Robbins’ powerful Let Them theory, this engaging workshop invites participants to explore the freedom that comes from releasing the need to control others and their choices. Through thought-provoking discussions around Mel Robbins theory, real-life scenarios, and interactive exercises, participants will:
- Unpack the core principles of the Let Them mindset and how it applies to everyday life.
- Identify where control, expectations, and resistance create unnecessary stress and frustration.
- Develop strategies to shift from reaction to acceptance, allowing greater peace and emotional resilience.
- Learn how letting go can strengthen relationships, boost confidence, and enhance personal well-being.
Join us for a dynamic session that will challenge your thinking, spark meaningful conversations, and equip you with practical tools to embrace Let Them in your daily life.
Instructor: Charlene Poranganel
Charlene is a dedicated educator in mindfulness and conscious living, helping others nd peace and clarity through the power of stillness. With a deep understanding of life's demands—balancing a corporate career, raising two children, and supporting a rst responder spouse—she discovered that true resilience comes from within. What began as a personal refuge from life’s whirlwind evolved into a profound calling. Charlene immersed herself in the study of conscious well-being, becoming a certified Yoga Nidra instructor and a Chopra Global-certified teacher and coach, specializing in Ayurvedic Health, Meditation, and Life Coaching under the teachings of Deepak Chopra. Her passion lies in guiding others to pause, breathe, and reconnect—creating space for a moment of stillness in the everyday. Through her teachings, readings, and insights, she empowers others to anchor themselves in awareness and rise to their 5th Innergy—a state of deeper alignment and presence.
Pre-requisites: None
Strategic Success: Implementing a Highrise Program with Change Management Principles
In this class, we will explore how CYFS (Central York Fire Service) successfully implemented a new highrise program by overcoming common challenges faced by many departments that tend to focus on the immediate topic of the day without sustained follow-through. Unlike typical efforts, CYFS employed core principles of change management to ensure the program's success, emphasizing the importance of creating buy-in among firefighters from the outset. We will examine how the highrise team strategically rolled out the program in staged phases, allowing for manageable adjustments and continuous momentum, all while maintaining transparent and consistent communication throughout every step of the process. This approach not only fostered firefighter engagement but also built confidence and trust, ultimately leading to a sustainable and successful program.
Instructor: Tamara Roitman
Tamara Roitman has been a full-time firefighter since 2009 and has served as a full-time Training Captain in the fire service since 2022. In her current role, she coordinates a number of portfolios including electric vehicle fires, medical, and high-rise firefighting. Tamara holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the Royal Military College of Canada, as well as a Master of Science degree in Forensic Anthropology from Bournemouth University in the UK. In her spare time, Tamara has served as a subject matter expert for the development of several OFM courses including Lithium-Ion Batter Awareness. She is also a member of the Governance Committee for the Ontario Association of Fire Training Officers (OAFTO).
Pre-requisites: None
From Policy to Practice: Canada’s Fire Chiefs and Women in Fire
Fire Services in Canada are changing rapidly: from new technologies to more climate and medical related calls, to new demographics, increasing medical call volumes, and importantly to the presence of a much larger cohort of women in the fire sector. Canada’s Fire Chiefs are deeply enmeshed in these changes with 2025 marking a transition year for the national association between strategic plan 2021-2025 , which included its aspirations for women in the fire service and begins strategic planning for 2026 -2030 which is prefaced by new data about women in the fire service from the Great Canadian Fire Census 2025.
Looking back at the past five years the CAFC will reflect on what worked and what hasn’t (yet); where we are today; and what we are learning about the changing nature of the fire services and its implications for women in fire. Preliminary Results from the Great Canadian Fire Census will be discussed as will new statements developed collaboratively with FSW’s across Canada about bullying in the fire service. Audience participation will also be encouraged.
Moderated by Karen Simpson, Lawyer and Former Director, Fire Service Women Ontario (FSWO)
Instructors: Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs
Karen Simpson is a lawyer in London, Ontario, where she practices plaintiff personal injury law and provides representation to survivors of sexual assault in private records applications under sections 276 and 278 of the Criminal Code of Canada. She also maintains a limited criminal defence practice.
Before becoming a lawyer, Karen served for 10 years as a career firefighter with Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services. During her time in the fire service, she held leadership roles on the boards of both the International Association of Women in Fire & Emergency Services (iWomen) and Fire Service Women Ontario (FSWO), serving for seven and six years, respectively.
Pre-requisites: None
A Firefighter’s Guide to Building Construction Basics
This class is for anyone who wants a better understanding of building construction, and how it affects us as firefighters. We will start by discussing how building construction has changed over the years. We will review the 5 types of building construction, the materials they use and how they are affected by fire. And lastly, we'll discuss facts and myths of legacy vs. engineered vs. light weight construction. I look forward to sharing knowledge on an important yet under-looked topic!
Instructor: Jessica Clermont
Firefighter with Toronto Fire Services since 2008, currently holds rank of Acting Captain. Volunteer Firefighter with the City of Kawartha Lakes since 2023. Forcible entry, RIT, High-Rise Ops, Vent Saw Instructor for TFS. Centennial and Fleming College Firefighter Pre-Service Programs. Conferences attended include: FSWO, FDIC, CHC, NYSFC, WIFIC, Smoke is Showing, and FSWBC. My favorite weapons are hockey sticks and halligan bars. I have 4 dogs, 1 cat, and 1 human.
Pre-requisites: None