volume 2 edition 1 -2013 2012jona olsson hails from latir, new mexico, where she is the fire chief...
TRANSCRIPT
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2012
- -20
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MISSION STATEMENTThe object of the Corporation is to encourage, promote, and advance women in the fire service and shall include, and not be limited to:1. Inspiring positive change in the fire service;2. Encouraging the development of a diverse workforce in the fire services based on core values;3. Actively developing potential within the fire service through effective networking and support;4. Recognition of role models and mentors at all levels within the service;5. Fostering supportive, professional and personal relationships/networks among women in the
fire service.
FSWO Volume 2Edition 1
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENTCarol-Lynn Chambers
Office of the Fire Marshal
VICE PRESIDENTLouise Hine-SchmidtOttawa Fire Service
SECRETARYAnn Bryan-McFie
Kingston Fire & Rescue
TREASURERJessica Niereisel
Kitchener Fire Service
REGISTRARBrenda Tirrell
Ottawa Fire Service
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTKaren Simpson
Chatham-Kent Fire Department
SPECIAL EVENTS Allison Vickerd
London Fire Department
PROMOTIONS & MARKETINGMaria Murphy
Markham Fire Service (retired)
STUDENT DIRECTORTrista Boles
Conestoga College
DIRECTOR AT LARGEJessica Stephenson
Waterloo Fire Department
MEDIA RELATIONS/EDITORSue Jones
Ottawa Fire Service
What’s InsidePresident’s Message.........................................Page 3
Fire Service Women Ontario.............................Page 4
FSWO Conference and AGM............................Page 5
Keynote - Chief Jona Olsson............................Page 6
“HOT” Classes and Workshops........................Page 7
Sponsor, Instructors, Presenters......................Page 8
Girls in Gear -Lambton College........................Page 9
Women in Uniform - Algonquin College..........Page 9
Camp Corner...................................................Page 10
Camp FFIT Statistics......................................Page 11
2013 Conference Save the Date.....................Page 12
The Back Page................................................Page 13
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including mimeograph, photograph, recording, or any information storage system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher.
Fire Service Women Ontario is the official communication vehicle of the Fire Service Women Ontario. For advertising information email [email protected].
Fire Service Women Ontario does not assume responsibility for statements of fact or opinion made by any contributor. Comments made by individuals may not reflect the official position of FSWP. Acceptance and publication of aarticles, advertisements, products and services does not indicate endorsement of same by FSWO and FSWO assumes no responsibility for accuracy.
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It has been a year of tremendous growth in our organization, a credit to the dedication of our Board of Directors, members, mentors and supporters.
Ou r 2012 con fe rence was an outstanding success, thanks to the efforts of our planning team, Waterloo host, volunteers and the generous support of our sponsors - on behalf of our organization, to all we owe a debt of gratitude.
The best our organization can aspire to is noticeable and lasting change and that we may leave a footprint of our influence, and 2012 has certainly been that kind of year.
From our involvement in college-level programs that encourage young women to think beyond traditional career boundaries, to our conference and camaraderie to help inspire and empower those who have already, or have yet to, choose a fire service career, to offering our best advice to those who seek to enrish and expand their fire service ranks with capable women, and to our day-to-day support by lending an ear to those who strive to cope wi th d i fficu l t work ing environments - that is what we are all about . L ike our Miss ion says; “Encourage, Educate, Empower.”
There is great commonality when we reach beyond traditional boundaries; the volunteer/part-time firefighter and career firefighter; aspiring candidate to seasoned firefighter; recruit to senior
officer; frontline to support roles; we are centred around common interests , providing encouragement and hope, shar ing success s to r ies , bes t practices, and strategies that help break down unnecessary boundaries for talented and capable women in the fire service.
As we look forward to our work ahead in 2013, we remain focused on assisting individuals, fire service leaders and their organizations, towards a critical public service that reflects the best our communities have to offer in terms of talent and capability, regardless of gender. We applaud those visionary leaders who have welcomed and support women into their ranks.
O u r 2 0 1 3 c o n f e re n c e i s f a s t approaching this fall, so please watch for more information as we strive to present another engaging line up of presenters, sessions and activities. We look forward to welcoming you. Please consider a membership or corporate sponsorship to help us in our continued growth and success.
Sincerely,
Carol-Lynn Chambers, President
Top - Carol-Lynn Chambers addressing the membership at the FSWO 2nd Annual Conference in Waterloo, ON
Middle - Carol-Lynn Chambers and Louise Hine-Schmidt (Vice-president FSWO, Ottawa Fire Services) at Camp FFIT 2012
Bottom - Carol-Lynn Chambers thanking FSWO sponsor, Francine Chambers, President/Co-Owner, DIVA International Inc.
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGECAROL-LYNN CHAMBERS
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FSWO
FIRE SERVICE WOMEN ONTARIO - EST 2009Fire Service Women Ontario has been an ac3ve organiza3on since 2009, when it started with just three members. The goal was
simply to run a camp for teenage girls out of the ODawa Fire Services Training Centre and perhaps offer a support network for other
women in the province. Without knowing what this organiza3on could truly become, the founders, with the guidance of Susan Jones
(ODawa’s General Manager of Emergency and Protec3ve Services) and constant support from Erin Bell (Communica3ons Business
partner) and Tammy Jelly (Project/Policy Officer), both from the Emergency and Protec3ve Services office, incorporated the
organiza3on.
With the help of Susan Jones, FSWO recruited Carol-‐Lynn Chambers to become a member, and at the first Annual General mee3ng,
she was voted in as President. There were 26 members in aDendance at this first mee3ng where issues of importance were discussed
and a direc3on solidified. Mental health, an3-‐bullying, and women’s health and reproduc3ve issues were top on the list at the 3me.
The organiza3on has taken a leadership role, not only with female firefighters, but in inspiring young women to consider fire service
careers. Camp FFIT, the inaugural event, in partnership with ODawa Fire Services, saw it’s third successful year in 2012 On its heels
came “Girls in Gear,” a three-‐day event for high school students, showcasing public safety careers, championed by President
Chambers during her tenure at Lambton College. Algonquin College (ODawa) followed suit with “Women in Uniform” and each of
these benefited from leadership and par3cipa3on by Fire Service Women Ontario par3cipants.
The annual conference included many HOT (Hands On Training) sessions at the outstanding facili3es of the Waterloo Regional
Emergency Services Training Centre and Classroom workshops by subject maDer experts. Overall, the conference provided the
perfect springboard for a posi3ve, forward-‐thinking and suppor3ve outlook for women in the fire service. Plants are currently underway for our third annual conference and AGM; check our site regularly for more informa3on
www.fswontario.wordpress.com
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The 2nd Annual Conference and General Meeting was held in Waterloo, ON, with the great support of Waterloo Regional Mutual Aid, Waterloo Fire and Rescue, Waterloo Professional Firefighters Association and Conestoga College Pre-Service Firefighter Program. The Conference was held at WRESTRC - Waterloo Region Emergency Services Training and Research Complex, November 2-4, 2012. Allison Vickerd (London Fire Rescue) and Karen Simpson (Chatham-Kent Fire Depar tment ) , se rved as P lann ing Committee co-chairs and engaged an energetic group of Waterloo Firefighters as their committee, Jessica Stephenson, Laura Gutscher, Joanne Marchildon, Lindsay Wilson and Karen Davey, with strong encouragement and full support from Chief Brassard (now with Gravenhurst FD). The Conference was held over two days and two evenings. Delegates received t re m e n d o u s v a l u e f o r a n o m i n a l registration fee that included classroom workshops, HOT (Hands On Training) Classes, one-year membership to FSWO, banquet and Technical Showcase of firefighting clothing and equipment, as well as the AGM and breakfast on Sunday morning. FSWO was proud to host the Presidents of three associations at the Opening Ceremonies; Mark MacKinnon (OPFFA), Kevin Foster (OAFC) and John Sheeringa (FFAO), who all offered remarks of support for diversity and inclusion in Ontario Fire Services and the role of FSWO in helping to make advances in this area. Assistant Deputy Fire Marshall Shayne Mintz brought remarks on behalf of Fire Marshall Ted Wieclawek, and Councillor Karen Scian brought greetings on behalf of the City of Waterloo. Keynote speaker Fire Chief Jona
Olsson engaged the delegates with inspiring messages about diversity and inclusiveness in the Fire Service to help kick off the weekend’s events.
The Annual General Meeting was held on Sunday, November 4. As this was the second general meeting, with many new members, the mandate and mission statements were reviewed and reaffirmed. The Board of Directors was elected from a broad range of candidates from across the province and a new position, Student Director, was created to represent students in the Pre-Service Firefighter Programs. Plans were also formulated for events and activities in 2013, including continued supportfor college-based programs such as for Women in Uniform (Algonquin College) and Girls in Gear (Lambton College) and Camp FFIT (Ottawa Fire Services). The FSWO Board is as follows;Carol-Lynn Chambers - PresidentLouise Hine-Schmidt - Vice PresidentAnn Bryan-McFie - SecretaryJessica Niereisel - TreasurerBrenda Tirell - RegistrarKaren Simpson -Professional DevelopmentAllison Vickerd - Special EventsMaria Murphy - Promotions/MarketingSue Jones - Media and CommunicationsJessica Stephenson - Director at Large
A special thank you to out-going directors Dawn Mar i ncak (P romot i ons and Marketing) and Carissa Campbell-Darmody (Treasurer). Without Carissa, this organization would not have taken wings as it did. She was instrumental in setting up our connection with our mentors from FDNY and others in New York State and gave our organization roots. We owe her a debt of gratitude and know she will stay deeply involved in the organization. Thanks Ladies!
Top- Name Name - Bagpipes and Signing of O CanadaMiddle - Karen Simpson, Chatham-Kent Fire Services and Board member FSWOBottom - Carol-Lynn Chambers, Fire Marshal’s Office and President FSWO and Deputy Chief Hepditch, Waterloo Fire RescueRight - Planning Committee Co-chairs, Karen Simpson and Alison Vickerd.
FSWO Conference and Annual General Meeting
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Chief Jona Olsson - Conference Keynote Speaker Jona Olsson hails from Latir, New Mexico, where she is the
Fire Chief and the 2012 recipient of the Volunteer Fire Chief of the
Year Award. She is the founder and director of Cultural Bridges of
Justice, and her resume boasts a broad spectrum of experience
including; trade union membership, work in the arts, the trades
and emergency services, college faculty positions, and continued
social activism. Chief Olsson has presented as a keynote speaker
to the IAFF (International Association ofFire Fighters), IAFC
(International Association of Fire Chiefs) and the Fire Brigades
Union in the UK, and at the 2012 Fire Service Women Ontario
Conference.
Chief Olsson gives the hard statistics and asks the tough
questions. Starting with the number of women in Emergency
Services whom have been harassed, assaulted, or made to feel
under the microscope simply for due to gender. She is warm and
approachable and instills in her listeners a real need and desire to
work towards social justice.
Chief Olsson presented one of her most successful and
thought provoking workshops entitled, “When I Doubt Myself:
Challenging Internalized Sexism for Women in Emergency
Services.” She understands that many women have overcome the
sexist comments, behaviours and policies that challenged them
on their path to their current positions, but explains their own
internalized sexism may still be holding them back. Women have
come away realizing they may have been devaluing themselves
by not acting on issues in their stations or lives. She also has
brought some women to the realization that they treat other
women poorly in an effort to fit in or assimilate with the men they
work with.
After Chief Olsson’s presentation, many women have decided
to go after the promotion, job, position on the truck and/or
department despite the lack of support they may currently feel.
She reminds people (men and women alike) that being confident
and working hard towards their goals will help to gain the respect
and support they desire and deserve.
Chief Olsson’s approach to diversity and inclusion requires
the listener to challenge their own views and thoughts on race,
gender, sexual orientation. She requests that each person stand
up against racism, harassment, homophobia and injustice in
general, knowing that the outcome will eventually be positive, as
we all contribute to change.
www.culturalbridgestojustice.org
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This year’s Conference offered HOT (Hands On Training) classes for the first time. Men and women who instruct at the Ontario Fire College and with the Brotherhood Instructors LLC offered their time and expertise. Courses offered were Roof Ventilation and Chainsaws; Hazmat; From the Inside Out; Self Rescue; and Forcible Entry. The courses were sold out and even the cold weather didn’t put a damper on the experience.
Some of the participants from smaller departments were pleased to take advantage of training with props and learning new techniques for rescue and forcible entry. Being able to operate the chain saw on a roof prop also proved to be helpful to some who have not been able to train in this matter before. The HazMat session proved to be a special treat for many who do not have HazMat teams on their department and rely on calling in a neighbouring City’s team. They now know what goes in to setting up for a call.
The wo rkshops g i ven o f f e red incredible insight into why and how we feel and behave at times. Jona Olsson’s workshop was particularly
poignant for those who have long felt they need to assimilate to be good at being a firefighter. She easily instills confidence and reminds women to “ l o v e t h e m s e l v e s a n d a v o i d themselves.”
Jennifer Pernfuss shared helpful tools in dealing with others deemed, “difficult” and used a open circle approach to discuss issues and solutions when there is interpersonal conflict.
Dr. Tom Hales and Colin Grieve gave participants insight into what research is being done with regards to women specific cancers and firefighter, as well as fertility and maternal issues that women have been facing since becoming firefighters.
Skye Lorimer’s workshop focused on Investigative work with the Ontario Fire Marshall’s office, giving some insight into “Fire Cause and Determination.”
The c lassrooms were fu l l and participants agreed the courses were very worthwhile and helpful in their careers.
Conference HOT Classes and WorkShops
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THANK YOU to our Conference Instructors and PresentersChief Jona Olsson - Latir Volunteer Fire Department; Cultural Bridges to Justice; 2012 Volunteer Fire Chief of the YearJennifer Pernfuss - Human Rights Lawyer, Life and Leadership CoachSkye Lorimer - Investigator, Ontario Fire Marshal’s OfficeDr. Thomas Hales - Senior Medical Epidemiologist, CDC-NIOSHFirefighter Colin Grieve - Hamilton Fire Department, OPFFA Committee Chair Occupational DiseaseAsst. Capt Lisa Belanger - Vaughan Fire Rescue, Instructor Ontario Fire CollegeCapt Esther Lakatos - Vaughan Fire Rescue, Instructor Ontario Fire College Firefighter Laura Gutscher - Waterloo Fire RescueFirefighter Andy Duncan - Waterloo Fire Rescue and Brotherhood Instructors LLCAct. Capt Karen Davey - Waterloo Fire RescueCapt Stacey Hemstock - Kitchener Fire DepartmentFirefighter Jessica Stephenson - Waterloo Fire RescueTraining Safety Officer Brad Lumgair - Sarnia Fire Rescue Conestoga College - PreService Firefighter Education and Training Students
And the many men and women from Waterloo Fire Rescue who came out to volunteer/support the instructors and help to make sure the weekend was safe and exciting.
THANK YOU to our SPONSORS
Zonta International Volunteers
AFA Forest Products
AJ Stone Company Ltd
Ann Rich Acupuncture (Wortly Wellness Centre)
Box 690
Brotherhood Instructors LLC
Darch Fire
Diva International
Go Girl
Halco Productions
Lindsay JK Hicks Cosmetics/Freelance Artist
Lowe’s
Nestle Waters Canada
Novack’s Uniform Design
PLANN-C Consulting Ltd
SafeDesign Apparel Ltd
Sapphire Events
The Baden Coffee Company
VFIS of Canada
Zonta International
Waterloo Professional Firefighters Assn.
Waterloo Mutual Aid Association
Waterloo Fire Services
London Professional Firefighters Association
City of Ottawa and Ottawa Fire Services
Sarnia Fire Rescue Services
Office of the Fire Marshal
Conestoga College Pre-Service Firefighter
Program
Lambton College DIVA International
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The 2nd Annual Girls in Gear two-day camp featuring careers in Public Safety, including Firefighting, was held May, 2012, at Lambton College in Sarnia, Ontario. 70 grade 10 and 11 girls from across Southwester Ontario had the opportunity to hear a variety of presenters, including speakers from the Forensic Department of Sarnia Police, Sarnia EMS, London Fire Rescue, Waterloo Fire Rescue, Chatham-Ken Fire Department, Kingston Fire Department, Ottawa Fire Services, Canadian Coast Guard and the Canadian Forces to name a few. Participants also witnessed a live auto extrication demonstration by Sarnia Fire Rescue, toured the Sarnia Police station, a Sarnia Fire station and got hands on with a number of different pieces of emergency equipment at the Fire and Publ ic Safety Cent re o f Excellence. Students heard from successful women in the public safety sector from across the province, including: -Carol-Lynn Chambers; Operations Manager of Fire Protection Services and Fire Service Women Ontario President-Wendy Burrow; OPP Forensics
Constable- Susan Jones; General Manager Ottawa Emergency and Protective Services- Allison Vickerd; London Fire Services firefighter, Fire Service Women Ontario Board member, Girls in Gear coordinator- Skye Lor imer; Ontar io F i re Marshals Office Investigator- Karen Simpson; Chatham-Kent Fire Department firefighter, Fire Service Women Ontario Board member. Girls in Gear targets those students who have an interest in pursuing Paramedicine, Police Foundations, P r o t e c t i o n S e c u r i t y a n d Investigations and Fire Service Programs in their post-secondary studies. Costs of the overnight experience are covered through the Lambton Col lege School-Col lege-Work Initiative. Female applications for Lambton College’s Pre-Service program has significantly increased from the previous year and the presence of women on the fire ground at Lambton has been duly noted. The Girls in Gear program is definitely having an impact on all participants.
Girls in Gear - Lambton College
Women in Uniform - Algonquin College The 1st Annual Women in Uniform was held at Algonquin College in Ottawa in early May. The event was held to showcase Emergency Services to young women in grades 10 and 11, as well as the programs offered within Algonquin College’s Police and Public Safety Program. Young women in grades 10 and 11 with an interest in paramedicine, firefighting and policing/bylaw, were provided with an opportunity to explore these careers. Over 75
students and teachers from the area were in attendance. Participants were able to participate in classroom workshops and then demonstrations from members of Ottawa’s Emergency Services. Ottawa Fire Service, Ottawa Police and Ot tawa Paramedics a lso performed an extrication scenario to cap off the event. Young women from both of these programs attended Camp FFIT the following summer.
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Camp FFIT - Female Firefighters In Training
CAMP CORNER
In August of 2012, Ottawa Fire Services (OFS), in partnership with Fire Service Women Ontario (FSWO) held the third annual Camp FFIT. It was an exceptional week for many reasons. Not only did we have a great group of girls participating, we had an abundance of instructors and student volunteers who had recently graduated from the Pre-Service Firefighter Program from Algonquin College and La Cite Collegial. The level of expertise and passion at this summer’s camp rivaled the others. The focus this year was undeniably, togetherness. There was no divide or discomfort that can sometimes occur when people come together with different skill and experience levels, or when people do not know each other or have not worked together. There was an instant level of trust and cooperation. As in previous years, we had men and women from OFS urban ranks, women from OFS rural ranks, as well as volunteer firefighters from other departments, and four female students from the area colleges. Camaraderie is the key to making this camp run well. There were many moments that made the co-directors proud of this camp.. For instance, during a fitness segment, many of the women had a spare moment. Donny Tolle, a veteran Ottawa firefighter and Amanda Gillespie, a probationary firefighter (at the time of camp) used their free time to teach the younger volunteers and students how to use the forcible entry prop (Donny) and how to swing a sledge hammer with force and accuracy (Amanda). During camp, Jen Durcok, who completed Algonquin Pre-service as the top student (first female student to achieve this) was a major contributing factor to helping a
participant work through her fear of heights and close spaces. We also had a young women give a presentation about “the human side” of extrication, as she told the gut wrenching story of how her sister was involved in an accident that left her in a coma and with many major injuries and how she stayed by her side and helped her to recover. The girls also enjoyed guest speakers throughout the week, including, Fire Chief John deHooge, Chief of Training Phil Muggleton, Christine Taylor, founder of Year2Give, Carol-Lynn Chambers, Office of the Fire Marshal and President FSWO and Kristin Gauthier, Olympic paddler. This year’s camp was comprised of 24 young women, mostly older this year, from across Ontario and one from as far as Imperial Beach, California. Seven young women needed accommodations, with a few of our local campers opening their homes. The group was very keen and eager, and judging from their applications/essays, they were very inspired. The camp is almost all hands on. The participants experienced Ladder operations (carrying and use of ground and roof ladders, climbing a 100 foot aerial and a bucket ride), forcible entry, search and rescue, vertical and horizontal ventilation, knots and ropes, fire chemistry, catching hydrants, fire simulators, hose advance/control, nutrition and healthy living, fitness, high-rise operations, etc. There is also a 90 minute Q&A where the girls can feel comfortable asking any questions, which are answered honestly (women instructors and participants only). Camp Directors are looking forward to another successful camp in 2013. Camp applications will be available March 1st and must be post marked or handed in no later than May 17th,
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Camp FFIT StatisticsCamp FFIT Achievements★ 2010 Co-Directors received Mayor Larry O’Brien’s Agent
of Change Commemorative Coin★2010 Nominated for City of Ottawa Diversity Award
★ 2010 Organizing team received City of Ottawa’s highest
honour, Manager’s Award of Excellence
★Camp FFIT is part of Ottawa Paramedic and Fire Services
Diversity Champion Program which received the E.A.
Danby Award by the Association of Municipal Managers,
Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) with the top
award in the division of Municipal Administration
Camp information and assistance are available to Departments interested in operating a camp in their Municipality.
★72 participants in 3 years
★Approximately 1/3 are of age to apply to a Fire Department
★ 3 have completed Pre-Service Firefighter
★ 1 is currently enrolled in Pre-Service
★ 4 will be attending Pre-Service in fall of 2013
★1 is attending Lambton College Fire Science program
★1 is a rural firefighter with OFS
★ 1 is a junior firefighter with South Sherbrooke
★1 volunteers in the fire stations in Kemptville until she is old
enough to join the department
★13 have written the entrance exams for OFS
★ 2 student volunteers have become volunteers with OFS
★1 student volunteer has recently been hired fulltime with Ottawa
International Airport Fire Department
★ 1 will be completing her High School Co-op with OFS
Administration (new this year)
★ 1 young woman from Toronto has been on Diversity discussion
panels with Larry Sagen - FIRE 20/20 www.fire2020.org
The program is still in its infancy, with the young women who have
attended currently between the ages of 15 and 21. The numbers
are very promising and we look forward to our first Ottawa Fire
Service hire who was a Camp FFIT participant!
CAMP FFIT STATISTICS
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CONFERENCE AND AGM 2013Save the Date - November 1-3
Ontario Fire College - GravenhurstMore Information to Follow - Please visit www.fswontario.wordpress.com
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FSWO
There’s A PLace For You.... Become A Member!Fire Service Women Ontario currently offers three forms of membership;1. Active Member ($30.00 yearly) Employed by or retired from a fire service2. Associate Member ($30.00 yearly) Associate/consultant to a fire service 3. Student Membership ($20.00 yearly) Currently enrolled full time in a College or UniversityTo become a member, please contact Brenda Tirrell - [email protected]